For the third straight year, the OG is publishing the bios of all candidates for class elections, which will take place Wednesday during English classes. We want to thank Student Council executive president Micah Berman for providing us with the bios and giving us permission to run them. Please note that the OG is running the bios without any editing. The "note on the biographies" was part of the information that Student Council provided to the OG.

A note on the biographies

Due to a lack of candidates, the call for bios was re-opened and the deadline for submission extended. In order to recognize those candidates who met the original deadline, while still including those candidates who answered our call and declared their candidacy during the deadline extension, we have denoted candidate’s status in this guide. Names that are bold and underlined are those of candidates who made the original deadline, and are listed in a group alphabetically by last name. Names that are only underlined are those who made the second (extended) deadline, and are listed in a second group alphabetically by last name. Good luck to all in this year’s elections!

RISING SENIORS (2009)

CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT

Deborah Ladd: Our last year of school is here, and we all want to go out with a bang. I know that in the past, our class' student council has not done a whole lot that involved the class actually doing any planning. If you decide to elect me, I will try to have lots of activities for the class to do together, and make sure that all the dances and other things we're supposed to take care of are really awesome and live up to how cool our class is. Basically, I would ask the class what you wanted, and you wouldn't be left out of the loop. Speeches are stupid, so let's just have a fun senior year!

Kareem Sayegh: Hey guys, it's Kareem. You all have known me for some time. I hope you think I'm capable. I'm decidedly deciding to run for President of your class. Also, I will do a good job, and our class trip will not be a joke, it will be extremely exciting and also extremely didactic (just kidding) and educating, and also will bring the class together, and also a very long sentence. I'm really pumped for our senior year, and I promise you won't regret electing me.

Lor Sligar: Hey, it’s Lor, and I’m running for President of our class. I love to plan things, and really liked all the class trips we’ve had in the past. I would really like to keep all those things going, and do lots of fundraisers so we can keep doing fun things, like our theme park trip that we take every year. I’m also a very creative person, and along with the rest of our class student council, will organize really unique and awesome activities. So vote for me! We need a really active senior year, because this is the end of the world as we know it.

CANDIDATES FOR VICE PRESIDENT

Lauren Piester: I'm running for vice-president of next year's senior class. I was on studco subbie year, and while I wasn't the greatest class president, I've learned a lot since then. Plus, I really want to help us have an awesome senior year. I like planning and organizing things, and I can get things done. So I would really appreciate your vote for next year's senior class vice president.

Elaine Gu: Dear class of 2009,
My name is Elaine Gu and I am running for vice president. As a member of prom committee and S4BW, I am good at planning things and getting things done. I will work closely with the president and secretary to keep you guys informed on all that is going on and I will do my best to ensure that we have an excellent final year at Uni.

Thanks!!

-Elaine

Jasmine Alvarado: I would like to run for our senior class Vice President because I possess the leadership skills and focus to keep our affairs in order. I am also able to make sure that we follow through with fun plans and make sure that we have the best senior class trip ever! I will be able to assist whoever our president is in making sure fun things happen that are reasonable & within our class budget. I will be able to improve upon ideas presented to our class so that our senior year can be the best senior year ever! I have experience on StudCo as well. I served as our freshman sec/tres and sophomore year I served as the sfac liason. I can bring a lot of ideas to the StudCo table & would very much enjoy doin so. Vote for Jasmine to be your senior class VP!

CANDIDATES FOR SECRETARY/TREASURER

Nish Nookala: Hey guys, my name is Nish Nookala and I would like to humbly ask you all to participate in the democratic process and vote for me for your senior class secretary/treasurer. As many of you know, I am fairly good with numbers and I will strive to save money to benefit our class' various ventures as much as possible. You can rest peacefully knowing that I, along with my fellow council members, will ensure that your senior year will be the best ever.
Thanks guys!
-Nish

CANDIDATES FOR STUDENT-FACULTY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Karolina Kalbarczyk: I am Karolina Kalbarczyk and I would like to be the SFAC representative for the senior Class of 2009. I have served our class dutifully on SFAC for the past four years, and I would like to be able to represent our class during our last year at Uni. In my time as a SFAC representative, I participated extensively in the development of the Honor Code and Honor Council, and I believe that this experience has prepared me to successfully represent our class in the Student Faculty Advisory Committee of 2009. I hope you shall vote for me to represent our class during our senior year at Uni.

