Get to Know the Upper School SGA President, Allie Papachristou

A student at St. Agnes Academy since 9^th grade, SGA President Allie Papachristou plans to lead by listening, and to support others as she has been supported at our school. Take a minute to get to know her a little better and learn about her goals for the year!

What is your favorite thing about SAA?
My favorite thing about SAA is the culture. There’s something really special about how supportive everyone is. I’ve had many moments where I’ve felt encouraged, believed in, or reminded that I’m not doing things alone. That sense of community is something I don’t take for granted. I’m so grateful that I chose St. Agnes and that I’ve gotten to spend my high school years here. It’s been such a special part of my life, and I’m thankful for all the memories and experiences I’ve had here!

What is your favorite St. Agnes tradition and why?
My favorite tradition is definitely the SGA blue and white overalls. Since Halley Brooks purchased the overalls in 2015, every SGA president has signed her name inside with a Sharpie! They’re such a fun part of our school spirit and what makes St. Agnes feel like St. Agnes. This year, I’m wearing them to every assembly that I lead!

Why did you decide to participate in Student Government?
I’ve always cared a lot about the people around me and about making people feel included. I wanted to be someone that students could come to, but I also wanted to challenge myself to step outside of my comfort zone. Being SGA President is exciting, but it’s also something I take seriously because I know people entrusted me with this role.

What does it mean to have the support of your peers?
Honestly, my peers are the reason I’m in this position. I didn’t seriously consider running for SGA President until my peers started encouraging me and telling me that they thought I would be good at it. They saw something in me that I wasn’t necessarily seeing in myself yet, and that meant a lot to me. Their support is what fuels me. When people are cheering me on and encouraging me, that’s when I shine. Their support makes me want to work even harder for them this year.

What are your goals for the year as SGA President?
I want everyone to feel like they have a place here. I want people to feel connected, heard, and excited to be part of SAA. I want to create fun memories and build school spirit, but more than anything, I want students to know that their voices matter. I hope that when this year is over, people can look back and feel like they were truly a part of something special.

What has St. Agnes taught you about leadership?
St. Agnes has taught me that leadership is for everyone. You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room or lead in the same way someone else does. Everyone has different strengths, and every person plays a different role. I’ve also learned that being a leader doesn’t mean having everything figured out. Sometimes it means being willing to listen, admitting when you don’t know something, and relying on the people around you.

What other activities are you involved in at SAA?
I play varsity soccer at St. Agnes, and it is bittersweet knowing that this is my last season. Soccer has been a huge part of my life. I’m hoping we can finish out in the best way possible and hopefully bring home a Region Championship! I am also a Peer Mentor for the freshman class, and I had so much fun getting to meet all the 9th graders at FSO.

What are you involved in outside of school?
Outside of school, I’m an active member of the St. Louis Youth Ministry. This summer, I went on my fifth mission trip, which has been such a meaningful part of my high school experience. I’ve loved being able to serve others, grow in my faith, and build relationships through those experiences. I’m also proud to be a co-director of SEARCH this year.