"I'm pretty much your average guy," says Brandon Pickard. "Pretty laid back and just like to have a good time."

Average? Does your average guy win the Bartow Idol contest? Does your average guy stroll the halls of his school, playing his guitar, singing and giving free hugs? If so, then yes, Brandon Pickard is average.

"I love music," says Pickard, president of the University of South Florida Polytechnic's Student Government Association. In addition to playing guitar, bass and piano, he sings in a band at his church and serves as a DJ. 

In July, Pickard brought his singing skills to Bartow Idol, a Friday night karaoke contest in downtown Bartow.  Singing "Brand New Girlfriend" by Steve Holy and "I Play Chicken With the Train" by Cowboy Troy, Pickard captured first place and a $250 prize.

"The nine other singers were very good, and I thought that there was no way that I would win," he said. "When they called out my name I was in shock and disbelief."

Pickard is a senior with a major in business management and a minor in marketing. A Bartow native, he graduated from Bartow High School and Polk State College, where he earned an associate's degree in business administration. 

Looking for a way to promote SGA's "Tuesday giveaways," where students, faculty and staff can enjoy free food and drinks, Pickard and a few of his musically inclined friends decided to add "a little bit of live entertainment and sing in the hallways with our guitars." On Valentine's Day this year Pickard and fellow SGA officers Zach Crum and Matt Mays strolled the halls, strumming guitars, singing and offering free hugs.

"So far it has been pretty successful, and it seems like a lot of people enjoy what we are doing.  Since I like music so much, it's a way for me to really enjoy my time here at USFP."

Pickard got involved in SGA in the 2008 spring semester. As he explains, "I saw my friend Zach Crum one day at a student event, and I started talking to him about what was going on at USFP.  About a month later he told me he was running for SGA president and asked if I was interested in being his running mate."

Pickard hesitated at first but then agreed, wanting to get more involved on campus. 

"I felt as if I wasn't getting my full experience of college by just going to class and going home, so I felt this was a good way to fix that problem.  It has so far turned out to be one of the best moves I have made.

"Since I have been in SGA, I feel that it has opened new doors and opportunities that I would have never had if I had not joined.  Because of my involvement in SGA, I feel as if I have gotten a full experience of the college life."

Joining him in leading SGA for 2009-10 are Matt Mays, vice president; Natalie Lahr, treasurer; Jamie Nance, secretary; and Amanda Paige-Morris, director of the Lakeland Activities Board, which plans student events.

"Our goals for this year are to increase school spirit and student involvement," says Pickard.

He believes increasing student involvement around the campus will let students know that "USFP has so much more to offer than just going to class. There are so many student organizations on this campus alone, and we are constantly growing and doing bigger and better things."

Pickard stays active not only in SGA but also in the classroom: "I like that what I'm learning in the classroom here at USFP is not just material straight from a book, but things that I will actually use in the real world," he says. "I like that there are smaller class sizes and you get to know your professors. "

Pickard is uncertain about his future but absolutely focused on completing his USF Poly degree. He would love to pursue his aspirations for a career in music but plans to use his senior year as an opportunity to explore his options. Those who know him well have little doubt that, whatever he chooses, Pickard will break the "average" mold, spreading smiles along the way.