Seniors wake at dusk for their senior sunrise, juniors excitedly pick outfits for prom and freshmen shout on the bleachers at their first football games. Behind these seemingly normal events is Northwood’s ASB cabinet, the driving force that brings the student body’s ideas to life.
With two years of ASB experience, one as a student representative on the IUSD Board of Education, ASB president senior Emily Yokota’s vision centers on inclusivity.
“I wanted to amplify every single voice at Northwood, not just one community, not just communities I’m in,” Yokota said. “And so my goal this year was to not only think of new ideas, but to try to alter traditions and gear more towards the general Northwood public.”
According to Yokota, the experiences provided her with lessons that help her thrive as a leader.
“It’s more about trying to understand everyone’s perspectives rather than dictating right and wrong,” Yokota said. “A lot of times we stick with tradition because we say, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ But, to be honest, I think a lot of our traditions are more so guided towards more extroverted people.”
This is a shared goal for the entirety of the ASB cabinet, including all class and vice presidents.
“I represent those who voted for me by taking input,” junior class vice president Sean Latchman said. “This position really has allowed me to deeply think about what people are saying and make sure that everybody’s voice is heard.”
This school year, freshmen Phoebe Choi and Peyton Cheng, sophomores Haidar Alkhafaf and Shelley Liu, juniors Matthew Lee and Sean Latchman and seniors George Liu and Aadhi Balakrishnan are in charge of their respective classes. They work alongside an appointed class council overseen by Northwood teachers.
Furthermore, they closely work with the rest of the ASB cabinet in order to achieve their common vision and to break outdated traditions. For example, the entire cabinet is given ENVOLVE training where they learn more about leadership, teamwork and brainstorming, according to Student Forum president senior Emily Hill.
“We recently had a full day training with someone with leadership expertise,” Hill said. “We brainstormed activities that are now going to be turned into weekly activities and events to implement at Northwood that would foster a greater sense of community and better represent underrated groups such as, for example, Marching Band or [Science Olympiad].”
A different ASB member will be assigned to lead a different activity every week. It’s challenging but rewarding, according to Yokota.
“It’s hard to be original,” Yokota said. “But they’re all very passionate about ideas and what I love about this cabinet this year is that they all truly care.”
