Although he’s had the job for less than a month, Senior Class President Vincent Arlequin already has plans in motion to help support his class and improve our school as a whole. His three objectives? Promoting inclusivity, running the buddy system, and ensuring everyone has a great senior year.

Newer and upcoming students may recognize Vincent as one of St. Philomena’s House Prefects, or from Robotics, where he’s been Secretary since 2017. He’s been here at Seton since seventh grade, and has partaken in both BOCES and New Visions programs.

To Vincent, being Class President means “representing the interests of your classmates and ensuring that everyone feels included and respected in activities.” He believes that he is qualified to fill this role, having been shaped by incredible mentors. “The dedicated faculty of SCC has left a huge impact on my life. They have taught me over the years how to think critically, make good decisions, hear differing perspectives, and learn how to be comfortable being myself.” He would also like to thank his New Visions instructors, who taught him “how to be confident and professional”, and his family, “for always being there” and showing him “what it means to be a good person.”

Vincent believes he can bring a unique perspective to the office. He’s been around the building for years and knows how to interact with faculty and staff. His experiences in the New Visions Law and Government Academy have prepared him too. As part of it, he “shadows politicians, lawyers, and other similar professionals around their day-to-day jobs to gain valuable experiences and knowledge.” More than a few Seton students are facing struggles with identity and inclusion – one reason Seton is sought out – and Vincent believes that his own identity and ideas for programs can bring a different perspective and a message of inclusivity to all students.

The best part of Seton, according to Vincent, is the community. It always struck him as odd not knowing any of the administration when he studied through BOCES. “At SCC, everyone knows each other and most people feel comfortable talking to each other about things. This is what makes SCC stand out to me.”

As a proud SCC student, Vincent wants to help improve our school by making it more inclusive. “There are so many different types of people in our school, and they all need to feel accepted and welcome here.” There are many different initiatives in the works to accomplish this, including a club Vincent has been working towards: Project Crusaders. Although the name is tentative, the idea isn’t. Project Crusaders would be an after school group to help younger students connect emotionally and get some support from older students (who have likely been through similar problems). Vincent has been trying to get the club started, and believes it is another step towards a more-inclusive Seton. “Inclusivity and diversity is really important in making sure that everyone feels welcome and accepted. I will not stand for harassment or bullying of any kind.”

Vincent realizes that there will be some opposition, but that doesn’t faze him. “I don’t expect everyone to change their views and beliefs at the drop of a hat. I am lucky to have students and administration behind my efforts, and with their help we can stand up to adversity and bring our school into the 21st century.”

Another one of Vincent’s major plans for the year is improving and running the buddy system, which pairs up new 7th graders with seniors who can mentor them. Vincent has been brainstorming several ideas to keep these 7th graders and their senior buddies more connected, from sitting together at mass to doing a special breakfast or luncheon. He’s gone through the list and ensured that everyone is paired up. He’s sent out forms to the seventh graders and seniors to see what both parties are interested in. There are some concerns with certain seniors not wanting to be part of the buddy system, but Vincent has already made plans to incentivize them. “With food, fun, and a sense of accomplishment, we can get everyone involved.”

Vincent is dedicated to making sure everyone is heard. And he lives this philosophy. He read every response on that form. He even shared an email aloud that one seventh grader wrote him, thanking him for what he had been doing with the buddy system. Vincent expressed how much it touched him, and how students like that were the reason he was running the system in the first place. The fact that he remembered and set aside the email speaks volumes about his character. 

Lastly, he wants to give his fellow Seniors a great senior year. He understands that there’s a tight budget, and plans to adapt. He wants to plan events that are “fun, safe, accessible for all, and affordable…Senior year is supposed to be the best year of high school, and I want to ensure that everyone has a good year, and that everyone feels comfortable, safe, and happy in their last year of high school.”

The final question of the interview asked Vincent if he had anything to say to the readers. One might expect him to further explain his future plans, or thank the people for voting for him. Instead, he gave true, heartfelt advice that he wanted every student to be able to hear:

“Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not just to be friends with the popular kids. You are enough. If someone doesn’t want to be your friend because you are your true self, then they don’t deserve to be your friend. Remember to always stay true to yourself and think positively.”

Seton Catholic Central, your 2023 Class President.