Students will choose from 18 candidates running for junior class president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and historian in elections scheduled for Oct. 27.
The presidential candidates are Irene Doyle, Branston Harewood, Dietrich Hedgpeth and Cathy Shao; the vice presidential candidates are Amy Choi, Hutch Clemons, Grayson Garrick, Rutwa Patel and Ahjahnae’ Washington; the treasurer candidates are Christopher Chen, Gustavo Gonzalez Baxter, JD Miller and Leslie Zheng; and the historian candidates are Aspen Dillon, Asvika Kosalram, Aundriya Neely and Jordyn Taylor.
Maya Jacobsen is running unopposed for secretary.
Junior class officers are mainly responsible for planning prom along with other school events.
The Vision asked all candidates to submit a picture and a brief introduction including why they were running and should be elected. Not all candidates responded.
The Vision lightly edited their responses as follows:
President
Irene Doyle
My name is Irene Doyle. I’m from Oxford, and I’m running for president. The students I’ve met here are kind, creative critical thinkers, and I would be honored to represent them and help make all their wonderful ideas realities. I would work to connect the student body, ensure all students feel seen and heard and promote communication and collaboration within junior class officers. I’ve served on student council and committees the past two years, founded and presided over Oxford High School’s writers club and worked in a leadership position at my old job, so I feel fully prepared to serve as junior class president. I wish the best of luck to the other candidates and look forward to the rest of my time with the Class of 2027!
Branston Harewood
My name is Branston Harewood. I’m running for president. I would like to be junior class president because I want to plan prom as a gift for the seniors. This year’s group of seniors, like always, are bright minded individuals who are going places. So, I would like to plan prom to make it the best for my first high school prom and make the seniors’ year go out with a bang before college.
Dietrich Hedgpeth
Greetings! My name is Dietrich Hedgpeth. I am running for junior class president! I plan to bring us a wonderful prom this year! As Frazer Hall representative of the Spirit Squad, I love to plan fun events to liven up MSMS life. I believe a leader should be the backbone of their team and be able to help in every aspect of the project. I have many creative ideas and events I would like to initiate, and I am very open to listening to my fellow students’ propositions!
Cathy Shao
Hello, my name is Cathy Shao. I am running for junior class president! I’m originally from Memphis and now reside in Columbus. One of my favorite things about MSMS is the diverse group of people that make up our amazing community. As your president, I want to get to know every one of you and ensure that every voice is heard. I’m proud to be a part of MSMS, and I want to help make it even better by bringing your ideas to life. From organizing fun community events that bring us closer together to planning a memorable prom, I look forward to making this year special for everyone. Forever and always, I’m Shao-ing up for you! Remember to stay classy, vote Cathy!
Vice President
Amy Choi
Hi, my name is Amy Choi. I’m from Starkville, and I’m running for junior class vice president! I believe I’ll make a strong vice president because I’m organized, dependable and always ready to listen. If elected, I’ll ensure every voice is heard, plan engaging events and fundraisers and ultimately make sure our class has the best prom possible! I came to MSMS because I was drawn to its community, and I’m committed to helping maintain its spirit.
Hutch Clemons
Hi, my name is Hutch Clemons! I’m running for junior class vice president. I’ve always valued the idea of young people having a voice in politics, and that’s what drove me to run for class vice president. As vice president, I would do everything in my power to assist the president and my fellow officers and to ensure that all operations run smoothly. I hope you can trust me with your vote!
Grayson Garrick
Hey guys! My name is Grayson Garrick. I’m running to be our class vice president. I’m originally from Shreveport, Louisiana but then moved to Columbus, Mississippi. You’ll probably know what I look like from me wearing a hard hat everywhere I go. I’ll be a great vice president because I am reliable, and I have our class’s intentions in mind. I want to be a vice president who anyone can come up to, and I can help them with a problem, situation or event. I work well with others while also getting my input in. Every day I will work my hardest and put in all my effort to be the best vice president I can be. Thank you all so much for reading this, and vote Grayson Garrick for vice president!
