Oxford Academy welcomes the new executive board of the Associated Student Body (ASB) for the upcoming 25-26 school year: juniors Elie Nguyen and Jolie Diep, and sophomores Dominique Pagaduan and Annie Gao, whose extensive years of experience and skill will lead the campus’s future.
Incoming ASB President Elie Nguyen first started her leadership journey at Oxford Academy in 7th grade, when she joined Junior High ASB following her leadership in her elementary school’s student leaders organization. Her passion and love for student government continued to grow throughout her high school years as she served as Freshman and Sophomore Class President, and Activities Commissioner.
“Go big or go home; that’s why I went all out for my [presidential] campaign,” Nguyen said. True to her words, Nguyen could be seen around campus in her handmade, cardboard Lightning McQueen car throughout campaign week.
Next year, she hopes to increase and improve school spirit and involvement, bringing back events like the Battle of the Classes and introducing more rallies.
“I’m excited to work with all our new members next year and not only build better leaders, but to build a family including all of the student body,” Nguyen said.
Though the 24-25 school year was Jolie Diep’s first year in ASB,where she served with Nguyen as an Activities Commissioner, she had numerous past experiences in leadership through her roles in ASB Senate, leading her into the role of Vice President.
“My time getting to know and grow close to many new leaders in Senate is what ultimately compelled me to run for this position. This is how I saw myself best serving both Senate and ASB,” Diep said.
Jolie finds Oxford’s tight-knit community a blessing and values being able to form close relationships with students and faculty. Through her leadership, she aims to encourage students to always stay positive.
“There are a lot of times where it seems like the whole world is against you, but it’s both the ups and downs that make us human. Never let any one bad thing ruin your entire day.” Diep said.
Upcoming Secretary Dominique Pagaduan’s journey in student leadership started in 7th grade as well; though shy at first, her continuous involvement brought her out of her shell. Now, she loves school spirit – dressing up for rallies and spirit days are some of her favorite parts of ASB . She hopes to cultivate Oxford’s unique culture through her role as Secretary next year.
Treasurer Annie Gao also began her ASB journey in junior high, where she served as Junior High ASB Treasurer in eighth grade.
“I decided to go for ASB Treasurer this year because I thought it would be a fun job that I could learn so much from. It’s also like a full circle moment back to when I first started ASB,” Gao said.
Gao hopes to continue building school spirit throughout the student body next year, making new connections between grades to bring the campus together. As a student leader, she looks toward a school environment where students feel valued, pushing for student concerns to be addressed.
“Oxford has such a supportive community of students and staff; I think one of its best aspects is how you can be pushed [academically and in other areas] by your friends, but still have them supporting you in every step that you take,” Gao said.
