the legacy continues… Join the Cottonwood SBO Family!
Calling all future LEADERS of Cottonwood!
We are excited to announce the Student Body Officer Elections for the 2025-26 school year! There are 8 Student Body Officers at Cottonwood High School. In April, after the SBO elections, we will hold Class Officer Elections. There are 8 Class Officers for each grade, so together, the 8 SBOs and the 32 Class Officers make up Cottonwood’s Student Government.
On this page you will find important information about the SBO election process and what it means to be an SBO at Cottonwood. We encourage any and all Juniors interested in becoming a leader to create a campaign! Please reach out Mrs. Hsiao (Room 603), or email her at jehsiao@graniteschools.org, with any questions or concerns.
#GoColts #SBOFamily #ColtsAreGREAT #FutureLEADERSofCottonwood
Election Information Meeting
There will be an information meeting about SBO and Class Officer elections held on February 12, 2025 at 2:30 pm in room 603.
If you are considering running for SBO, you are required to attend or follow the instructions below before you submit your digital application.
Learn the difference between SBOs and Class Officers below. If you are interested in running for class office, navigate to the 2025 Class Officer Election Info from the 2025 Elections navigation menu at the top of the webpage.
SBO Roles & Responsibilities
Remember, the position specific responsibilities are only a small portion of the responsibilities of an SBO.
Most of your time in class will be working on the big schoolwide initiatives like assemblies and activities.
Expectations and Requirements
ANY eligible Junior can run to be an SBO! We are looking for leaders, innovative thinkers and students who care about Cottonwood! An SBO cannot hold an executive leadership position in another organization at Cottonwood.
Academics
The requirement is a 3.0 GPA and a 3.0 CPA for Quarter 2. Both will be expected to be maintained while in office.
SBOs are required to be enrolled in the Student Government SBO class for the entire year. This class will include the 8 SBOs and the 4 Class Presidents, as well as any other class officers that are able. Additionally, there will be an entire Student Government Homeroom class that will include all the SBOs and all the Class Officers.
Dedication
SBO’s are the appointed leaders of Cottonwood. The activities, events, assemblies and initiatives take a significant amount of time to plan. An SBO is not eligible to hold an executive leadership position in another organization at Cottonwood. Being elected as an SBO is a commitment that you will need to dedicate a considerable amount of time in order to fulfill your roles and responsibilities.
Summer Planning
In order to be prepared for events at the beginning of the school year, we will need to complete important planning during the Summer Break. On average, we spend anywhere from 10-15 days throughout the summer working on Student Government tasks. Additionally, there is a required SBO Leadership Camp that is scheduled June 2-4 at USU.
Voting Calculations
Candidate Portfolio
40%
The portfolio will be reviewed and scored by a panel of administration, advisors, teachers and counselors.
Teacher Recommendations
20%
Advisors will send the recommendation forms to your teachers. Your role is to follow up with your teachers to ensure they have filled out the form.
Campaign to Student Body
40%
Voting will take place March 19th-20th. Voting closes March 20th @ 3:00 PM. All current Cottonwood students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, AND Seniors can vote for SBOs!
Digital Application
Digital Application: Due March 7 at 5:00 PM. Late applications will receive a penalty. On the evening of March 7 an advisor will email the list of candidates running for each position. You will have until March 10 at 5:00 PM to change positions. Email Mrs. Hsiao at jehsiao@graniteschools.org using your Granite District email to ask for a change in position. A final list will be emailed to the candidates on March 10 after 5:00 PM.
On March 11 (or before), an advisor will share the Digital Campaign Page Google Site and Portfolio Google Document with you through your Granite District Email. Follow the directions there to complete your Portfolio and Digital Campaign materials by March 16, @ 5:00 PM.
The Portfolio
Leadership Academy
First and foremost, SBO’s are the student LEADERS of Cottonwood. As such, developing strong leadership skills is an important foundation. The completion of the Leadership Academy not only indicates your dedication to becoming a G.R.E.A.T Leader, it supports your development of necessary skills. These lessons will be completed on a Google Document that will be shared with the advisors.
Resume
Your digital resume should include skills you possess and experience you have for the intended position. You will create a 1 page, creative and informative resume to highlight your abilities. This can be traditional resume style, an infographic, a Google Slides page or even a collage. Let your personality shine!
1-Minute Speech Video
This is a 1-minute speech introducing yourself to administration and the advisors. Your speech should outline your abilities and goals for the intended position. Try to be specific in what abilities you have, or want to develop, that showcase your leadership abilities.
Task & Scenario Response
For each position there are role specific responsibilities. For your portfolio, you will display your expertise for the position by showcasing your response to a task and a scenario. Each task is something you will encounter often within your position. Each scenario is modified from an actual event.
Click below for a portfolio example so you can start working on your responses. The actual portfolio document will be shared with you by an advisor the week before elections.
The Campaign
Video to Peers
30 seconds long
"Personality" & Initiatives
Must be a shareable YouTube Video Link!
Digital Material
Website Profile
Digital Poster
Video to Peers
Campaign Activities
5 Posters 3’x5’
Candidate Q&A Video for Homerooms
Campaign Day 3/19 before school, at lunch and after school. (Not in class)
View the Campaign Regulations for more details on each component. Additionally, all digital campaign materials will be submitted through a shared Google Site. Make sure to follow instructions carefully to ensure your campaign is successful!
Take It Step-by-Step
Digital Application
DUE March 7 @ 5:00 PM
Digital Application LINK
Be sure to read through all the expectations and regulations very carefully with your parents. Parents are asked to sign the form. Make sure you and your parents understand fully all the requirements and expectations for officers.
Portfolio
DUE March 16 @ 5:00 PM
The Portfolio will be completed on a Google Document which will be shared with each candidate after their digital application has been submitted and the list of candidates in finalized. The portfolio will be graded by a panel of judges comprised of advisors, teachers, administration and counselors.
Website Profile
DUE March 16 @ 5:00 PM
The Digital Campaign Website Profile will be completed on a Google Site which will be shared with each candidate after their digital application has been submitted. This Google Site will be link directly to the website for the student body to view.
In School Campaign
Posters should be brought for approval to room 603 on March 13 after school or on March 17 before school. They can be hung after approval.
On Wednesday, March 19th, before school, at lunch and after school, you may interact with students in the commons area and the halls. You may choose to give out candy, flyers, or other items. Each item and flyer must be worth no more than $1 and MUST be approved by an advisor BEFORE given out. No latex bracelets or balloons. There can be NO campaigning and giving out items during class time.