On Monday, juniors voted for class officers, electing Cathy Shao as president, Ahjahnae’ Washington as vice president, JD Miller as treasurer, Maya Jacobsen as secretary and Jordyn Taylor as historian.
After school Monday, the junior class met in Nissan Auditorium and candidates gave short speeches ranging from serious to full of jokes. Candidates were then elected via ranked choice voting, and all juniors were required to vote.
Shao said she is honored to be the junior class president and is excited to plan prom for her seniors.
“I feel so honored to be everyone’s president. I’m so excited for this year and to do a lot of great things for everyone,” Shao said. “I’m close with a lot of the seniors because my brother came to [MSMS last year], so I really want to make [prom] memorable for them.”
In a race with five candidates, the most of any, Washington was elected vice president. She campaigned by handing out candy to the junior class with a pun stapled to the bags. Washington said she was excited to introduce more social events to campus.
“I feel great and excited to get started,” Washington said. “I’m excited to make more social events for everyone because I know we have them, but I don’t think they’re for everyone.”
Miller during his campaign passed out fake $20 bills with his face plastered on them, called JDollars. He used his passion for math to gain the trust and votes during his speech. Miller said he excited about using his math skills to serve the junior class.
“I’m happy to serve the junior class,” Miller said. “I’m excited to be able to use my passion for math to help people.”
Jacobsen won by default, since she was the only one who ran for the position of secretary. However, she still gave a speech. Jacobsen said she was elated about the opportunity she’s been given.
“I’m really excited for the opportunity to have a leadership role,” Jacobsen said, “and help plan prom especially.”
Jordyn Taylor, the elected historian, campaigned using bracelets branded with her slogan promising to ‘Taylor to your needs.’ Taylor said she was inspired by Senior Class Historian Sophia Dean to run for the position.
“As soon as my emissary [Dean] told me that she was historian and what it [entailed], I knew that I wanted to be historian.”
Shao said she advises future junior class officer candidates to focus on their candidacy well before election day.
“Start campaigning as soon as possible, and [your] speech really matters,” Shao said.
Like Shao, Taylor said being active early is important.
“If you’re running for historian, I would definitely try to be more outgoing in the beginning of the school year so people know you’re trustworthy,” Taylor said.
