As the leaders of Mount Saint Agnes’ Student Council, Nicole Pimentel and Phillip Couto have their plates full. The students, President and Vice President respectively, play an active role in organising many aspects of the school’s student life, while managing a full course load and extracurricular activities as well.Both students landed the top positions by being elected by their peers. In addition to garnering signed support from school faculty, they both had to list their extracurricular activities, their accomplishments and any community service initiatives that they’ve completed in order to run in the election.For 17-year-old Nicole, the Student Council President, her list of activities included tutoring a grade seven student weekly, assisting with Project Ride, and volunteering at St Patrick’s Catholic Church as a Continuing Christian Development aide and a Children’s Liturgy aide.Furthermore, not only does her CV boast a host of community-oriented projects, but it also displays Nicole’s talent in the arts. The Devonshire resident has performed with the In Motion School of Dance since 2007 and claims tap dance as her favourite dance form.She has also achieved the Bronze and Silver medals in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.Also an active community leader, Phillip has volunteered at the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo for four years and plays badminton.One of the highlights of his badminton career includes being a part of the MSA team that won gold at the 2011 and 2012 Bermuda Secondary School Federation Badminton Tournaments.The 17-year-old Hamilton Parish resident also juggles a varied course load that includes English, maths, biology, social studies, computers, and physical education. Biology, however, is his favourite, as he enjoys learning about life. Biology also inspired him to work at BAMZ.Similarly, Nicole is taking university preparatory courses in English, maths, social studies, biology and chemistry, and is also taking religion and art. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, an American organisation that recognises “excellence in leadership, scholarship, service and character.” According to Nicole, in order to be nominated “you must demonstrate leadership, have an average of at least 87 percent, have 40 hours of community service, and be of strong character.”The stellar scholar also says that art is her favourite subject.“I really enjoy art as it gives me a break from my academic studies and also gives me a chance to express myself,” said Nicole.But despite her passion for the course, she has chosen to pursue another route after high school. Nicole plans to attend university in the United States or Canada where she will pursue a degree in the sciences, specifically biology, chemistry and psychology.Likewise, Phillips plans on attending university in the United States to pursue the sciences.The badminton player plans on studying marine biology/oceanography at the University of Connecticut in Mansfield, Connecticut.Speaking about her role as President, Nicole said: “The duties of the Student Council President include communicating within the student body, fostering school spirit, and planning and assisting with special events for the students.“These include charity fundraisers, dances and spirit days such as Twin Day, the Welcome Back to School Boat Cruise, and Steal the Hearts Day on Valentine’s Day.”Added Phillip: “The Student Council President and Vice President help to plan and implement these events. Both Nicole and I are hard workers and have a healthy dose of school spirit. We are important representatives for the school and as such our behaviour and academic conduct are expected to be exemplary.”When asked what’s his favourite part about being Student Council vice President, Phillip answered: “The best part about being Student Council VP would be the challenges that this position offers. This position gives me responsibilities that will prepare me for the future. I also enjoy being involved in the school’s activities, and I aim to bring people together in spirit.”Nicole dittoed those sentiments, saying: “Helping to foster school spirit and being a part of organising all the student activities”, were her favourite parts about the position.Nicole also offered advice to young students.“Work hard and always strive to do your best. Although things may be tough and stressful at times, keep your head high and never give up!”Phillip, too, had some encouraging words for other students.“You can be anything that you set your mind to. Work towards something you have a passion for, and strive to be the best. Set a good image for yourself, and be happy for life! The world needs everything you can give.”