RISING JUNIORS (2010)

CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT

Rachel Harmon: I am Rachel Harmon and I am running for the President of the junior class. Over the years at Uni my understanding of Student Council and what it takes to be an effective Student Council member has been transformed. Initially, as a subfreshman and freshman I believed that it took someone with leadership skills, lots of friends, and innovative ideas to be a good student leader. All of which is true, however, I now know that it takes much more than that to be an effective Student Council member, it takes a positive attitude, it takes patience, and it takes a lot of time and energy. I understand fully that innovative ideas are not enough, it takes a lot of time, energy, and patience to see them follow through. This year in Student Council was not the worst or the best, there were some successes and some failures, but from every thing that failed this year I learned how not to do it again, and from every success I learned the secret to seeing it happen again. This is one of the main reasons I feel like having me as president next year would decrease the amount of mistakes that happen as a result of not knowing how to do things. The biggest responsibility of the junior class officers is Prom! Having been on Student Council for two years (Subfreshman and Sophomore year) and having worked on prom this year has given me and the other sophomore class officers valuable experience with planning Prom that can definitely help us out next year. Instead of making any vague promises for next year I guess I’ll end with a guarantee, if I am elected President next year I will work my hardest and ensure that the class of 2010 is represented well in Student Council.

Erika Belmont: Hey guys, I’m Erika Belmont and I’m running for president for our junior year. I’d like to be your president because there's been a disappointing lack of class activities such as the fact that we haven't had a single movie night all year and our class trip was canceled largely since there was a girls soccer game that same day. I will work hard not only to make successful, fun activities for the whole class to participate in but I’ll actually listen to all your ideas and opinions so everybody is fully represented. I’ll also work hard to raise money for our class with numerous fundraisers and maybe even a few ice cream sales. The fact that I want to run for president our junior year when it's well known that the most work is involved this year with prom shows that I don't want to just add this as a list of achievements but I truly want to work for the betterment of Uni and its students.

Zack Goldberg: Hello, I am Zack Goldberg and as the junior class president I will actually get stuff done. Planning an activity that we can all enjoy as a class together would be a top priority, and establishing a money base to fund prom would also be high on the list. In addition our class has been under the leadership of the same people for a long time and I think it is time for a change. Even if I dont get ellected I still plan on finding a way to make sure our class turns out to be the best it can be in the coming year.

Sincerely,
Zack Goldberg

CANDIDATES FOR VICE PRESIDENT

Linda Ly: Okay sophomores, it's election time, and I'm running for JR. class vice-president. Next year, the JR. class is in charge of planning prom, the biggest project our class will have to plan. Planning prom will be a long process, and this year's class officers have already seen this year's prom planned. Since I've been vice-president for three years, I'll be able able to get what needs to be done, done, so prom can be a success. I will promise to make sure we have enough money to get everything we need, and make sure everything goes as planned. This year's events for our class have been successes and I want to help the other class officers, continue the trend.

Sian Best: Hey, my name is Sian Best and I am running for the position of vice president. Although I haven't had any previous experience in Stud Co, I believe I would bring new ideas to Student Council to ensure our junior year is memorable. I am aware that next year is an important and incredibly busy year, with events such as prom, but I am willing to take the time to organize and do what I can to make our junior year awesome. I would contribute to and support both the President and the Secretary Treasurer, and try to arrange fundraisers, so that our class can have events and class trips. I would really like to represent our class next year as vice president, and I'll try to bring all of your ideas to the table. I hope you'll vote for me. Thank you :)

Amy Ding: Class of 2010, we are reaching the end of our sophomore year. We have now officially completed over half of our Uni journey. However, next year, junior year, is a long and stressful year. Therefore, I, Amy Ding, would like to help make your junior year enjoyable by representing you as Vice President. I believe that it is important for student council to focus upon the opinions of the students and work to address the needs of the student body. Therefore, I will be open to all suggestions and I will gladly make sure that your concerns are voiced in student council. One of the main goals that I would have for our junior year would definitely be a class trip. Though we were not able to go to Six Flags this year, I feel that next year will open many opportunities for us. I believe that as Vice President, I would be able to bring fresh ideas to the table that will allow us to bring about an exciting class trip. Junior year also brings the responsibility of sponsoring prom. I have had a lot of organizing experience, having helped organized many of S4BW’s fundraising events, such as charity dinners and bike rides. I am extremely dedicated and I am willing to put in the time and effort required to make this event a success. By helping to set up for this year’s prom, I have gained an insight on the planning and dedication required for sponsoring prom, which will be very useful to our class when it is our turn. As the Vice President of our class, I will work in the best interests of our class, making sure that everybody’s junior year is as enjoyable as possible. I hope that I have your vote!

Cheyenne Stewart: So there seems to be a lot of beef going around about these elusive student council titles. Lots of crews battling it out in the streets. And even if you've been dodging the heat yourself, I know you've probably been ducking from those wild catfights in the hallways. But you know what? Not only do I want to jazz up our class structure (noticed a strange monopoly on stud co positions, anyone?), but I also promote peace! I'm also groovin' on the idea of a class trip. I'm here to listen to your yays and nays. Your wants and needs. Vote for me and I will keep it real as your VP in the 08/09 school year.

CANDIDATES FOR SECRETARY/TREASURER

Maritza Mestre: Hey everyone, I’m Maritza Mestre and I am running for the office of Secretary/Treasurer. For the past two years I have represented our class as Secretary/Treasurer, and each year we have been able to accomplish more (like host a successful Winter Formal and increase our class funds by a factor of four). The experience I have as Secretary/Treasurer will be crucial next year when our class is responsible for prom. Planning prom is a huge responsibility and it is essential for our class to exhibit the level of commitment needed. I am a very organized person, and I will continue to work my best to help our class do everything to the best of its ability. I enjoy working on our Student Council, and I feel this enthusiasm is essential and pays off in every respect. Next year our class officers will have the largest role they have ever had and the experience I have with planning dances, other school fundraisers, and activities will help our class greatly. I am committed and eager to represent the class of 2010 as Secretary/Treasurer!

Alexx Engles: It's common knowledge that anyone that runs for secretary treasurer is just looking for an easy ticket to get onto Stud Co so they can write it down on their college apps and look good. So, now that we've cleared that up, it's common knowledge that that's NOT what I'm looking to do. I am truly dedicated to the cause of the betterment of our school. The new ugly colors of the school? The sad lack of organization within our many school clubs? The fact that most Uni dances have become a thing of desolate, sparse attendance? Well, I won't really change any of that because that's not the point! The real point is about fiscal policy. I'm not quite sure what the means, but as secretary treasurer, I will adhere to whatever rules make up fiscal policy. Also there's the fiduciary duty between me and the cash box but let's not get into that! Basically I will excel with those duties as well, whatever they may be. So, while I can't promise the student body ridiculously outlandish things like making dances more fun, I CAN promise that I can toss out random financial terms at any given moment and almost sound like I know what I'm talking about! And though these things are pretty much a given, I will be AWESOME as secretary treasurer because I like counting things for excessively long amounts of time, attending meetings, and planning fun projects! So make me, Alexx Engles, your Junior year secretary treasurer!

CANDIDATES FOR STUDENT-FACULTY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Laura Dripps: My name is Laura Dripps, and I want to be your junior year SFAC representative. Throughout my time on SFAC I have brought up any issue a member of our class has asked me to talk about, and fought to get the committee on your side. My voting record has always represented the majority opinion and best interest of our class. I also think you should vote for me because I am insanely enthusiastic about the committee, which is a pretty rare quality.

In short: I know how the handbook works, and I actually like SFAC a lot. With your help, I would love to represent all of you for another year.

RISING SOPHOMORES (2011)

CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT

Stefanie Senior: Hey! So, I'm planning on running for Sophomore Class President for the 2008-2009 school year! I've spent the better part of this year thinking of great ways to make our sophomore year a really great one, and came up with a couple ideas. They involve a sophomore class trip to the City Museum in St. Louis and a Halloween-themed movie night, but neither of them are possible without your vote! If you think those are good ideas, I've got plenty more just floating around in my brain. Let's have a great sophomore year!

Erick Dietz: Hi my name is Erick Dietz. I would like to run for president. I don't have a ton of experience but I work well with people and have fresh ideas and common sense. I am also very willing to compromise with other people but will voice my opinion.

Amanda Hwu: My name is Amanda Hwu and I would be honored to represent the Class of 2011 as Class President for the 2008-2009 school year. I believe that I am qualified for this position because I know how to respectfully and efficiently work with people and I value their opinion. If elected, I promise that I will be fully committed to Student Council. Neither academics nor athletics will take precedence because I believe that Student Council holds just as much importance.

My wish to be Class President is not fueled by a lust for power but a desire to essentially represent my class and give them a fair say in the meetings where Uni High faculty and Student Council decide what to do and what not to do. The 2008-2009 school year does not just belong to Student Council but all of you. As Class President, I want to give you a say, a chance to stand for what you want in your school year. I want to be your voice next year so that you can be heard.

Please vote for me as your next Class President!

Nancy Tang: My name is Nancy Tang and I am running for President of the rising Sophomore class. I think I would be a good representative for the Class of 2011 because I have leadership experience with various types of people. I attended an international school for two years, where I studied abroad and collaborated with people from over 30 countries. I have had leadership experience in an international community as well as right here at Uni. I have organized many events for school clubs and organizations I volunteer for (UNICEF, OCEF, etc.). I am capable of listening and taking into consideration the opinions of others, as well as making decisions that are in the best interest of the class. In addition to that, I work very well with others and like making things enjoyable. I’m a good public speaker, and, if you’ve ever worked with me, you’ll know how borderline obsessive I am about being organized. Vote for me, so we can make Sophomore year one of the best!

CANDIDATES FOR VICE PRESIDENT

Wynee Bao: As a student in next year's sophomore class, I feel obligated to try running for a place in Student Council. This may be because I feel that this is a perfect opportunity to get some college application fluff, but it is really because I want to help our class continue its existence.

As VP, I will help the President with his/her responsibilities. I will also listen to any opinions from our class and do my best to convey these to the rest of the Student Council body. I've been at Uni for two years, and it has been a great experience, although some people may doubt my words.

With my knowledge of our class of 2011, I'll make our existence even more prominent as well as entertaining.

Sheela Gogula: Hey my name is Sheela and I am running for sophomore vice president. I believe that I am qualified because I am organized, responsible, listen to others and an all around friendly person. I think that I work well with other people and get things done in a timely manner. I would be open to and listen to your ideas and actually try to make them happen. I promise that if I am elected I, along with the other officers, will make sophomore year a fun, memorable year! Thanks!

Christina Gratton: My name is Cristina Gratton and I am running for vice president for the sophomore class. I know how to make next year a successful year for our class. I have the ideas, organizational skills, and initiative to make next year a fun year for the whole class. With these ideas I hope for coming years to be more fun. I will listen to the ideas of others and use them to the benefit of our class. With the money made from various occasions I hope to be able to organize class trips and other enjoyable things for our class such as dances or movie nights.

Vote Cristina and you will get a responsible and trustworthy vice president. Vote Cristina for vice president!

Adam Joseph: My name is Adam Joseph and I am running for Vice President of the Class Of 2011. This year I have served as co-SFAC liaison, meaning that I attended all student council and SFAC meetings. This position gave me an insight to how student council operates and how SFAC operates, giving me some great information if I was to become Vice president. If I was elected Vice President my highest priority would be to support the president and our class. Watching student council meetings this year have helped me get an idea of the direction our class should go, and what we should and shouldn't do. I have also held positions in my boy scout troop that were equivalent to Vice President, and my time on office went rather well. I believe that I have the experience and knowledge to make me a good class Vice President

Vote Me!!
Adam Joseph

Dillon Price: My name is Dillon Price, and I would like to be next year's Sophomore Vice President. I think I would make a good vice president because I am very enthusiastic. If I say I'm going to get something done, it's going to get done. When I'm truly dedicated to making something happen, with a little help from other. I can make it happen. I am a wiz at saving money and figuring out how to make money. I'm always full of new ideas that can benefit people. I always have in mind other people, the last person I think I should please is me, everyone else comes first. I've been described as a good listener and a hard worker, and I hope you will vote for me.

Sincerely,
Dillon Price

CANDIDATES FOR SECRETARY/TREASURER

Revathi Maturi: My name is Revathi Maturi and I am running for secretary/treasurer of the Class of 2011. I have served on student council for the 07-08 school year and have learned many valuable lessons from this experience. After freshman year I have learned how student council works and what is expected of a class officer. I think I would be great for the position because I am organized, responsible, and trustworthy. If elected I will work closely with the president and vice-president and put 100% of my effort into making our sophomore year great! I will also work hard on a class trip and other fun activities. Thanks for your time and please vote me for the Class of 2011 secretary/treasurer!

CANDIDATES FOR STUDENT-FACULTY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Jenny Cooke: My name is Jenny Cooke and I am running for sophomore SFAC representative. I have previously served as your subfreshman vice-president and freshman SFAC representative. I have been outspoken and have striven to represent the interests of our class. As your SFAC representative, I will continue to bring energy, organization and dedication to this important job. I will work to ensure that the issues of the sophomore class are represented in SFAC. I welcome hearing your thoughts and opinions on what needs to be done to make our sophomore year better. I would be honored to serve as your SFAC representative.
-Jenny Cooke

RISING FRESHMEN (2012)

CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT

No applicants; will be elected in a special election.

CANDIDATES FOR VICE PRESIDENT

No applicants; will be elected in a special election.

CANDIDATES FOR SECRETARY/TREASURER

Annie Rong: Hello, my name is Annie Rong and I am running for the Secretary/Treasurer position in the Rising Freshmen Stud Co. I believed that I am qualified for this position because I’m a fairly organized person, I enjoy taking notes and managing details, and I like to work to people. In the past, I served Student Council in all my previous school and was the previous Subbie Secretary/Treasurer. And on behalf of my fellow classmates, I hope to serve them well for another year! Thanks for reading. :)

Hannah Johlas: I’m Hannah Johlas and I’m running for freshman secretary. I think that I would be a good candidate for secretary because I’m organized. I have also been in Girl Scouts for 7 years now, and last year I earned my Bronze Award. I volunteered at a library last summer and am planning to volunteer again this summer.

Aramael Pena-Alcantara: My name is Aramael Pena-Alcantara. I am interested in running for class secretary/treasurer. I believe I will do an excellent job since I'm organized, hard-worker and enjoy working with all types of people. If elected secretary/treasurer I believe that some of my most important priorities will be dealing with all correspondence and keeping the 2012 class informed about all our activities, since I believe that we all should know what is happening without having to attend all meetings. If you vote for me, information about the 2012 class will be easily accessible and readily available to all of you. Additionally, I will keep accurate records of all receipts and expenditures that we carry on and will be involved in all fundraising activities.

CANDIDATES FOR STUDENT-FACULTY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Christina Harden: My name is Christina Harden, and I'd like to be the SFAC representative for the Freshman class. I served on SFAC subbie year, and I really enjoyed it and learned a lot. I would really like to be on SFAC again this year because I think I'll have more of a voice in what we talk about, and help improve the school a lot more. So, overall, it would be awesome if you guys would elect me to be SFAC representative again. :)