Sure, you may not be old enough to participate in real elections, but your vote still counts in the Paly community. Here’s an exclusive opportunity to read candidates’ statements and mull over their platforms before you actually vote.
All Student Body (ASB) Candidates
ASB President
Faraz Jaffer
My name is Faraz Jaffer and I am running for ASB President. After being in student government for the past 4 years, I have realized that many people who had been chosen by you to make PALY enjoyable, have mostly ignored or not taken their responsibilities seriously. If I am voted as the next ASB President, I promise you that I will try my hardest to reinstate the Friday activities and use my authority for the betterment of our school. I know we have long ways to go, but a vote for me is the first step towards an improved 2nd semester.
Junnosuke Tashiro
Why do I, Junnosuke Tashiro, deserve your vote? I will LEAVE NO STUDENT BEHIND. Working closely with 4th period reps, I will make sure that you know what is going on in student council. I will REFORM THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT, so that you can be more casually involved with the student government. I am ON YOUR SIDE. Starting out as a 4th period rep, I see things from your point of view. I will NOT RIP YOU OFF. I will fulfill my duties, set forth by the ASB Government Constitution.
Vote JUN TASHIRO, the honorable Asian!
John Schairer
I realize you don’t care about student council, and that’s the problem I am out to fix. Vote for me and I will return the power of student government to the student body and away from the administration.
Loretta Shen
Hey Paly, I’m Loretta Shen and I am currently Junior Class President. I’ve been on Student Council for 3 semesters now and really take pleasure in helping plan events for Paly. My most memorable experiences these past 2 years have been both Spirit Weeks. Helping plan them has really prepared me for all Paly activities and I am open to every idea. As ASB President I hope to responsibly represent our school and our student body. In addition, I wish to continue serving our school and making it the best possible environment for everyone.
Adam Wandell
My name is Adam Wandell and I am running for ASB President. I am a Junior and I have been active in the Student Council meetings for the last year. I am running because I want to make Paly more fun by having more student events, such as dances, movie nights, and pep rallies. Paly is one of the most academically rigorous high schools in the country and has some of the most neurotic and stressed students in the world. As ASB President, I will create events that help students blow off steam and have fun.
Mohammed Abid
Hi, my name is Mohammed Abid and I am running for ASB President. I want to give back to this school what it gave to me. If I am elected president I plan on further uniting students and I plan on holding events that the students want. If I am elected president, no student’s opinion will go unheard and it will be very easy to communicate with student government. Paly is already the best high school out there, but if I am elected president, I will do everything in my power to further separate it from the rest.
ASB Vice President
John Schairer
I realize you don’t care about student council, and that’s the problem I am out to fix. Vote for me and I will return the power of student government to the student body and away from the administration.
Kolby Dauler
Hey Paly, my name is Kolby Dauler and I am running for ASB Vice President. I am running because I am interested in student government, and I want to become more involved with what goes on at Paly. Being a junior, I have had time to realize that Paly often lacks student involvement in school activities. One of my biggest goals is to make the Lunchtime Activities something that Paly students regularly attend and look forward to. I also want Paly students to know that I am very approachable and open to advice.
Mollie Javerbaum
Hey Paly! My name is Mollie Javerbaum and I want to continue to serve you as your ASB Vice President. I’m committed to listening to and representing the opinions of the student body. I’m very experienced and know how to get things accomplished. For instance, I’m currently planning a campaign to raise awareness of the genocide in Sudan, ending with Paly’s first Winter Formal. Last semester, we planned new events, like the Turkey Trot, Winter Festival, and Gunn Control rally. I want to continue to plan creative events next semester. Vote for me, and I’ll continue to represent your interests and plan fun events. Thanks!
ASB Secretary
Matt Severson
Hello, I’m Matt Severson. I’m a junior and I’m running for ASB Secretary. I think I would make a good secretary because I’m both neat and organized. These things would allow me to keep track of Student Council documents and member’s attendance. I also take good notes, and would do so during the meetings.
I haven’t had much leadership experience in the past. I served as a co-fourth period rep sophomore year and sat in on quite a few student council meetings, so I know and understand how the Monday meetings are conducted.
Class President Candidates
Senior Class President
Dan Griffin
I have been representing our class since Sophomore year. Now, I want to be your president to finalize plan for prom and graduation!
Junior Class President
Ilene Rafii
Hey juniors, I’m Ilene. I have been a class rep for the past semester and helped to organize Spirit Week. I’m currently working on the upcoming Winter Festival. I have experience in fundraising, faciliation, and love working with others. If elected, I will be open and responsive to all of your opinions and suggestions about how to improve life at Paly. Vote for me and you won’t be disappointed.
Sophomore Class President
Alexis Medina
Hey Sophomores!! I would be a great Class President because I am very dedicated to making Paly the best that it can be. I will work hard to plan more student activities that break up the daily routine of constant school work. I have started to do this by Co-Chairing the Winter Festival that is Coming up before Winter Break. Vote for me and I will show you that I can be a great representative for the Sophomore Class of 2008.
Freshman Class President
Sam Dulik
Hi, I’m Sam Dulik, and I’m running to be your Freshmen Class President. I have a lot of political experience and fresh new ideas to improve PALY. At my Middle School, I was active in Student Government, and served as 6th Grade Class President, and Middle School President. Then, in the November 2004 Election, I interned at the Santa Clara County Democratic Party Headquarters, where I gained invaluable about what it takes to truly be an effective leader. Politics are my personal passion, and I truly hope that you will vote me into office as your president.
Wayne Lee
I would like to run for freshman class president because with my experience of first semester president I think I will benefit the school. Thank you.
Melanie Maemura
I am running for 9th Grade Class President. My previous experience includes Commissioner, Treasurer and Secretary. As commissioner, I played an active role in fundraising nearly $15, 000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. As treasurer, I prepared an all school student activities budget based on students’ recommendations. As secretary, I recorded minutes and disseminated them. Through these activities I gained skills in organization, communication, and even leadership. My strongest points are my adaptability, which allows me to work well with others. If elected, I would strive for a solid budget with greater student input. I feel committed to improving Palo Alto high school and hope to have the chance.
Monisha McCall
Hello, my name is Monisha McCall and I would like to run for the positions of ninth grade class president and class representative. I think that class president would be a great position for me because I am a great leader, responsible and well organized. If I am elected into either office I promise to listen to my peers and do whatever I can to make Paly a better school.
Ben Setel
My name is Ben Setel. I am very involved at Paly, I was in Mr. McGovern’s Black Death reenactment and am in the robotics club. I am running for class president because I want to make a difference. I want to make Paly a better place for all freshmen. I hope to represent the freshmen class in student council. Vote for Ben Setel.
Class Representative Candidates
[Six slots allocated per class.]
Senior Reps
1. Jane Griffin
2. Phil Havlik
3. Kelly Starnes
4. Junnosuke Tashiro
5. Nikki Przybyla
Junior Reps
1. Ilene Rafii
2. Paula Wu
3. Thomas Hwang
Sophomore Reps
1. Charles Holland
Freshman Reps
1. Emma Stever
Candidate statements and information provided by Student Activities Director Joann Vaars.