Written by: Chloe Smith
The student association election results were announced at midnight on February 28, revealing that John Hargy, senior biophysics major, was elected President for the 2025-2026 school year. Hargy received 822 votes, beating his opponent Chino Zhao, sophomore nursing major, by 389 votes.
In an interview with the Accent, Hargy described how it felt to be elected.
“My initial reaction was one of relief,” Hargy said. “It was also a moment of deep gratitude for the overwhelming support I received along the way.”
When asked about his initial inspiration to run for president, Hargy reflected on his experiences at Southern, crediting them for shaping his leadership skills.
“I want every student to experience the same sense of growth, belonging and opportunity that I have enjoyed,” Hargy said. “I am passionate about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.”
During his campaign, Hargy prioritized the opinions of students to meet the most important needs on campus. He emphasized listening to the ideas of others and plans to carry on with this in his presidency next school year.
“While the specific proposals of my platform are very important,” Hargy said, “I am equally interested in listening to the ideas and concerns of the student body.”
In the interview, Hargy said he plans to establish focus groups and conduct surveys to gather opinions to ensure that all student voices are heard during his presidency.
While taking on the role of president is new to him, Hargy is not unfamiliar with working with Southern’s Student Association, having served two terms as an SA Senator.
In an interview with the Accent, Edvan Benitez, senior Theology major and current SA president, noted Hargy’s experience.
“I say his biggest strength is that he’s been in leadership,” Benitez said. “He knows how Student Association works. It’s different when you want to be a leader, but you haven’t been [a leader].”
Hargy believes his previous leadership experience helped lead to his victory.
With his upcoming responsibilities, Hargy said his top priority is enhancing communication between administration and the student body.
“I am using my transitional period to collaborate closely with students and student organizations to identify urgent needs…,” Hargy said. “This will ensure that my term will begin with a student-driven agenda.”
Because of his connections to Student Association, Benitez says that Hargy’s plans align with many of the current goals of SA.
“We have had different conversations, and I feel like a lot of the things that he’s planning to push for are things that we already started or things that we are already doing,” Benitez said.
For those who want to learn more about Hargy’s platform, further information can be found at johnhargypresident.com.
Chino Zhao, the other candidate for President, received a total of 433 votes. Despite losing the election, Zhao said he learned from the experience.
“The election is a really great experience where you can put yourself out there,” Zhao said. “I believe no matter the outcome, the process is more important than the result.”
Before the results were announced, Zhao credited Hargy with having great leadership experience and said he would remain on good terms with him.
“No matter the outcome, I’m still friends with all the opponents,” Zhao said.
When asked about his opponent, Hargy admired Zhao’s passion and strength in fostering community.
For the role of executive vice president, Jeaneva Bautista, senior accounting major, won with a total of 703 votes. She beat her opponent, Heaven Robles, sophomore biology major, by 151 votes.
“Running against a great contender, it was hard for me to believe that I would win,” Bautista said. “So, I was shocked but extremely grateful to those who voted for me.”
Esmeralda Paulino, sophomore business-public relations major, ran unopposed for the position of social vice president. She won by receiving 853 “yes” votes, 67.97% of the student body that voted.
“I am honored to be elected as Social Vice President,” Paulino said. “I’m excited to create events and experiences that bring [people] together and make this year unforgettable.”
When asked what message he would give to the winning candidates, Benitez shared insight about being a leader on campus.
“My biggest advice is that your main role to be a leader on this campus is that you need to be a spiritual leader,” Benitez said. “If at the end, you don’t have God at the center of your leadership…I don’t think you will be a successful leader.”
