High school sees electoral college in action

ASB hosts annual convention to elect new officers
ASB hosts annual convention to elect new officers

The San Benito High School Associated Student Body held its annual ASB convention Feb. 1 to vote in officers for the next school year.

Roughly three people from every first-block class were chosen to attend the convention and be the first to cast their votes for next year’s ASB officers.

“I still feel the same as I did when I first began teaching here,” said Juan Robledo, the student activities director for San Benito High School, as he opened the convention. “This is a place where we choose our own leaders.”

Robledo, who has worked at SBHS for 38 years, continued to speak about how the school is a democracy. Robledo said democracy can be seen as a burden, but the students shouldn’t let it appear that way.

“As a school we have very strong activities, academic, and sports programs,” Robledo said. “I am very proud to be a Baler.”

After Robledo opened the convention, Assistant Principal Antonio Vela had a few words to say to the congregation of students.

“This year is no less important than any other we have had,” Vela said. “We need to come together to find those who represent our aspirations, our values as Balers, and your visions for the school.”

One by one, the candidates and their campaign managers made speeches. After all the candidates for a single position finished their speeches, the delegates voted to determine the top two winners to be put on the ballot that are then voted on by the entire high school population.

“We are here because we believe that we can make a change,” said Claire Genesy, the co-commissioner of social activities, who ran for ASB vice president.

After the candidates said their speeches and the delegates cast their votes, current ASB president Kyle Skinner approached the podium for a few final words.

“Watching my fellow officers do their jobs this year has made me so proud,” Skinner said. “I encourage all to get involved in anyway they can.”

Skinner closed the convention with a few words to the upcoming ASB officers.

“It does get stressful,” he said. “Just take your time and breath and learn to stay strong and just keep moving along.”

2012-2013 Associated Student Body Elect:

ASB President Bella Diaz

ASB Vice President Claire Genesy

Student Congress President Dylan Ponzio

Commissioner of Athletics Dylan Ito

Commissioner of Social Activities Giselle Gutierrez

Commissioner of Clubs Rosa Torres

Rally Club President Daniella Roacha

The following positions are elected by their classes:

Senior Class Commissioner

Junior Class Commissioner

Sophomore Class Commissioner

The following will be appointed by the elected ASB officers:

Freshman Class Commissioner

Co-Commissioner of Community Affairs

Representative to the Board

ASB Secretary

Correspondence Secretary

Staff Relations Coordinator

Commissioner of Publicity

Commissioner of Academics

Link Crew Commissioner

ASB Class Coordinator

Co-Commissioner of Social Activities

ASB Treasurer

AV Coordinator

Cultural Awareness Commissioner

Historian