In preparation for Palo Alto High School’s Associated Student Body elections next week, candidates are working on their campaigns both on campus and online.

According to Student Activities Director Matthew Hall, ASB extended the voting period from three days to five days this year. It will begin at 8:15 a.m. on Monday, March 26, and last until the end of class on Friday, March 30.

The elections for the 2018-2019 ASB officers will feature 20 candidates, leaving two vacant positions — ASB secretary and sophomore vice president — that will be filled in by the winners of a special election to be held after spring break.

In an email sent to the Paly publication advisers, Hall included candidate speeches along with a file with all candidates’ statements. Read their statements below.

ASB President

Vivian Feng

Vikes, I’m Vivian Feng and I’m running to be your Student Body President. In effort to meet and widen my perspective on the student body, I’ve participated and attended events from all aspects of student life in addition to my duties as Student Body Vice President this year. Any candidate can make promises, but I follow through; this year I made sure that ASB does more than the yearly status quo. Beyond ASB, I’ve served on the Bell Schedule Committee, worked with Sports Boosters, MAC Boosters and board members, and spoken at Site Council Meetings and 8th-Grade Parent Nights. As President, I would increase school spirit and unity, support long-term plans to better Paly’s climate, and improve transfer-student and underclassmen transitions. If you’re looking to elect the most passionate, approachable, dedicated and proactive candidate, who can and will execute tangible change for YOU, vote Vivian Feng for Student Body President.
“I feel that the student body president needs to understand the entire student body, which is really difficult due to the versatile and unique interests of the students,” Feng said. “I understand that, I was a transfer to the district in middle school; I understand what its like to feel misrepresented or misunderstood by student governments.”

Caroline Furrier

Hello Vikings! My name is Caroline Furrier and I am running to be your ASB Student Body President. Over the past three years, I have had the honor of serving as class president for all Freshman, Sophomore and Junior year. During my time in ASB, I have truly found something that I love to do. I enjoy getting to know more individuals every day, organizing events, and most of all, working hard to advocate for all of your interests. I have learned that being a leader is being authentic, responsible, and approachable. With my experience, I intend to continue reaching out to Paly to better understand the student voice while doing my best to be selfless, dedicated, compassionate and most of all, genuine. I hope to uphold the vision of our student body, and to listen to your new ideas to improve the future of Paly and to make your lives easier.

ASB Vice President

Claire Chen

I’m Claire Chen, and I’m running for ASB Vice President. I like and greatly admire Paly students. We are so lucky to have met each other and to form life- long friendships. I want to improve the school experience for all of us. I am dedicated, I work hard, I listen well, I am assertive, I am organized, I am creative, I am friendly and accessible, I can advocate for you, and I am tireless. I represent a fresh voice with new ideas. I want to help Paly students succeed with less stress. I believe that students can help each other. I believe that we must celebrate, learn more about and appreciate our diversity and increase our inclusiveness. We must make sure that all voices are heard and that every Paly student is comfortable expressing their needs and ideas.

Shannon Zhao

Hey Vikes! My name is Shannon Zhao and I’m running to be your ASB Vice President. I began my journey in ASB during my sophomore year, as the class Vice President. This year, I served as the social commissioner, where I co- created Paly’s first ever Quadchella series. Over the course of my high school career, I have been able to build incredible friendships with students from all grade levels in different clubs, sports teams, and theater events. I believe that my genuine interest in building non-exclusionary authentic relationships with a diverse group of people is what sets me apart from other candidates. I vow to be selfless in my actions, engage students from all grade levels, and serve not only as an ASB representative, but also as a friendly face on campus who you can go to for support, solace, and encouragement.

ASB Treasurer

Ashu Bhown

Hello Vikings! My name is Ashu S. Bhown and I’m running for the position of ASB Treasurer for the 2018-2019 school year. I want to make Paly a fun and secure campus to make you as comfortable as possible here. Plus, how could I leave out all the fun activities ASB has in store for you next year, both in and out of Spirit Week? My experience managing financial accounts and investments (both in stocks and cryptocurrencies) and knowledge in the field of consumerism will certainly help me with fiscally organizing these exciting things we have planned. Additionally, I’ll bet that just like me, you too have ideas on how to make our campus better. I will be your voice and ensure that the students will be heard above all else when it comes to improving Paly. Thank you, and remember: Vote ASB for ASB.

