Every high school hallway turns into a political battlefield once student government election season hits. For TikTok creator John Spina (@johnspinaa), the 2019 race for Class of 2023 Vice President was a literal war zone.
John was facing off against “Suzy,” a popular student from the town’s largest middle school. Understandably, he was the definitive long shot. But his account of how a “little chud” from the smallest middle school managed to topple the social hierarchy is a masterclass in grassroots campaigning.
The video captures the chaotic energy of a teenager who decided that if he couldn’t out-socialize the competition, he would out-market them. At the end, he survived the “odd bunch” labels to tell the story.
John got a $50 election campaign budget and spent it on stickers and visors
With a strict $50 budget provided by the school, John had to get creative. He had to spent it without resorting to the typical “baked goods” strategy. So, he decided to lean into a play on his own name, “John Spina vs. John Cena.”
After some brainstorming, John handmade 500 stickers to distribute to the student body. He also hit the dollar store to create 20 custom foam visors, which he wore and distributed as walking billboards for his campaign. While his tactics were effective at getting his name out, they quickly made him a target of the student government.
The school criticized his unique marketing tactics
During a 30-minute meeting held for all 50 candidates, the student government spent the majority of the time calling out John’s specific campaign items. The 500 stickers were deemed a “vandalism” risk, as students began sticking them all over the public high school.
Furthermore, his foam visors were flagged for violating the school’s “no hat” policy. John had a logical argument that a visor doesn’t actually hide a person’s face or hair. But, the school was adamant.
A shocked rival posted a sarcastic congratulations when John won the election
Against all odds, John won the election. The result sent shockwaves through the popular crowd. The win was so jarring that Suzy’s best friend took to her main Snapchat story to call the students “What an odd bunch.”
The girl also followed up her post with a thinly veiled, “But congrats to everyone who won though.” John admitted that the “evil” comment still lingers in his mind, but he uses it as a reminder to never let haters stop a “freaky” person from reaching their goals.
How to effectively win your student government election
Winning a school election requires a blend of visibility, relatability, and a clear message that resonates with your peers. First, identify a common problem, like cafeteria food or locker issues. Then offer a realistic solution.
Second, prioritize “face time” over flyers. Walk the halls and introduce yourself to students outside your usual social circle. Finally, ensure your speech is memorable. Use humor to break the ice, but end with a firm commitment to represent the student body’s interests to the administration.
Smart ways to spend your election campaign budget
To avoid the “vandalism” or “policy” traps that John encountered, you should spend your budget on items that provide utility without causing a mess. You can start with branded school supplies. Custom pencils or pens are cheap, functional, and won’t get you in trouble for “vandalism.”
Reusable wristbands are another great option. These are long-lasting, wearable, and generally bypass “hat” or “clothing” policies. And instead of wall stickers, try getting custom phone stickers. Unlike wall stickers, these are small, removable, and perceived as personal tech accessories rather than school property.
You could also use your budget for small social media ads or a well-designed website to reach students where they already spend their time.
Authenticity is the best campaign strategy
John’s story is a reminder that you don’t need to be the most popular person in the “big middle school” to make an impact. By leaning into his personality and out-working the competition, he proved that a little bit of “freaky” heart is more powerful than a social status.
So, keep your heart strong and your stickers ready. You never know when you’ll be the next “odd” winner.
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