By DANIELLE GOLDWERT

Staff Writer

Being the only underclassman on the Student Government Association may seem daunting for some, but for sophomore Leo Ross of Fairhaven, his love for Communications was all the impetus he needed to run for office.

“I wanted to run for SGA because when we all get together and we rally over something, whether it be in Spirit Week or Color Wars, it’s just inspiring to see. It’s a good feeling to see everyone together, and I want to help foster that feeling throughout the entire school,” Ross said.

Ross’ plans for SGA this year include creating a school that is “happier and wants to be together,” he said.

According to SGA President Kevin Milton of Hazlet, Ross’ age is no problem for the council.

“An underclassman might be an issue, with not having experience or not being exposed to the SGA scene. But the underclassman that is Leo Ross is a very different story. He is very competent, and he’s very involved. He’s very modest, and I love working with him,” said Milton.

Milton shared one of his earliest memories of Ross, who he described as “light-hearted.”

“When we were going to the park for freshman orientation, he started – or at least he tried – to get the entire bus to start singing ‘Don’t Stop Believing.’ And he was partly successful,” said Milton.

Ross said that representing the student body as a sophomore has its advantages, one being that underclassmen are more likely to approach him with questions and concerns.

Sophomore Liz Srulevich of Holmdel agreed.

“It’s nice to have our class represented on the council,” said Srulevich.

Aside from SGA, Ross said he is an avid David Bowie fan and has a strong passion for music. He listens to music, studies music and is writing a play about music.

“Music defines me more than anything else I do,” he said.

Ross said he’s looking forward to a good school year, and has one message to the student body: “Work hard, play hard. Take your raw materials, and build friendship.”