Rutwa Patel
Hi everyone!! My name is Rutwa Patel. I am from Madison, Mississippi, and I’m running for junior class vice president! I’m running because I want to make our junior year something we’ll all remember, full of fun events, strong school spirit and new opportunities for everyone to get involved. As vice president, I’ll work hard to support our class president, plan amazing events and make sure your ideas are heard and represented. I’ll bring energy, organization and a positive attitude to everything we do. If elected, I promise to be your voice, to listen when you have ideas or concerns and to drive initiatives that matter to you.
Ahjahnae’ Washington
Hi, I’m Ahjahnae’ Washington. I’m from Biloxi, and I’m running for junior class vice president. At MSMS, the vice president should have good ideas and be organized. I think I offer the perfect blend of practical planning skills and a deep commitment to our class’s experience. I am a strong communicator committed to translating our class’s needs into tangible action, keeping every event and initiative on track and running smoothly. I’m here to ensure that our junior year isn’t just successful, but truly memorable — from start to finish. I’m dedicated to delivering the best possible junior year. Vote Ahjahnae’ Washington – your wave of change!
Secretary
Maya Jacobsen
Hey y’all! My name is Maya Jacobsen. I am running for junior class secretary. I am from Columbus, Mississippi and went to New Hope High School before I came to MSMS. I am running for secretary because I would love to be a part of student government and make a lasting impact on this school, whether that be big or small. I think I should be elected because I love keeping things organized, keeping track of information and helping plan things! Not to mention, I’m the only candidate.
Treasurer
Christopher Chen
Hello, my name is Christopher Chen. I am originally from New Albany, and I am running for junior class treasurer. As your treasurer, I would raise and direct funds to areas that seem to need it most. I will try my very best to listen to everyone’s thoughts and suggestions, and I will work with the other officers to make sure we have the best prom yet. I’m so excited to work with everyone this school year!
Gustavo Gonzalez Baxter
Junior class treasurer candidate Gonzalez Baxter declined to respond.
JD Miller
Hello! As many of you know, I’m JD! I’m from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and I’m running for junior class treasurer. If I had to pick a favorite subject, it would be math. That’s part of the reason I think I’d be a great fit for treasurer; I can do numbers. But more importantly, I have an open mind. If there’s anything you need and you think I can help, feel free to ask (and that goes for whether I’m elected or not).
Leslie Zheng
Hello, Class of 2027. My name is Leslie Zheng, and I am from Brandon, MS. I am running to be your treasurer this school year because I am trustworthy, calculating and realistic. Growing up as a child of immigrants, I had to take on responsibilities and learn to be flexible at an early age to assist my parents with anything from paperwork to handling insurance forms. Overtime, I became the one who kept track of money flowing between friends, making sure every debt was paid and every cent was accounted for. If elected, you won’t have to worry about transactions getting lost in the fray. I will be transparent and be as descriptive as I can in my records. Counting the cash and keeping the stash — vote Leslie Zheng for treasurer!
Historian
Aspen Dillon
Hey, my name is Aspen Dillon. I’m from Columbia, and I’m running for junior class historian. I believe I should be elected because of my great social media skills. I’m always present to capture moments, and I want to show everyone how great this school is and how much it means to me and my classmates.
Asvika Kosalram
My name is Asvika, and I’m from Flowood, Mississippi. I’m running for historian because I want to preserve the memories and stories of our MSMS community. I’m hardworking, organized and full of ideas for keeping our social media and yearbook fresh and memorable. I’m excited about the chance to serve as historian and make sure everyone’s experiences at MSMS are captured. I’d love your support!
Aundriya Neely
Hi, everyone! My name is Aundriya Neely. I am from Meridian, and I’m running for junior class historian. I am an excellent candidate for junior class historian because I am driven and dedicated. I’ve had roles like this many times before and I am ready to step in and capture great memories for the junior class here at MSMS! For a year of organization, dedication and inspiration — vote Aundriya Neely for junior class historian.
Jordyn Taylor
Hi, I’m Jordyn Taylor. I’m from Olive branch, and I’m running for junior class historian. I believe I should be elected because I know that I can keep the social media page alive, and I’ll take my yearbook role seriously as historian. I’m always coming up with new ideas to help preserve the junior class memory and keep alive.
