On Friday, April 28, 2023, the Redwood Gigantea hosted a candidate forum. The ASB candidates were able to answer questions provided to them by our staff. This allowed the students of Redwood to get to know their candidates more before the election begins. Unfortunately, some candidates were not able to attend this event. Here are some responses that we have received from them.

Wesley Ball is hoping to build on his “leadership skills” and his “ability to work as a group” as the Junior Class Vice President. This has been his first year in ASB, and he wants to grow through opportunity, friendships, and leadership. Ball says that he can “bring good ideas and be a spokesperson for the students of Redwood” into ASB.

When asked what he hopes to achieve, Ball says, “I hope to make junior year more exciting and be a great help to others. I hope to get more involved and help get others more involved and engaged in our school’s activities.”

“Redwood is a big part of my life and I will forever be a ranger. The people and the friends I have are some of the best people I have ever met. I also love the school spirit that redwood has and hope to help keep that same spirit. I can brighten their day with school spirit.” says Ball.

Briana Chavez, in her first year of ASB, is aiming to become Senior Class Vice President. Chavez believes she can grow “with the responsibilities and challenges that may arise if elected”. She hopes to achieve “a strong and cohesive senior class community, since I want to make sure we have a memorable senior year and that takes all of us.”

When asked about what unique qualities she can bring into ASB, Chavez says, “I am a strong communicator and collaborator, and I believe that these skills will be invaluable in working with other members of the class council to achieve our goals. Additionally, I am creative, resourceful, and able to think outside the box, which I believe will help us to come up with innovative solutions to the challenges we may face. Finally, I am passionate about serving my senior class and making a positive impact on our school community, and I am committed to doing everything I can to make this a successful and memorable senior year for everyone.”

Chavez says that the school environment is what inspires her to run for office. She loves to see the school spirit around campus, and would love to be apart of it next year.

“Redwood means a lot to me. It’s a place where I’ve made great memories, formed lasting friendships, and learned valuable life lessons. I believe that as student leaders, it’s our responsibility to give back to our school community and to make sure that every student feels valued and included. If elected, I am committed to working with my fellow student leaders to create a positive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Whether it’s organizing events, advocating for student needs, or simply being a friendly and approachable presence on campus, I am dedicated to doing whatever it takes to make our school the best it can be. I believe that by working together and staying focused on our shared goals, we can achieve great things as a team.” Chavez says.

Yuridia Cantolan is also running for Senior Class Vice President, and is inspired to work hard by her friends. Cantolan has been in ASB for a year, and says that it has been full of experiences and “I was able to fully feel like a ranger within the school culture.” When asked why she is running for office, Cantolan says, “I am running for office not for the position or the benefits that come from being in ASB, but because I want what’s best for my class and I believe I will be able to represent them by making their voices heard.”

“Although, I only been here one year, Redwood is a community and a school full of culture and spirit. I been able to see Redwood from behind the scenes by being in ASB, and it’s truly a great sense of pride to be a Ranger. It’s truly is the school with the most spirit in the valley. With that being said, I can continue on with the spirit Redwood holds and instill traditions for the new class to come. As well as to make our last year of high school memorable for the class of 2024.” Cantolan says.

“People should vote for me because I want what’s best not just for my senior class but the whole student body. I want people to be informed and I will do so by continuing on the class instagram. I am also committed to this school and want only but the best. I want to make sure that the incoming freshman and younger rangers know all the traditions Redwood has. I just want everyone to know that they can count on me to bring the hard work and be a friend to all.”

Cantolan says that she will “cope with any challenges that come with the presidency by communicating with the Vice President and the student body. If any obstacles do occur, I know I am flexible individual ready to analyze and lay out any possible changes needed.”

Chloe Seals is striving for the position of ASB’s Treasurer, and has been is ASB for a year. In the previous year, Seals served as the Sophomore Class Vice President. When asked what Redwood means to her, Seals says, “Redwood is a diverse community of students united through school spirit. Through my own experiences at Redwood, I have been given so many opportunities to grow as a student, leader, athlete, and person. I want all Rangers to be able to experience these same opportunities. By further developing the inclusive culture we have on our campus, Redwood students will be able to find their interests and be able to excel.”

“I am running for the office of ASB Treasurer because I am confident I will be an asset to the Exec Board. I have been in ABS for a year now and I am eager to get involved at a deeper level. I want to ensure that Redwood ASB is able to continue to give students experiences they will cherish forever.” says Seals.

“I am dedicated, hardworking, and great with numbers. I have prior experience in leadership positions, being a current active member of Redwood’s Leadership class. I am also dependable and organized. I find these qualities help to shape the asset I can be to ASB.”

Seals says that she believes diversity “can contribute to becoming stronger as resilience is a fundamental trait to being leader.”

Alexis Lopez has previously been in ASB for two years, and is hoping to become their Spirit Coordinator. She wants to “build on the involvement of the students and the connection the students have with each other.”

When asked what goals she hopes to accomplish next year, Lopez says, “I hope to accomplish a sense of unity amongst the students and a campus that will be inviting to the students. I also want outsiders to see how great our school is.”

“Since I have been in ASB for a couple years now I have learned how to fix problems on the spot or under pressure so I feel that is a good quality for someone to have because things happen and you have to figure out a way to keep going.” says Lopez.

“As Spirit Coordinator, I would like to put on some new activities that we have thought of in ASB but I also want to make sure that we are keeping those traditions that have been going in for many years and improving those as well or thinking of new ideas to add. Everyone in ASB has great ideas so I will always be willing to listen to what they have to say. When challenges come up I will just look for a way to overcome them or embrace them.” Lopez says.

That is what your 2023 ASB Candidates have to say, so make sure to vote for them as you wish. For those of you who were not able to watch the livestream for the Candidate Forum, it is available to watch on YouTube on the Gigantea’s channel. Make sure to place your votes in on Friday, May 5th.

Abigail Acevedo
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Abigail Acevedo, class of '26, is a photographer for the Redwood Gigantea. Her favorite movies are Little Miss Sunshine and Bullet Train. “You put peace out into the world, you get peace back.”

 

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