BYU NewsNet - BYUSA Leaders Pass the Torch

Students gathered on top of the SWKT Wednesday, in the freezing cold, to view the annual BYUSA presidency passing of the torch.

Outgoing President Summer Price said she felt sad it's over but happy it has been such a successful year and that she can hand the organization over to someone so awesome.

To open the ceremony, Adam Ruri, BYUSA president 2008-2009, was sworn into office by Price.

"I will encourage the spirit of the Y by helping all students to come unto Christ," Ruri said while taking the presidential oath.

The first attempt of passing the torch from Price to Ruri was unsuccessful, as Ruri's torch lost its fire. Ruri assured students that this was not a sign of things to come.

"I think sometimes things like that are going to happen, and we're just going to keep on lighting that torch," Ruri said.

All other members of the presidency were sworn into office and had the opportunity of holding the lit torch. After presidency members were sworn in, past presidency members presented the new members of the presidency with gifts that would help to make their responsibilities in the presidency easier throughout the upcoming year.

Neal Cox, director of student leadership, said this transition underscores how many capable people are involved with BYUSA.

"Servant leadership is the gospel form of leadership, and it's found here on the BYU campus," said Neal Cox, director of student leadership.

Members of the 2008-2009 BYUSA presidency will assume full responsibility for the organization at the end of winter semester.

The organization is still accepting applications for executive director positions. Students who are interested in participating with the BYUSA organization can pick up more information in WSC 3400.