Meet the ’22-’23 ASB Executive Board-elects

Matilde Martinez-Navarrete, Staff Writer

After weeks of hard campaigning, the winners of the ASB elections and soon-to-be next years’ executive board were announced on Tuesday, March 22. Within these positions, students elected to the board are responsible for making numerous decisions and changes, all with the best interest of the Samo community in mind. Let’s take a look at what some of our newest executive board members have to say following the results!

PRESIDENT:

Nathan Castanza (’23) is the current student member of the board and former community service commissioner and sophomore class vice president. He has been in ASB since middle school, where he won the presidency too.

“I’d definitely say my past experience has prepared me well enough to be president: I’m familiar with being on a class cabinet, a commissioner, and being a part of the executive board… I will ensure students in ASB will stay on task and do their part to make outstanding activities for the student body,” Castanza said.

As president, he will supervise ASB meetings to make sure everyone is on task and continuously planning events, as well as communicate with administration about large scale events and say the daily announcements. Castanza will also give a speech at the graduation for the class of ’23. He plans to organize more pep rallies and other school-spirit related activities to motivate students.

“I also want to inspire students by planning meaningful activities and opportunities, and encourage pursuit of passions and good citizenry. I also plan on coming up with innovative events that can increase the involvement of more students… I’m so excited for the upcoming school year! Go Vikings!” Castanza said.

VICE PRESIDENT:

Egan Waktole (’23) is currently the junior class treasurer and is in her second year of ASB. Waktole is also the president of the Cancer Kids First club and a member of Samo’s Chamber Choir. She decided to run for ASB vice president to be able to advocate for herself and others.

“I wanted to make sure not only my voice was heard, but others who weren’t in ASB,” Waktole said.

Waktole’s responsibility as vice president is to manage class cabinets and make sure they are doing their best and are on task. She will give out demerits to anyone doing otherwise, which she says is a way to hold the student-run class accountable.

“Due to COVID, planning events has been hard for our ASB class… Next year, I really want the whole school to be unified and feel a sense of pride that was present pre-COVID. I hope to accomplish this by putting on more inclusive events, where everyone in school can have fun, like pep rallies…! Let’s all work to make this upcoming school year the best!” Waktole said.

SECRETARY:

Catrina Zolkin ran for ASB secretary to become more involved and active in the Samo community. She is responsible for planning ASB meetings and taking notes during them, as well as supervising committees. 

“My plans for ASB secretary of the 22/23 school year is to make the ASB events next year the best they can be and fun for all students,” Zolkin said.

Outside of ASB, Zolkin enjoys hiking and is a part of the beach and indoor volleyball teams at Samo. She says that being on these teams has taught her the values of teamwork and success. Zolkin is very optimistic about what the upcoming year will bring.

“Thank you for voting! I’m really excited to take on this position next year and I will do my best to make it great!” Zolkin said.

TREASURER:

Kaya Schwartz (’23) ran unopposed for treasurer. Her duties as treasurer will include fundraising and managing all the money that is transferred through Samo, as well as overseeing ASB committees. Scwhartz has been a part of student government since elementary school and was the sophomore class treasurer last year, a position she says has always been alluring. 

“For some reason when I was younger I decided that if I ran for a position it would be treasurer. Maybe I was good at math, or maybe it just sounded appealing, but here I am,” Schwartz said.

Schwartz is also a part of the soccer and lacrosse teams at Samo. Through her work as treasurer, she hopes to make up for all of the events students missed out on because of COVID-19.

“Because of the lack of activities this year due to restrictions, I want to make a budget that allows us to provide for missed experiences,” Schwartz said. 

STUDENT MEMBER OF THE BOARD:

Mira Wagabaza (’24), current sophomore and former freshman class secretary, will represent Samo students at school board meetings as the student member of the board. She says she was inspired to run by Nathan Castanza (’23), the current student member of the board, and how he had an impact on the school district.

“I was intrigued and, as I learned more about what the position entailed, I became very interested in the role. I look forward to being the person that students can count on to have their views brought to light,” Wagabaza said.

Wagabaza plans to stay on top of students’ needs the next school year and be a voice for the Samo student body.

“While there is still a lot of uncertainty about next school year, I will work to ensure students' health and safety continue to be prioritized. I want students to have as positive a high school experience… and I intend to do my best to make sure their concerns are heard and addressed,” Wagabaza said.

Wagabaza encourages any students to contact her the next school year with any school board related concerns.