Here is my letter of intent:
To Whom It May Concern,
I was born in Pleasant Grove. Well, technically I was born in American Fork, but I prefer not to let it be known. Ever since the day I left the hospital in AF, I felt a pride in my community unknown to anyone who lives outside of Pleasant Grove. The first day I had a home it was not my house, it was the City of Trees.
I have since grown to know my community and love it more. I was a Viking before I was anything else. I have never considered the prospect of attending any other high school besides Pleasant Grove High, even if it meant hours of commuting everyday. I put this school’s interests above that of my own in many ways, from attending every football game to painting myself blue (on occasion). I have pride in being a Viking.
This school has had many Duclos’ walk its halls, but is now down to its last. I feel it is my duty as the finale of a series made great by this school to be in a position where I can give back completely what Pleasant Grove High has given us. The reason I am running for student office is because not doing so would put at risk not only my self respect, but my family’s honor. I cannot just leave this school after it made my brothers what they are today: a cancer researcher, a doctor, an airplane pilot, an English teacher (in Taiwan) and a future biologist.
Growing up solely in Pleasant Grove, I have learned characteristics that make up true leaders. As long as I remember, I have been in the garage every Saturday working on neighbors’ vehicles with my father and brothers. I learned self reliance as I walked the mountains we call our backyard. Through church, scouting, and volunteering for the fine city of Pleasant Grove, I learned to lead with a love for my followers that makes them want to follow me.
I have been raised as a member of the LDS church. Through opportunities in my religious community, I have been able to gain qualities I believe will make me a better leader. While attending church one Sunday, I volunteered to be in charge of a youth activity, thinking it would be a simple task. This commitment ended up me putting in over forty-eight hours worth of preparation. Once at the activity, I had the privilege of taking charge of everything from introducing speakers to announcing meals to telling people to be quiet so others can sleep. I feel that this experience, among many others provided to me by my church group, the Pleasant Grove Youth Council, and other organizations, has helped me prepare to become a quality student body officer.
Now, if I were you reading this, I would be thinking, Well, gee, this Wyatt kid sure is full of himself, but I assure you that is not the case. I have many flaws, probably more than most. I spent a majority of my grade school years getting that drilled into my head by my classmates. I know that to be a good leader, I cannot expect everyone to love me or even like me. I won’t expect that because I am not a leader now and I don’t expect that now. I am aware that the title does nothing for a man, but that a man must live up to the title.
I am running for student office because I believe, despite my flaws, I can live up to the expectations set by my predecessors. I am running for my honor as well as the honor of the Duclos name. I do this thing because I believe what Mr. Abraham Lincoln once said of America is true for the school that I love, “How hard it is to die and leave one’s country no better than if one had never lived for it!”
Forever in the service of my fellow men,
Wyatt R. Duclos
Seriously though, voted for me. If you can, that is.
