COEUR d'ALENE - Jonathan Madrid tries to say hello to every person he passes as he walks down the halls of Coeur d'Alene High School.

The 16-year-old junior said it's important to him that everyone at his school feels welcome.

That's his main motivation for being involved in student government, something he's done since his freshman year.

"I want to make sure that everyone has a place, a home," said Madrid, now the junior class president.

Madrid said he knows many students come to school from "difficult situations."

"I want to create an environment where they know someone cares," he said.

This year, he was involved in a mentoring program called "Viking Crew."

Older students took the new freshmen into some of the Coeur d'Alene elementary schools to work with the younger students.

"One of the things that really caught my eye, was the freshmen didn't really want to be there," Madrid said.

As ninth-graders' time at the elementary school progressed, Madrid witnessed a transformation. He said he enjoyed seeing their attitudes change as they became enthusiastically engaged in helping the younger children.

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Madrid's favorite part of his student government activities is fundraising, especially when it's for others outside the school.

Last year, they sold bracelets called Yuda Bands, to raise money for children in Guatemala.

Right now, student government leaders are focused on the upcoming Fight for the Fish school spirit game against Lake City High School. It's set to take place at CHS on Jan. 6.

School spirit is something Madrid has a lot of.

"The senior class teased me when I was a freshman," he said. "They used to say my veins would bleed blue, for the blue and white."

For a month, earlier this school year, he played the role of the CHS Viking Mascot, wearing the Viking head, horns and curls to various events.

"One time, this little girl came up to me and gave me a high-five," Madrid said. "She said, 'I want to be like you when I grow up.'"

He enjoyed doing his time as mascot, but had to give it up because it interfered with his band activities. Madrid plays the alto sax, baritone sax and bassoon, and is a member of the school's jazz band, wind ensemble and pep band.

His goal for next year is to be drum major.

Madrid is also a member of the CHS cross country team.

When he's not reaching out to others, cheering his fellow students on, making music or running, Madrid is usually studying.

He said he does about an hour or two of homework each weeknight.

"You need to stay on it, or you'll drown in it," Madrid said.

He's not sure where he'll be after graduation from CHS, but he knows he wants to work with people.

He would like to go to college, but said he's concerned about paying for it.

Madrid maintains a 4.0 grade point average, and is president of the CHS National Honor Society.

He is also a student member of the Coeur d'Alene School District's policy advisory committee.