Riya Kumar

I would like to be your ASB Treasurer because I believe that I can manage the ASB budget in a way that positively affects our school. As Treasurer, I would make sure that when deciding what to fund, the interests of all students are considered because including everyone in our school activities is vital to a more welcoming school. Furthermore, I value the importance of a non-stressful environment. Being the Junior Class Site Council Representative and a member of ASB has given me examples and inspiration for how to reach this goal. As Treasurer, I can achieve this by supporting the funding of more fun events that reduce stress in collaboration with other Paly groups who are passionate about this topic. Being at Paly for three years has made me care deeply about our school, and I believe that as Treasurer I can make Paly an even more positive experience.

Jonathan Park

I’m Jonathan Park and I aspire to help others, which is why I am running for treasurer. Currently, I am establishing a non-profit organization for the aging in our society. While thinking about what would be cost effective and efficient for the non-profit, I’ve learned the importance of keeping everything organized and setting goals. I have had to accomplish foundational things such as: creating a logo, making a website, engaging effective advertising methods, and finding venues, while staying within my budget. I have learned through much trial and error how to keep the amount of money spent within my budget. This has taught me to be economically meticulous, making me an excellent choice for the role of treasurer. I would strive to mitigate the workload of ASB officers by utilizing the skill set I have acquired through my non profit, and that is why, I aspire to ASB.

Senior President

David Foster

Hi everyone! I am honored and excited to serve as your Senior Class President. I promise to do everything in my power to make our final year at Paly as great as it can be. The class president is your representative, so please let me know what I, and ASB, can do for you. ASB should represent everyone during special moments like Spirit Week, but also throughout the rest of the year. I am going to work to reach out to as much of the grade as possible and plan new events to connect the whole grade. I hope you guys are as thrilled for our senior year as I am. Feel free to reach out to me whenever with any questions, ideas, or concerns!

Senior Vice-President

Sydney Schwan

My name is Sydney Schwan, and I am running for senior class vice president. Because I have been on ASB this past year I feel as if I am qualified to take on this position as well as lead my class in our final year of high school. Next year I plan to have more class fundraisers, as well as getting everyone to get to know their peers better. I also plan to keep the class of 2019 informed of everything going on, whether its a spirit day, dance, activities on the quad, I want everyone to know what is going on, on campus at all times. I am well organized, I want to be a voice for everyone, I’m well organized, and overall I want to help the class of 2019 have the best year they can before we end our journey here at Paly.

Annie Tsui

Hey Juniors! My name is Annie Tsui and I’m running to be your Senior Class Vice President. Over the past three years I’ve had the pleasure of working and cheering alongside all of you whether it be with theatre, Science Olympiad, spirit rallies, walkouts, or just everyday interactions. I’ve seen the things we can do and the ideas we can come up with and I promise that if I am elected to be your Vice President that I will take your input and opinions seriously and be as transparent as I can be. I promise to uphold the values we share together as a class and cherish the memories we make as we move on to our last year here at Paly. Help me help you put a meaning to “save the best for last” and make our senior year the best year yet.

Junior President

Pooja Akella

Hi Class of 2020! I’m Pooja Akella and I’m running to be your Junior Class President. Having served as class president these past two years, I believe I’m the most qualified candidate for this position and know what it means to achieve the greatest successes for our class, from Spirit Week to class fundraisers. This year I plan to continue increasing communication within our class — the social media platforms, including the class Snapchat account I created and run, are only the stepping stones to what I hope to achieve. I also want to increase the inclusion of all students on campus, whether it be catering to dietary needs at events or adding more entertainment options at school-wide dances. I simply want our events to be as enjoyable as possible. I hope that you will continue to allow me serve our outstanding class by electing me Junior Class President! Thank you!

Ally Kim

Hey Vikings! My name is Ally Kim, and I am running for Junior Class President. I have had many leadership experiences that have cultivated my passion to run. I have many ideas to foster school spirit and to overall better our school community, such as improving school spirit and student participation during Spirit Week and dances. I also want to increase publicity for these and similar events. A class president represents the whole class body, so if elected, I will communicate with you guys to know what you want to be heard and set those thoughts into action. If you guys have any questions or just want to talk, you can approach me whenever! Overall, you won’t find another candidate with the drive and energy that I have.

