The Class of 2029s officers were elected on Friday, Sept. 12 after delivering their speeches at the circle stage on Tuesday, Sept. 9. Class council officers play an important role in students’ connection to school life. They focus on the needs that are specific to their class and work together to make sure students recognize the Bulldog culture on campus. This year’s candidates were unopposed for their roles, guaranteeing the positions they ran for.

Freshmen took the opportunity to run for class council, utilizing this chance to further their high school experiences. Rio Che, Alvin Chen, Madeline Salas and Caitlin Nguyen all earned class council positions not only by simply running, but with their speeches and Bulldog spirit.

Salas took on the role of class president as a personal challenge. The lack of opposition for the position is also what drove her to take the initiative to run. She emphasizes the importance of communication and cooperation in her position and what aspects she thinks will benefit her as class president.

“Personally, I think I’m great at communication. I also expect a lot of decision making, and for me to be able to guide a lot of people, which I know I can do,” said Salas.

Alongside her, is the class vice president, Che. A valuable strength she has is her experience in a leadership position as a former ASB staff member. Having the experience in a leadership position before taking on the responsibilities she now has, gives her the opportunity to further develop her leadership and other valuable life skills.

“I was in ASB in my eighth grade at Hollencrest, it was a crazy experience,” said Che.

She also has the habits and mindset in place to keep up with the responsibilities and challenges she will face with Salas. 

“I’m really organized… I tend to space out like my work, and I’m honestly like, I’m an overthinker so like, something like that, honestly, just makes me think ahead, you know,” said Che.

Class council officers plan activities and occasionally, fundraisers, for the school. Chen, as secretary, will have duties regarding the efficiency with which the class council runs. Many of the responsibilities will revolve around meetings, time management, official record management and key communication between other leadership groups around campus.

While Chen manages the communication aspect of the student council, Nguyen will manage the budgeting and financial aspects of it.

“I’m really worried about money. Like, that’s my biggest worry… I want to do it. I want to get involved with the school more,” Nguyen said.

She has worries about finances and how they affect the ability to participate in school activities such as in clubs and groups around campus that need the funding to keep their association running. School finances play a big role in how groups around campus run and she agrees.

“I worry about money because I think it’s really important to be careful with it and make sure it is used wisely,” Nguyen said.

Students are expected to meet a certain standard of dedication to be eligible for a spot on the class council. They may need the skills useful to their position, past involvement in a leadership role, or the potential to succeed in their selected position. The academic eligibility is its own commitment.

According to the Student Handbook, class council officers are required to maintain a total unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher, have no F’s, no more than one N (needs improvement) and no U’s (unsatisfactory) in citizenship prior to being elected, in order to be eligible for their chosen position.

The officers’ commitment to their positions has led them to be elected. ASB president Melissa Acosta believes that despite there not being many candidates, the positions were filled by those who wanted it and that they will ultimately benefit the Class of 2029.

“I think a big aspect of like running is like, having that competition, because that’s, like, encourages more campaigning and stuff. But I’m just glad, like, if they wanted this role, then, like, it was kind of like meant for them,” Acosta said.

The Class of 2029’s legacy is in the hands of these four individuals. Their qualities, as students and people, are what led them to rightfully secure their chosen positions as class council officers.

Secretary Alvin Chen declined to be interviewed for this article.