By Lily Dixon
Image courtesy of Lily Dixon
June 2025
Ahead of Spring Celebration, students were invited to apply for positions on Student Government’s Executive Board– a group committed to organizing and planning events for the student body.
Two vice presidential and presidential candidates stepped up to the mic during Student Government’s open election meeting, documenting their thoughts on pressing school matters, sharing their plans for student body involvement, and telling voters why they’re the best leader for the job.
Juniors Grace Choi and Lux Reames sought the presidential position while Steliana Strugar and Leesy Lindsay made their case of why they should be the 2025–26 VP.
On the day of Spring Celebration, Student Government announced that Choi would be taking the baton from SG’s current President and graduating senior, Emily Pennington, and Lindsay would succeed Choi as Vice President.
“Being next year’s VP means being someone my classmates can count on,” Lindsay said. “It’s about listening, helping make your ideas happen, and making sure your voice matters. I’m not doing this just for the title, I really care about our school and want to help make it even better. Whether it’s planning fun events or solving everyday problems, I’ll be here to support you and make things happen."
“My primary goal as Vice President will be to support both the President and our student body by enhancing communication and connections within the ORCA community.” She talks about creating a feedback space where students can submit their ideas or concerns, hosting open Zoom sessions for sharing poetry, music, stories, or simply for socializing and conducting weekly quick polls to engage students on both fun and serious topics.
Calla Mapel, Student Government’s advisor, shared her thoughts on the next Executive Board. “This year's student government was able to provide a lot of valuable feedback and input in terms of how we could restructure and streamline some of the roles on the executive board,” she says. “Next year's executive board will be a tiny bit smaller--just 9 people total--but each role will be both well-defined and versatile.” She outlines the impact of the new roles and job descriptions allowing for more clear collaboration and focus on the task at hand.
The rest of the Executive Board is as follows (tentatively):
Secretary: Cassie Rogers
Student Outreach Coordinator: Steliana Strugar
SG Media Coordinator: Lily Dixon
In-Person Events Coordinator: Natalie Helmick
Student Senator Coordinator: Eillaf Ali
Virtual Activities Coordinator: Keagan Stewart
Public Relations Coordinator: Lux Reames
Graduating senior and current President Emily Pennington also reflected on her experience this year and passing the torch. “I hope that this year's Student Government Executive Board has left a legacy of togetherness and fun on the student body. Through planning ORCA's incredible events this year it has been amazing to see everything come together and make these events so special,” Pennington said. “It has been an honor serving as ORCA's Student Government President and having the incredible executive board members that I had made the experience even more amazing!”
She also discusses her excitement for next year’s board and their plans: “I hope that the 2025-2026 Student Government Executive board will continue this legacy and also bring their fresh take to student government! I am so excited to see Grace Choi step into the presidential role and bring her great ideas.”
With new leadership in place and a clear vision for the year ahead, the 2025-2026 Executive Board is set to build on a strong foundation of collaboration, creativity, and student engagement.