A new era is rising and an old one is setting. During ASB election week, the fate of the free world—or at least the next Homecoming—is decided. Two compassionate, mutually respectful and integrity-driven changemakers emerged: ASB president candidates juniors Lily Ye and Hannah Cho. Their speeches transported mere Northwoodians to a realm where chickens experience existential crises and DJs reign supreme.
“What came first, the chicken or the egg?” (Ye 1).
By using a rhetorical question, Ye displays her intelligence and merit as a candidate, sending the audience’s minds spiraling into a vortex of existential uncertainty. Through the use of deep, transformative questions, Ye shows the audience that she will look out for us proletariats by challenging conventional thinking.
“I’m Lily, and I can’t answer that, but what I can tell you is I’m not a chicken: that’s why I’m running to be your ASB President” (Ye 3.14159).
Ye is indirectly characterized as quirky and relatable, giving the audience the impression that she is someone who understands and connects with her fellow students on a fundamental level, “one of the boys.” This will earn trust and admiration, proving she’s the perfect candidate to lead Northwood into the unknown territory of the next year.
“This year in ASB, I’ve realized that all new roles come with a learning curve. Even if something seems scary to begin with, trying new things and being humble enough to ask for help from those around you is what builds a strong community of unique people” (Ye 5).
Ye once again displays her willingness to fight for our rights. By demonstrating reliance Ye is pushing for a better, brighter future here at Northwood as a candidate that represents the people. But, what truly sets her apart is her humble demeanor in the face of such noble endeavors.
“Planning Club Rush, I worked on communication and resiliency, and now I’m not afraid to work behind the scenes, get my hands dirty or ask for help because the end goal is having an ASB that listens and collaborates” (Ye 6).
Through her specific involvement in planning Club Rush as this year’s Club’s Commissioner, she uses ethos to incorporate relevant experience that she can apply to the ASB President position. The phrase “I’m not afraid to work behind the scenes or ask for help,” demonstrates Ye’s willingness to engage in the practical aspects of leadership that are not as glamorous, demonstrating her dedication and humility (Ye is THO aka Truly Humble Oaktree).
“It’s important to elect someone who will prioritize ASB and student body well-being but equally so to elect someone who will work well with anyone, no matter the situation. I’ve got the time and the experience” (Ye history as it eyes on you).
Ye’s use of parallelism with the repeated use of “who will” followed by parallel phrases creates a clear and concise contrast between two key qualities that she believes are essential for an effective ASB president. It emphasizes her skills in prioritizing ASB and student body wellbeing along with working well with others (girlboss).
“Believe to achieve, T-wolves, and I believe you should elect me for ASB president. Vote Lily Ye for ASB P!” (Ye 7).
The internal rhyme of “believe” and “achieve” enhances its memorability and impact on the audience by creating a sense of unity in her message. Ye’s Troy Bolton cosplay demonstrates how we can become Gabriella if we believe in ourselves and vote for Lily Ye.
“Hey T-wolves! My name is Hannah C and I’m running to be your ASB P. As your pres, I’ll make sure that you guys—the Class of 25, 6, 7 and, get this, 28—will have the best school year yet.” (Cho 1).
Cho’s choice of casual diction through terms like “pres” and “you guys” reflects a familiarity with school culture and positions her as integral to Northwood. Additionally, referencing specific class years, such as “the Class of 25, 6, 7” and “28” fosters inclusivity and ensures the audience feels acknowledged and represented (no taxation without representation, AKA she is learning from her APUSH lecture notes).
“Having been a part of ASB and Class Council for two years, I had a blast planning Homecoming, spirit weeks and, most recently, being the girl on the T-wolf Tuesdays with y’all on the NHS Instagram account” (Cho 2).
Cho utilizes ethos by highlighting how many years she has been in student government to make her seem credible. The colloquial language she uses, such as “had a blast” and “y’all,” enhances the conversational and relatable tone, engaging the audience.
“As your ASB President, you can rely on me to take all of our events and activities to the ‘Project X’ level” (Cho 5).
When the words “’Project X’ level” are played 10 times fast, Cho is sending subliminal messages to Northwood K-pop stans. Aespa’s “Next Level” summons them to mass vote for Cho. By using “our events and activities,” Cho engages this critical Northwood demographic and implies a sense of community and participation in the school’s extracurricular events.
“Last year’s DJ may not have been so good, and I’m not Gypsy Rose Blanchard, but if you vote for me, Hannah C, the D…J is going to be FIYAAA” (Cho 7).
Cho employs an allusion to Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s iconic TikTok video, where she passionately defends her husband, emphasizing her confidence in picking some fire DJs for next years’ dances. This allusion adds pop culture relevance to her speech, engaging the audience and leaving a memorable impression of her candidacy.
“Remember, Hannah Cho’s got Cho back!” (Cho 8).
In reference to the common idiom “I’ve got your back,” Cho cleverly suggests she’ll support others by leveraging wordplay with her name. She creates a catchphrase that emphasizes her commitment to individual strength and complete loyalty to Timby (rawr).
