Izek Nelson Strives for Positive Change as he Campaigns for ASB Presidency

By: Donya Hassanshahi

On Friday, May 5th, the Associated Student Body [ASB] will launch their annual ASB Candidate elections. From 8AM to 3:40PM, Rangers will be able to vote for the upcoming school year leadership.

Izek Nelson, ’24 has been an active member of ASB since his freshman year. Currently, he is running for the 2023-2024 ASB President.

In the past, Nelson says he did not initially look to run for ASB President. He says, “When I was a freshman, I was more focused on [ASB] Vice President just because I wanted to focus a little bit more on my ‘Students Against Trafficking’ club, but then as I’ve progressed in ASB and seen different styles of leadership and seen people graduate, people leave ASB, people join, I’ve just felt very comfortable and confident.”

Another factor that he says determined his decision to run was to positively contribute to Redwood’s school culture and Ranger spirit.

“…I feel that we are at a point right now where, as a school, we’ve reached that point where COVID’s done and we are in that area where we are focusing on the school culture—our football games, activities, clubs—where we don’t have as many restrictions,” says Nelson.

As both a student and individual, Nelson says he’s grown by the encounters he’s had with people and the connections he’s made. “I feel like from then on, [ASB has] helped me grow in terms of my work-ethic and stuff I could get done, as well. A lot of that contributed to this: people I look up to like Keira Griffiths, Alyssa Sozinho, and Mrs. Aston—of course—our advisor,” he says.

When Nelson was in eighth grade, he says he and his parents visited Redwood during an event one night. At this event, he says that he saw a variety of clubs, sports, and the ASB committee.

Given the construction of the gym was not yet set forth, he says that the ASB table was organized in the middle of the gym. Standing at the table was former ASB President, Jada Griffiths.

Nelson says that Griffiths explained to him what ASB represented and what it meant. During their exchange, he says, “I asked her what middle school she went to, and she told me Oak Grove, which was the same school that I had gone to. I just remember from then on I would do this and see how it goes, and if I enjoyed it, I’ll continue with it.”

From past ASB members, Nelson says the advice he’s been given is to “Be out there and get work done and listen.”

With that advice, he says, “I think a big part of it is listening, kind of coming to an understanding of what the school needs since we are the students. I feel like a lot of the decisions come from the school board and VUSD and the administration here, but I think that it’s important that we have a role and a say in that as much as needed.”

As on now, Nelson says his ambitions lie in student participation.

Given that COVID strained in-person connections, and Rangers have experienced activities like football games, Love Week, and Battle Week, he says, “I think next year there’s going to be a really big standard and expectations when it comes to these events…I plan on making it fun and trying to get as many people involved as possible.

In the upcoming year, Nelson says, “I feel like a great way to implement Ranger spirit, and I’ve kind of noticed this throughout the school year, is with the Super Fan shirts. On Friday’s—I’m guilty of it, I don’t wear my Super Fan shirt on every Friday— but I feel like when we hand out the Super Fan shirts, we should give out the story behind the Super Fan shirts. I feel like that ultimately brings the school spirit together is that shirt and I think when everybody see us wearing it, it’s a big family and culture that we have here…trying to talk to as many people as we can to get them comfortable about these dress-up days and things that we have just so they are aware of what the expectation is to be a Ranger. I think focusing on that and just explaining to them will bring back their Ranger spirit and make them feel more comfortable.”

He says, “When I set my mind to something, I want to get it done. I feel like I’m a very hard worker and I try to listen to as many people as I can and get their ideas, opinions, all of that stuff. Overall, I try to be positive and uplifting and try to get to know as many people as I can to try to be people’s friends.”

For his campaign, Nelson has done gone beyond social media and handing out posters. Throughout the week, he has dressed-up in his Money Suit and American Flag outfits, “I think it’s different and it makes me feel a little bit more confident knowing I can go to school wearing that stuff.”

He says he also signed up for shifts at the Student Store during lunch “…throughout this week so I can get to know people and talk to them because I feel like social media is a great took to campaign, but I feel like somethings not a lot of people are on social media. By me talking to them, they get to know me as a person, instead of me just saying, ‘Hey, reshare this’.”

Given his dedication to ASB throughout the years, Nelson says he looks forward to what the future will bring.

“I’m excited to be running, and win-or-lose, I’m excited for my senior year.”

Izek Nelson, ’24

Rangers can vote here for the candidates of the 2023-2024 elections.

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