Today, August 29, Ukiah High students are casting their votes for a new slate of class officers. From freshmen to sophomores, the candidates bring a mix of energy, experience, and new ideas.
Leadership teacher Gabe Ott said voting is taking place through each class group’s Minga poll. “If students want to see change they need to be part of that change,” Ott explained.
Freshman Cassandra Damian is running for class president. “My name is Cassandra Damian and I’m running for freshmen class president. I’m qualified for this position because at my last school I was involved in leadership as secretary, and I’ve gotten to look at what leadership is. I’ve also played sports, which has made me good at communicating with people during stressful situations. My sister is also the school president, and I’ve gotten an inside look at what they need to do, and I think I’d be a good person to accomplish that.”
For treasurer, Nathan Cohen said, “Hello, my name is Nathan, I am running for treasurer of the freshman student council and I think I am qualified for student council because I did it in middle school and I’d like to continue my journey.”
Leah Hernandez is also running. “My name is Leah Hernandez and I’m running for treasurer. I’m qualified to do this, to run for treasurer because I’m good at showing spirit for the school.”
The race for freshman vice president has several contenders. “My name is Poppy Walley and I’m running for vice president. The reason why you should vote for me is because I will be able to voice your needs and I have experience in the student office,” Walley said.
Cassidy Jones added, “My name is Cassidy Jones and I am running for Vice President and I qualify for this position because I’m really fun and I like having a reason to come to school, because like why would I come to school?”
Another candidate, Ashlyn Johnson, said, “My name is Ashlyn, I’m running for vice president, and I think I’m qualified because I want to help the high school become a happier and safer place for student,s and I want to be able to help organize school events.”
Freshman Joshua Arellano also wants the role. “My name is Joshua Arellano, and I’m running for vice president. I am qualified for this position because of my abilities to be a leader and work hard inside the classroom and outside of the classroom would help make the school a better place.”
The sophomore class will vote for vice president as well. “My name is Jace Wollitz and I’m running for sophomore class vice president,” he said. “The reason I’m qualified to run is because I want to help and support the sophomore student body in any way I can, by raising money and supporting us in any other way.”
Sophomore Atena Rico is also in the race. “My name is Atena Rico, and I’m running for sophomore vice president. I think I’m qualified because I like to help my class and I think that I can get the word out with people having like an issue or something and I feel like um—people would take me more seriously if I was someone that could really represent my class. I think that I just want to have a good school year, and I think me being your vice president would help that happen.”
With elections happening today, Wildcats will soon know who their new student leaders will be.
Unfortunately, there are a handful of Wildcats we were unable to interview — our reporters couldn’t track them down before deadline.
Josette Mealey
Josette Mealey is currently a junior attending Ukiah High School. In her free time, she enjoys writing poetry and reading about the world around her. Originally from Decatur, Illinois, Josette has loved the unique feel of Ukiah since she was six years old. In recent years, she has been interested in local politics and has wanted to be an active member in her school and community. She wanted to take journalism so that she could get a deeper insight into the news articles she reads every day. Email her at josette_mealey27@uusd.net.
Audriena Ramos
Audriena Ramos is a junior at Ukiah High. She is from Alpine, Texa and moved to Ukiah five years ago. This is her first year taking journalism. She is the vice president of the UHS Women's Empowerment club, and outside of school, she enjoys doing ballet with Mendocino Ballet.