Every Morning Meeting, Larry Zhan ‘25, more fondly known as POGA, gets up on the Arts Center stage, makes a couple announcements, at least one about the school’s beloved estimation game and then dismisses the seniors and faculty.
“He was very determined … and easy to work with,” Andreas Szautner ‘26, newly elected SGA President, said. “He always has a busier workload that would’ve taken more time.”
Zhan has been a dedicated member of Student Government Association (SGA) since he began upper school, serving as an SGA senator during his freshman and sophomore years.
Later, during his junior year, Zhan became the SGA Vice President, and this year he was the President of SGA.
Throughout his four years of work in SGA, Zhan’s goal has been to take initiative and make an impact, which he successfully did.
One of his most known contributions is the estimation game. Loved by many, the estimation game brings the community closer together every time a video is played.
“One of my favorite accomplishments is the estimation game because of all the collaboration and interaction that we got to have with the community, like with the teachers and students,” Zhan said. “I wanted to bring positivity and [the estimation game] accomplished that.”
Another lesser known example of Zhan’s impact was during his sophomore year; Zhan collaborated with CSO and organized a sports equipment dive, in which he collected lightly used sports equipment from the GA community and donated it to a charity called Leveling the Playing Field, raising $10,000.
“Being able to donate that was really nice. I think that was the first instance where I was really able to create an initiative on my own and carry it out,” Zhan said. ”It was my first time being a leader and independently doing something like that.”
Beyond these, Zhan made numerous other contributions to GA, ranging from organizing mini assemblies each year, to reintroducing the beloved cafeteria sandwich bar.
“When he had an idea he pushed for it,” Szautner said. “When we worked with Chef Luke about bringing back the sandwich bar he was more adamant than any, even Luke [Philip ‘24, the SGA President before Zhan].”
His work in SGA caused him to grow on a personal level. As SGA president, Zhan has learned how important hard work and organization are to completing his initiatives. Additionally, in this role, Zhan has been forced to step into the spotlight and put himself out there.
“I think being up in Morning Meetings during that last year has pushed me to get out of my comfort zone,” Zhan said. “When I was younger I couldn’t imagine myself being up there talking to the whole school twice a week.”
Zhan didn’t only make changes to the school, but also changes to the other students in SGA, inspiring or giving thoughtful advice to his fellow representatives.
“He processed and approached problems differently,” Szautner said. “I remember one time he told me ‘don’t start something unless you are going to finish it.’”
All in all, Zhan’s leadership and hard work during his years of work in SGA has created impacts and a legacy that everyone will remember.