During the fall semester of 2018, Ms. Alongi walked back onto campus after graduating Class of ’09, returning as a sub instead of a student this time. After being a sub for her first year back, she was hired to the social studies department. Now, this year marks Ms. Alongi’s 5th year back at charter. Little did she know after she graduated she would be back to be not only a teacher but an athletic trainer—and the new SGA Advisor.
As the fall semester comes to an end, the SGA crew reflects on the first semester of the 2023-2024 school year. All the memorable events SGA planned for the student body such as Spirit Week, pep rally, and, of course, Homecoming have made their marks last quarter. However, leading the SGA class just a little late into the school year is Ms. Alongi. She’s known as Charter’s renowned Athletic Trainer, so most probably haven’t heard of her as the SGA advisor. “No, no… kind of,” she said after being asked if she would’ve ever believed in becoming the SGA Advisor.
“I loved SGA when I was in high school being a part of the class, but I never really thought about it then at the moment I would return to charter as the advisor.” By unforeseen circumstances, the advisor position was open and available in the early 1st quarter. “ It was 100 percent me.” Voluntarily putting herself out there for the position knowing it was gonna be a “crazy” challenge, putting even more work on her heavy everyday workload, Ms. Alongi took on the position with pride.
This wasn’t the first time SGA advisor went through Alongi’s mind (she was offered last year), but she knew she couldn’t possibly take on two full time jobs and fully commit to the position. Little did she know that in just a year’s time, it would add on to her responsibilities here at Pines Charter.
After understanding the ropes of SGA from previous experiences and past advisors, she was up to the challenge. “Things have definitely changed but as a student you don’t really see the budgeting and all the paperwork. Having the help of the whole social studies department truly helped,” she said. When Alongi is asked the thoughts on SGA events, she takes little credit but mainly owes it all to the PTA, production works, fellow teachers, and, of course, the SGA class.
Looking back at the hectic week after all the events, how could anyone forget the ending of football season and the start of winter sports? Around the same time of Homecoming week were also the final days of football. “Coach Willis was super understanding. It would’ve been really easy for a head football coach to be upset at their athletic trainer for taking something on that would distract them at the end of football season, but he was super understanding..”
As for coming back to Charter, Alongi had her very own support system to inspire her everyday of teaching. Becoming SGA advisor comes with the responsibility of running the biggest event of the year: Homecoming. However, for Alongi, it had the true sensation of a homecoming in her own ways. “One of the coolest things about Ms. Palacio is that she graduated with me as well as her husband and they both came to chaperone Homecoming which made it feel like a real Homecoming. But, every time time I see something successful at Charter, it’s definitely a new kind of pride.” For Alongi, there has always been a family at Charter as she quite literally grew up beside them.
Old and new ‘family members’ at Charter have extended Alongi’s support system here at Charter. As a Government Honors teacher, the history department continues to show up for Alongi, especially in the times of becoming SGA advisor. For one, the SGA class is always first period, so this caused an issue. Ms. Alongi had already had a history class in her first, but when confronted with this problem, multiple hands were raised in support to help her. Those hands consisted of Mr. Sanchez, Ms. Gangotena, Mr. Jablonka and Mr. Holland. “I spoke to all of them saying that if I had athletics after school, they could help me out, and they all said I was crazy but that, yes, they would help me. So, I am the one that went to Sanchez and he was immediately excited to plan problem solving.” After this, it made the first rough transition into a smoother one; allowing feelings of excitement and glee to arise.
Ms. Alongi’s strong spirit and love for Charter has been cherished and expressed throughout her years of teaching and now SGA advisor. For hopefully years to come, Charter will continue to have this vital key to drive the school towards prosperity and success; that key is Ms. Alongi.