Aaron Li

My name is Aaron Li, and I am running for Paly Junior Class President. I want to be able to execute the changes that you guys, the students, want to see. In my 1.5 years at Paly, I have had the pleasure of building relationships, and connections with many of you, and hopefully will continue to become friends with many more. Although I have not previously been in ASB before, I do have the qualities of being a good leader and work with others well, as I am outgoing, honest, committed to whatever I do, and am capable of making decisions. I firmly believe that Paly can make changes on campus, and if elected class president, I will have the trust and support of administration to ensure that the changes that you want to see, happen. I hope that you will consider selecting my name when choosing who to vote for!

Aron Ma

My name is Aron Ma. I am a responsible and involved student at Paly. I am running for Junior Class President because I believe I can diligently and effectively represent my peers on student council. I am completely up to the task. I cherish speaking and working with others; I love to ideate with my peers. I take pride in my people skills. I’d say being articulate and outgoing are my strong suits. I love this school and everyone inside it, and I am grateful to be surrounded by such unique and diverse individuals. I want to be more involved and help improve us as a whole and be a better school overall. My main goal is to improve communication between our administrators and our student body in anyway possible. It would be my pleasure to be our class president.

Zoe Silver

Hello 2020! I’m Zoe Silver and I would be absolutely thrilled to be your Junior Class President! As President, I’ll bring enthusiasm to the job like nothing you’ve seen before. I promise to go above and beyond to make sure we have a great year. I will bring fresh, new ideas to the table, while using my experience as Sophomore Vice President. As upperclassmen, let’s step up the spirit and set the tone for the rest of the school. I will lead us by creating more ways to get involved through things like incentivizing Spirit Dancers with food, and creating new social events. You will not find a candidate more eager or passionate about the job. I hope we can work together to make next year the best it can be.
Vote Zoe Silver for Junior Class President and let’s have a great junior year 🙂

Junior Vice-President

Leila Khan

Hello Vikes! My name is Leila Khan and I am running to be Junior Vice President. I recognize that Junior year is going to be a difficult one, so I am prepared to do everything in my power to make the upcoming year as stress-free and enjoyable as possible for everyone. From my experiences of being a Paly athlete while working towards being the best possible student, I have gained skills that are imperative for being the leader of a grade. I have a deep love for the Class of 2020, and will continue to contribute to the success of my fellow classmates and lift their spirits throughout the course of the next two years. If elected, I promise to always prioritize your needs, and to consider your ideas and advocate for you at all costs. Vote Leila Khan for a memorable Junior year! Thank you.

Frida Rivera

Hey Vikes! My name is Frida Rivera, and I’m running to be your Junior Class Vice President. I have much experience in being a leader as well as a community member. A goal I hope to achieve is building a stronger sense
of community within our class, which I hope to execute by making sure the opinions of the entire class are taken into account. I am a very approachable person, and if elected, sharing thoughts or opinions about anything will be welcome and encouraged! I have new ideas for events that I will campaign for, such as meme day. Junior year is coming up quickly, with many things in store for us it is essential that we stick together, supporting each other, and being aware of our wellbeing. I hope to lead the junior class in reaching our full potential and crushing the other grades during spirit week!! :P.

Sophomore President

Avantika Singh

My name is Avantika Singh and I am running to be Sophomore President for the next school year. In 2015, I moved from Asia to Palo Alto. It was a move filled with anxiety, but I was fortunate enough to be where many students supported me as I got involved as Jordan’s Spirit Leader and Freshmen VP. This past year ASB has shown me the power of teamwork, whether it’s during spirit week or working to reach our goals. It also taught me that we may not achieve what we set out to do, but trying is an accomplishment in itself. If elected, I will work to convey the student’s voices into new events like we did this year for dance and during spirit week. You put your trust in me by electing me as VP, and I hope you do the same by electing me as Sophomore President.

Adora Zheng

This year, we accomplished a lot together, and none of it would have been possible without you. I’ve always believed in being a part of something bigger than just yourself, and the way we were able to rally together as a class has motivated, driven, and inspired me to do even better next year. As your freshman class president, I’ve gained a lot of valuable experience working with ASB to bring your ideas to fruition; at the same time, I know that we can still do more. With the continued combination of your spirit and my dedication, we’re a force to be reckoned with. Here’s to an ama21ng freshman year and an even better sophomore year! Vote Adora Zheng for your Sophomore Class President!