Northwood Associated Student Body (ASB) welcomed new faces freshman president Justin Oh and freshman vice president Kristie To on Sept. 25. The two recent Sierra Vista Middle School graduates hope to serve as a stepping stone for their peers to turn their ideas into a reality. 

After Oh and To passed the screening round of the application process, they developed their campaign by reaching out to Northwood freshmen on various social media platforms, designing engaging graphics promoting their campaign that their peers reposted. Another key aspect of the campaign included a 30-45 second speech that was presented to the entire freshman class that outlined their goals for the upcoming year. 

Although distance learning has impacted many of the social aspects of high school, Oh advocates for more community-based events to increase class spirit and enthusiasm in his speech. Oh also plans on attending IUSD board meetings in order to gain insight on important matters that interest both students, parents and faculty and is currently working to occasionally bring Chick-Fil-A to Northwood’s lunch menu in order to bring the school community closer. 

“Being able to make a positive impact in our community is just so meaningful to me,” Oh said. “Being your freshman class president gives me the ability to make a larger impact.” 

Genuinity and open-mindedness played a large role in To’s campaign. She plans on asking for student input for future events, advocates for more events surrounding the VAPA programs and is constantly seeking new ways to connect and engage with her class. 

Getting more involved was important for Oh and To entering through the doors of high school. As past members of Sierra Vista’s ASB, they learned the importance of devoting time to make school the best place it can be, being enthusiastic, spreading spirit and inspiring their peers to do the same. To and Oh can be found hard at work in school communities outside of their ASB duties. To is involved in the Youth Action Team as the class representative, Science Olympiad, and band as a percussionist. Oh plans to take cross country, basketball, and track this year, volunteers for STEAM for All, and draws in his free time. 

“What attracted me to ASB was when I started attending Northwood football games in seventh grade,” To said. “I saw how much spirit and energy ASB and class council had, and that really made me want to run for vice president.” 

Oh and To also work closely with freshman council advisor Marina Alburger for their class activities. Historically, the freshman president and vice president are responsible for the planning and execution of the Talent Show and the freshman Sip n’ Study finals preparation event, although it is still to be determined whether these events will be held this year. 

This year has been a whirlwind, but Oh and To are prepared to face the challenges that are arising from the pandemic. “Although we’re online for our first year of high school, let’s do the best with what we have,” Oh said. “Be yourself, be a voice, make an impact on your community, and be someone you’re proud of.”