SGA seniors say goodbye as new executive board is chosen

The senior members of the Student Government Association’s executive board reflected back on their time with the organization as they made way for newly-appointed board members at SGA’s last meeting of the school year yesterday.

President Tommy Thibodeaux began by thanking the members of the organization for the work that they put in throughout the year.

“I just want to give you guys a big thank you for the whole year,” Thibodeaux said. “Thank you for letting me be in this seat…You’ve all taught me something.”

Peyton Chiasson, director of student rights and grievances, said that serving SGA over the last few years has been an honor. He also expressed support for his upcoming successor.

“Looking back over the last few years…it really has been an honor to serve with SGA. I’ve had a lot of great opportunities, and built a lot of great relationships. I got to work on some fantastic projects with some great people…I am elated at my replacement,” Chiasson said.

Director of Public Relations Josie Graham said that she hopes the members of SGA were satisfied with her time in the organization and that her successor continues her work.

“I really enjoyed serving you guys as PR director. I hope that you guys were satisfied with my work. I think I did my best to improve off of the last one, and I hope that the one after me will do the same and improve off of me,” Graham said. “I look forward to the future for you guys.”

The organization approved President-elect Grant Henry’s executive board appointments for the 2018-2019 term.

Andrew Benoit-Naquin is set to serve as treasurer beginning in the fall. Ethan Adams will take over as director of student rights and grievances, and Emily Ledet will serve as the new director of public relations.

In addition, the organization passed several motions at its meeting.

SGA approved the allocation of $9,500 toward building a sidewalk connection between the Baptist Collegiate Ministry and St. Thomas Aquinas. Members also voted to purchase five black picnic tables for the quad at an estimated total of $6,000.

It also passed motions to give $100 each in startup funds to the Black Student Union and the Student Firefighter Association, to fund overtime compensation during finals week for library employees and to allocate $250 toward cosponsoring a culinary mystery basket competition.

The organization approved resolutions regarding the revision of the academic dishonesty policy and the re-establishment of invocation and benediction at graduation.