Every year, students are elected to the Associated Student Body by their peers. Candidates participate in a friendly but competitive race, using engaging posters and speeches to appeal to the student body. ASB organizes student events, including game-day themes and seasonal pep rallies. This year, Dean Smith was elected ASB President, Jakob Tu as ASB Vice President, Ella Kaplan as ASB Secretary, Greta Rucks as ASB Treasurer, Henri Tanghe as the Student Member of SDUHSD School Board and Zander Ovies as Spirit Commissioner. The Falconer interviewed several of the new ASB executive officers to better understand their goals and character.
Dean Smith – ASB President
What positive changes do you want to bring to the school?
I think as ASB president a lot of what I’ll be doing is concentrated in ASB like being an administrator in that sense. I want to make things more efficient [in ASB], and I want to make sure people are inspired to go above and beyond in their roles. For the rest of the school this is going to manifest in a lot of different ways because we have such a wide variety of things we can do in ASB once we are more efficient and more effective in all our jobs. It can come across in different ways with pep rallies, football and student sections. I’m kind of working towards the effectiveness of the entire ASB class.
How does it make you feel that you were chosen for this position?
I feel very happy I was picked for this position. I’ve wanted to contribute to both ASB and the larger school environment since my freshman year, so I’m super excited and hopeful for the year to come.
Why did you apply for the position you were elected for?
I applied to be president because I’ve been in [ASB] throughout my entire high school experience, so I feel like I know the inner workings of ASB really well. I feel like I’ve seen things that we have done well and I’ve seen things that we could improve on, so I was just inspired to take some of that knowledge and have some meaningful action come out of it.
Have you already run for this position? If not, what was it like to run for the position for the first time?
For the first time during this election I was running unopposed, so it wasn’t really running an election. I knew I was going to be president, but I did run an election my freshman and sophomore years for president of each respective class. I think it was definitely stressful, I wanted to win, and so it was kind of just figuring out how I could effectively campaign and reach members of our class that I hadn’t really interacted with. But I was happy this year that I didn’t have to go through that and I got to be really focused on what I wanted to get out of the position instead of my election.
What’s one fun fact about you?
I have two chickens named Sheila and Cardi GG.
Is there anything else you would like to add or for people to know about you?
I encourage participation [in ASB events] because it’s our only high school experience, and I really feel that being part of the TP culture is going to just enrich that.
Jakob Tu – ASB Vice President
What positive changes do you want to bring to the school?
One of the key initiatives I look forward to leading is Student Senate, where each fifth-period class selects a representative to receive updates from ASB and provide feedback from their peers. I intend to continue the meaningful work that the current ASB Vice President has done with this program while building upon it to further elevate student voice. My objective is to make the Student Senate a more consistent and engaging platform for dialogue, collaboration and representation. By strengthening communication between ASB and the student body, I hope to ensure that all students feel their perspectives are both valued and reflected in the decisions that shape our school environment.
How does it make you feel that you were chosen for this position?
Being elected ASB Vice President is truly an honor. I’ve been involved in ASB since my freshman year, and I’ve always admired the leadership and impact of the executive council. Becoming a part of that group has been a long-time goal of mine, and I’m incredibly excited to now have the opportunity to help lead our school. I look forward to collaborating with the rest of the council to create a memorable and meaningful year for all students.
Why did you apply for the position you were elected for?
I saw this position as a significant opportunity to take on a leadership role within a program that has been a core part of my high school experience. After being involved in ASB for several years, I was excited to take the next step and contribute on a larger scale. My peers [in ASB] and I have often discussed ideas for meaningful, internal improvements within the class, changes that could enhance its structure, communication and impact. Now, as vice president, I finally have the opportunity to help bring those ideas to life and lead a class that I care deeply about.
Have you already run for this position? If not, what was it like to run for the position for the first time?
