By Mike Roggenbuck
Mackenzie Corkill (Reno Nevada) – Sophomore at PC, running for President
Favorite book – “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen. Huge Jane Austen fan, loves the writing style and female representation, especially in the 1800s period.
Favorite part about PC – Athletics Program. Playing soccer, become part of the student community and making friends at PC thanks to Athletics
Three words – Hard-working, determined, fun
1 thing to accomplish – One thing she’s noticed about not being at PC, on campus, students are not as interactive, Mackenzie wants to get the student body more involved and invested, even over the internet and in lockdown. Mackenzie wants to get the PC student body excited to be Pirates.
Strength – as an individual, I would say that I have a bit of a leadership quality. I’m not afraid to stand up to lead a group of people.” Leadership is one of Mackenzie’s strengths, in her opinion.
Leadership background – Captain of her high school soccer team and club teams. Outside of athletics, did not participate in HS student council, it was more of a joke than a serious endeavor. Mackenzie tends to take leadership in fundraiser and outreach events (canned food drives, etc) Mackenzie is very forward and motivated in taking charge, but has never run for a student council position. She is very excited for this endeavor.
“If elected, what will be your top priority for the betterment of PC?” – “A lot of the focus has been Athletics.” Mackenzie has been looking into methods for boosting athletics funding after a decline, boosting season length. The more she thought about it, the more she realized PC was more than just Athletics, and wants to look deeper into the non-athletics programs (Nursing, childcare, etc). Mackenzie wants to focus more on the smaller programs that do not get as much attention as athletics.
Final statement: “Hi, Pirates! I want to say thank you to the community for being so welcoming. I am very excited for this opportunity and hopefully seeing you face to face soon. GO PIRATES!”
Grace Johnson (Marrowstone Island, Washington) – running for Pres, VP, VP Programming
Favorite Book – Fault in Our Stars, John Green, John Green’s writing style and method of storytelling is very relatable.
Favorite Part about PC – The amazing student body and staff, the support they offer and how supporting and home-like the campus feels
Three words – Driven, personable, organized
1 thing to accomplish – Similar goal to Mackenzie. She lives in a very isolated place, and wants to stay connected to not only the other students but college online resources. Wants to remain involved and present educationally and socially.
Strength –Personability, interpersonal work, group work. She is not afraid to step up and speak her mind.
Leadership background – Grace was captain of a high school soccer team, and experienced the challenge of different personalities. She was not a participant in academic leadership, instead going into the National Honors Society, coordinating with the President to organize multiple charity events.
“If elected, what will be your top priority for the betterment of PC?” –Grace’s top priority is to make the students feel welcome and at home in the environment PC has created, and watns to do a better job of taking care of students outside of Athletics, who feel as if they get less attention than PC Athletes. She also wants to give some time in the spotlight to programs outside of Athletics, and give them a larger platform for the community.
Final statement: “Thank you for the opportunity. I am very grateful, and cannot wait for next year, to welcome new students and create the positive environment I found myself in. Thank you!”
Keith Seldon (Las Vegas, NV) – running for VP
Favorite book – Doesn’t have a favorite book, prefers Sports Illustrated, sports documentaries, inspiring stories
Favorite part about PC – Besides athletics, the community. You’d be surprised how many people come from the community to support PC and offer that support continuously. Recognizance in the community followed up by support.
Three words – Self-motivated, outgoing, and determined
1 thing to accomplish – It’s difficult with quarantine, but my main goal is to make sure that students and staff feel more comfortable being involved in their community and at PC. I fee llike students are shy, scared to participate in what we do as a council. Make PC more like a second home.
Strength – Keith excels in communication, and isn’t afraid to get down and do the dirty work to make his goals a reality. He is also very friendly, and isn’t afraid to greet someone with a smile and make them feel welcome.
Leadership background – Captain of Men’s basketball, participated in the student council and other extracurricular programs, Keith has volunteered to coach youth basketball, and was a part of the 2019-2020 ASC team.
“If elected, what will be your top priority for the betterment of PC?” – Picking up where we left off, get the community involved. Create an event for the community and students, make students feel comfortable. (ALL OF THE CANDIDATES SHARE A SENTIMENT ABOUT NON-ATHLETICS PROGRAMS)
Final statement: “Thank you for the opportunity, I hope everyone is staying well, staying safe and socially distancing. PC is the way to go. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me!” (edited)
Katelyn Sheldon (Port Angeles, WA) – President, VP Programming
Favorite book – Woman Hollering Creek by Sandra Cisneros, Native American struggle and female empowerment
Favorite thing about PC – Community support, not just for athletics but education. THe counselors, an excellent support staff there for the student body.
Three words –Optimistic, unique, determined.
1 thing to accomplish – Bring awareness to topics people are less inclined to talk about. Expand mental health awareness, make it a year-long thing instead of an awareness month. Increase access to mental health resources.
Strength – Driven, lots of grit. If Katelyn is given a task, she will do anything in her power to get it done. Going the extra mile, showing up on off days, doing the hard work herself.
Leadership experience – DECA at her high school, volunteer Coach, volunteers at church youth ministry, director of marketing for 2019-2020 ASC.
“If elected, what will be your top priority for the betterment of PC?” – Non-athletics programs, making sure students have access to resources they need for academic success, and increase awareness about resources like the Pirate Pantry, bus passes, etc.
Final statement: “I look forward to seeing everyone next year. Right now, we need to focus on finishing this quarter strong and looking ahead.”
