The Student Newspaper of Highline College

Samantha Bartlett

Running Start Club Vice President Marissa Belle, hosts Uno for her club members.

The inaugural Running Start Club meeting kicked off, highlighting new leadership

Ashley Galdamez Staff Reporter Oct 31, 2024

With fresh leadership and a shared passion for community, the new Running Start Club’s recent meeting sparked a thrilling vision for an impactful and inclusive year ahead. Meeting every Thursday at 12:30-1:00 p.m. in 14 -104, they promise a fruitful academic year ahead. 


Samantha Bartlett

Members play games and socialize at the inaugural Running Start Club meeting.

A key theme that emerged during the recent meeting was the need for the club to serve as a supportive community, particularly for first-generation students navigating the challenges of college. This sentiment resonated deeply with many members, reinforcing the idea that the club should be a place for connection, shared experiences, and collective goals. 

The acknowledgment of these unique challenges helped create a strong sense of camaraderie among members, emphasizing the importance of mutual support throughout our academic journeys.

As the meeting wrapped up, there was a buzz of excitement about the potential service projects they could take on as a club. Members eagerly shared their ideas for ways to give back to the community, ranging from organizing local clean-up events to volunteering. 

This brainstorming session was not just about selflessness, it became a platform for members to collaborate and bond over shared interests. The energy in the room was positive, and it felt like everyone was looking forward to the quarter ahead, ready to take on new challenges together.

In addition to service projects, the club also discussed upcoming social events that could help strengthen our community. Plans for ice cream socials, study groups, and themed gatherings were met with enthusiasm, showcasing the members’ desire to create a well-rounded experience. 

The meeting of the Running Start Club was both productive and inspiring, highlighting the leadership of newly elected president Gio Russo and vice president Marissa Belle. Both shared their motivations for stepping into these roles.


Jocelinn Gonzalez Bucio/THUNDERWORD

Running Start club votes for their president, Gio Russo (right), and vice president, Marissa Belle (left).

Russo said, “ I ran for this position to add it to my college application and to gain a leadership position to become more involved on the highline campus.” Gio emphasized his desire to enhance his college applications and become more engaged on the Highline campus. 

Belle said, “ I ran for vice president because I enjoy planning events. During my first year of dual enrollment, I found it hard to balance my social life. I wanted a leadership role to get involved in student life , learn leadership skills , ad connect with other running start students” 

Belle expressed her passion for event planning and the importance of creating a vibrant student life, making it clear that she wants our meetings to be enjoyable with planned trips and fun snacks. 

Their enthusiasm set a positive tone for the club’s future and underscored their commitment to fostering a welcoming environment.

There’s a real sense of eagerness to collaborate and make the club a valuable support system for all Running Start students. With Gio and Marissa at the helm, it’s clear that the Running Start club is poised for an exciting and impactful year ahead.

With Gio and Marissa calling the shots, there’s a noticeable sense of excitement about the future of the Running Start club. Their leadership style fosters an inclusive atmosphere, encouraging every member to voice their ideas and participate actively in club activities. 

The eagerness to collaborate and make the club a valuable support system for all Running Start students is evident, setting the stage for an impactful year ahead. 

As they embark on this journey together, it’s clear that the Running Start club is not just about individual growth but also about building a community where everyone can thrive.