When asked to describe himself in one word, Tomas Alvarado had a simple answer, “ambitious.”
Alvarado is the Student Body President of Tampa Prep for the year 2023-2024. He is an active member of “CASS Key Club” and a leader of “Business is Business” Club.
“Seize the day, to help students leave an impact,” Alvarado said about his vision of Tampa Prep.
Alvarado sees Tampa Prep as a school with intelligent students looking to apply themselves. To capitalize on that, he wants to give more opportunities for students. He hopes to create an environment where students can apply themselves inside and outside of school.
Alvarado believes he has grown a lot as a president this year.
“To lead is to take one’s own path,” Alvarado said.
Alvarado understands that a leader doesn’t have to follow the steps of successful leaders in the past to make his way. According to Alvarado, he believes his priorities are different from past Tampa Prep Presidents Kenzie Capella and John Sisco, which is why he believes he must take his own path. Alvarado said he has also learned to embrace his “spirit and energy.”
Alvarado also now finds it easy to collaborate with staff and administration regarding his vision.
“Pretty daunting at first, but I feel like I am taken seriously and my ideas resonate with authority,” Alvarado said about working with staff and administration at Tampa Prep.
The idea of working with authority is scary because of the fear of ideas not being heard. According to Alvarado, however, he feels like his ideas are heard while talking to administration.
“Whenever the flames go out, I push through the fumes,” Alvarado said about balancing his responsibilities.
Alvarado is a busy student, teammate, and active member of Tampa Prep. So, when it comes to balancing all of those responsibilities, he maps out his days and weeks. Academics come first, then events, and finally his club soccer.
“I do it because I really enjoy it, so I find time when I do it, obviously there is some tedium, but for the most part I find the passion and I just swing through it,” Alvarado said.
To Alvarado, his workload does not feel overwhelming because he says he enjoys it and finds passion in whatever he does.
Alvarado’s role as president is in line with his big goal: “Leave a big impact on a community.”
Alvarado hopes that he will continue that goal by inspiring people to get involved in a community. He plans to pursue his ways of leadership in college by joining or creating a community.
“If not to create a club, or create a community, then I would like to enter one that really resonates with me. Joining maybe a club or organization in the area, and eventually rise to lead one,” Alvarado said.
A friend, teammate, and fellow 12th Grade Representative, Jaime McFarland gave a few words about Alvarado.
“Although he is a good friend of mine, he keeps it very professional. He is very open to change and is filled with ideas to help make that change,” said McFarland.
As a fellow student council member, McFarland gives us insight on what it is like to work with Tomas.
“Constantly going over one idea or another, whether it be over the phone or in person. It keeps moving with him, it’s one thing to another,” said McFarland.
Alvarado is all about business. An ambitious president with big dreams.