Although this was my first time running for ASB vice president — since the position is only available to rising seniors — I have run a campaign before. Last year, I ran for and was elected as junior class vice president, which gave me valuable experience in communicating with a class council, connecting with my peers and leading a represented group. It also taught me how to run a successful campaign, which I applied this year. That experience helped prepare me for this year’s campaign and strengthened my understanding of what [my upcoming] position would be like.
What’s one fun fact about you?
My favorite snack is frozen Skittles while snowboarding.
Is there anything else you would like to add or for people to know about you?
I would like people to know that I’m very approachable and always open to new ideas. My goal is to make sure every student feels seen and heard. I’m super stoked to help lead a year full of spirit and unforgettable memories!
Zander Ovies – Spirit Commissioner
What positive changes do you want to bring to the school?
As the future spirit commissioner my personal goal is for everyone to feel included at football games, spirit days and many more school activities. While also striving to bring more love and support towards all of our women’s and men’s sports, as well as our dances, band and dance performances and all events. Students should give everything a shot, as someone who’s always willing to try something new, you never know what you might like. It’s high school, you only get so few chances to experience these things. I want to bring my best every single day to help others love their school and be a part of it.
How does it make you feel that you were chosen for this position?
I’m beyond grateful and honored to know that I was able to be appointed in this position by the classmates and friends around me. I don’t know how I would be able to show enough gratitude for everything besides giving back to our school and trying my best to do everything I promised from the start.
Why did you apply for the position you were elected for?
I applied as spirit commissioner because I wanted everyone else around me to be as proud to be a Falcon as I am. With my mixture of energy and love for everyone and everything at this school I wanted to put my best foot forward in making this school a more exciting and enjoyable place for everyone.
Have you already run for this position? If not, what was it like to run for the position for the first time?
Due to this being my second election but my first time for this position, I felt well prepared. Knowing election week can be long and stressful, I still felt motivated to run and was ready for whatever came up. Even though there were some extremely late nights helping run my campaign it was all worth the while.
What’s one fun fact about you?
I’ve lived in five different states and moved a total of eight times with my four siblings, so I’ve seen many different parts of the U.S., and different lifestyles to go along with it.
Is there anything else you would like to add or for people to know about you?
I would like to say that if anyone has any questions/ideas and would want to share them with me, I would love to answer anything and everything. Don’t be afraid to reach out through emails, texts, or even if you catch me around campus sometime!
Henri Tanghe – Student Member of the SDUHSD School Board
What positive changes do you want to bring to the school?
As next year’s student member of the board, I am looking forward to giving our student body a strong voice at our board meetings. I am a firm believer in student participation in our district’s processes, and I’m eager to meaningfully include more student opinions into policy deliberation.
(April Kato)
How does it make you feel that you were chosen for this position?
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent Torrey Pines. Our school has such a diverse and accomplished student body, with top-tier academics, athletics and arts. We have a great opportunity to expand the transparency of district policy and increase direct student input — I’m excited to get to work!
Why did you apply for the position you were elected for?
The third tenet of our TP pledge is to “take pride in your school!” I’ve always been proud to be a Falcon and believed in the importance of civic engagement. I care deeply about our school and want to ensure that, as a student body, our interests are consistently advocated at the district level.
Have you already run for this position? If not, what was it like to run for the position for the first time?
The Board Representative is one of the three appointed executive ASB positions, alongside the Executive Secretary and Treasurer. I really enjoyed being able to discuss my vision for the expansion of this role with other ASB members and our adviser during the application process. Currently, I am succeeding Audrey Davidson as the student member of the board. If you have any questions or concerns about upcoming meetings or district policies, please reach out!
What’s one fun fact about you?
I’ve met the King of Sweden!
Is there anything else you would like to add or for people to know about you?
As mentioned above, if you have questions, ideas, or issues you’d like brought up at board meetings, please feel free to contact me. You can also stop by the Political Union Club in Room 55 on Wednesdays on 1/2/4/6 days to learn more about how our district policies tie into our national politics!
Other Executive Officers:
