August & September
April Yan
Sophomore Vice President
30 September 2020
Position Assessment: As class vice president, I’ve been checking in with Makenzie, our president, to see if she needs assistance. With distance learning, there’s less events and thus, less duties, so she’s been alright, but we make sure to check in with each other. For general class responsibilities, our T-shirt video and sales went well, and we didn’t lose money. I’m also excited for the upcoming spirit week, Fall Fest, which will include decorating a door and truck!
Professional Development: We just turned in job research for possible future careers, and seeing what I could be getting myself into has begun to prepare me for life beyond high school. I’ve started thinking more in depth about what path I want to take with my life and career, and started looking into colleges as well, which is both exciting and daunting. As far as class discussions go, I’ve started becoming more accustomed to offering input, but there’s still room to grow. My communication skills are also becoming more of a second nature, and I don’t worry too much about sending teachers emails or texts, nor asking questions.
Concerns/Change: My main concern is that maybe we (the sophomores) don’t discuss with each other efficiently. We do use group chats, but sometimes it takes a while to reach everyone, and get everyone’s input, since there’s no way to guarantee we’ll all be available at the same time. A more personal side concern is that I don’t know most people in the class well, but that comes with distance learning and the fact that it’s my first year in leadership.
Positive Comment: I believe all the freshmen are great, and really relate to them, with it being my first year in leadership too. However, Devin stands out in particular, with his ease with conversation and willingness to jump right in. It’s both our first years, but I’ve already experienced a year of high school, while he’s just starting, and during a pandemic. His friendliness and confidence are admirable, and make him a wonderful leader.
My Impact: Connection is key is one of the class core principles I also adopted to be one of my own self principles. I feel like I’ve been strong in staying true to that with classes especially, since we get put into a lot of random breakout rooms. It allows for me to talk to people I may not have known before. I always make sure to speak when possible, because one, making conversation means there won’t be awkward silence, and two, talking to someone reminds them that there are people who still care.
Sophomore Vice President
30 September 2020
Position Assessment: As class vice president, I’ve been checking in with Makenzie, our president, to see if she needs assistance. With distance learning, there’s less events and thus, less duties, so she’s been alright, but we make sure to check in with each other. For general class responsibilities, our T-shirt video and sales went well, and we didn’t lose money. I’m also excited for the upcoming spirit week, Fall Fest, which will include decorating a door and truck!
Professional Development: We just turned in job research for possible future careers, and seeing what I could be getting myself into has begun to prepare me for life beyond high school. I’ve started thinking more in depth about what path I want to take with my life and career, and started looking into colleges as well, which is both exciting and daunting. As far as class discussions go, I’ve started becoming more accustomed to offering input, but there’s still room to grow. My communication skills are also becoming more of a second nature, and I don’t worry too much about sending teachers emails or texts, nor asking questions.
Concerns/Change: My main concern is that maybe we (the sophomores) don’t discuss with each other efficiently. We do use group chats, but sometimes it takes a while to reach everyone, and get everyone’s input, since there’s no way to guarantee we’ll all be available at the same time. A more personal side concern is that I don’t know most people in the class well, but that comes with distance learning and the fact that it’s my first year in leadership.
Positive Comment: I believe all the freshmen are great, and really relate to them, with it being my first year in leadership too. However, Devin stands out in particular, with his ease with conversation and willingness to jump right in. It’s both our first years, but I’ve already experienced a year of high school, while he’s just starting, and during a pandemic. His friendliness and confidence are admirable, and make him a wonderful leader.
My Impact: Connection is key is one of the class core principles I also adopted to be one of my own self principles. I feel like I’ve been strong in staying true to that with classes especially, since we get put into a lot of random breakout rooms. It allows for me to talk to people I may not have known before. I always make sure to speak when possible, because one, making conversation means there won’t be awkward silence, and two, talking to someone reminds them that there are people who still care.
October & November
April Yan
Sophomore Vice President
03 December 2020
Position Assessment: In October, class vice presidents and a couple freshmen worked on an Envolve challenge, which included making a fall playlist and movie list. We made a group chat to share information and distributed it on Instagram, on the ASB and class accounts. Fall Fest was another thing that happened in this time frame, which was a lot of fun to plan and execute. Us sophomores used Makenzie’s door and truck, and had a blast decorating both. We ended up with 3rd overall, which was an improvement from last year. I wasn’t able to attend the ceremony for Dude Be Nice, but I believe the class planning that went into it was well thought out.
Professional Development: At the beginning of October, we had a future aspirations assignment that made me reflect on the career path I chose for the year, and the happiness it might or might not bring me. I realized how I needed to better balance my life to incorporate time for passions, so I could start that habit now rather than struggle with it down the road. I think I’ve got a better grasp on it now, because I’ve realized that time management isn’t all about getting things done as efficiently as possible. It’s also about making time for passions, even when you might have other tasks to do, because it’s good for mental health.
Concerns/Change: With us being physically present in school, my main concern is that we’ll have to go back to distant learning. I worry about this, because I’ve started adjusting to in-person already, and I like it, even though it’s more tiring. I’ve seen people not wear their masks when they should be, so I just hope we manage to hold out until at least the end of the semester.
Positive Comment: I want to commend Maddie. I haven’t had much personal interaction with her, but I think that just goes to show the strength of her impact and presence. Even without knowing her all too well, Maddie gives off such a welcoming, genuine vibe, which I absolutely adore, especially with all the confusion in the world. She’s a great example of how having heart and passion truly does make a difference.
Impact: On the first day we were physically present in school, a friend and I helped a freshman friend find their way around campus. We helped her feel welcome, and find her way around the school. I feel like I’m a welcoming person in general, and make it a point to smile at people as best I can with a mask on, as well as make conversation. I’m still adamant on making conversation with people I don’t normally talk to, because I think it’s effective in helping people feel more grounded at school, and it helps me get to know people better.
Sophomore Vice President
03 December 2020
Position Assessment: In October, class vice presidents and a couple freshmen worked on an Envolve challenge, which included making a fall playlist and movie list. We made a group chat to share information and distributed it on Instagram, on the ASB and class accounts. Fall Fest was another thing that happened in this time frame, which was a lot of fun to plan and execute. Us sophomores used Makenzie’s door and truck, and had a blast decorating both. We ended up with 3rd overall, which was an improvement from last year. I wasn’t able to attend the ceremony for Dude Be Nice, but I believe the class planning that went into it was well thought out.
Professional Development: At the beginning of October, we had a future aspirations assignment that made me reflect on the career path I chose for the year, and the happiness it might or might not bring me. I realized how I needed to better balance my life to incorporate time for passions, so I could start that habit now rather than struggle with it down the road. I think I’ve got a better grasp on it now, because I’ve realized that time management isn’t all about getting things done as efficiently as possible. It’s also about making time for passions, even when you might have other tasks to do, because it’s good for mental health.
Concerns/Change: With us being physically present in school, my main concern is that we’ll have to go back to distant learning. I worry about this, because I’ve started adjusting to in-person already, and I like it, even though it’s more tiring. I’ve seen people not wear their masks when they should be, so I just hope we manage to hold out until at least the end of the semester.
Positive Comment: I want to commend Maddie. I haven’t had much personal interaction with her, but I think that just goes to show the strength of her impact and presence. Even without knowing her all too well, Maddie gives off such a welcoming, genuine vibe, which I absolutely adore, especially with all the confusion in the world. She’s a great example of how having heart and passion truly does make a difference.
Impact: On the first day we were physically present in school, a friend and I helped a freshman friend find their way around campus. We helped her feel welcome, and find her way around the school. I feel like I’m a welcoming person in general, and make it a point to smile at people as best I can with a mask on, as well as make conversation. I’m still adamant on making conversation with people I don’t normally talk to, because I think it’s effective in helping people feel more grounded at school, and it helps me get to know people better.
February & March
April Yan
Sophomore Vice President
17 March 2021
Position Assessment: I finally got to do something specifically VP project related, even if it was a small thing: Emma and I helped Zoe replace the dates on the Love Ripon signs to update them for this year. I’m going to look into other ways to help with Love Ripon. For more class based things, our clovers were put up today, which was this year’s version of the hearts Leadership normally does for the student body. With Homecoming, I was put in charge of our class dance, choreography, music, people, etc, all of which is figured out! Us sophomores had a mini, informal meeting to discuss what we wanted to do and order, after already coming up with our theme, which is sports. We’ve already started practicing our class dance with people outside of Leadership as well, and we just need to practice some more as a group. Personally, I’m signed up to be on a stage decorating committee for the night of the rally, and everything, as far as I know, is currently going according to plan. We'll be working on it during sixth period that day, so we can have enough time to prepare for coronation and whatnot during office hours. I’m excited for the first big in person event of the year.
Professional Development: Sophomores gave our speeches at the beginning of February, which helps with public speaking. I definitely have room to improve, but I think I did pretty well overall. We also worked on our resumes, which was informative and surprisingly fun to figure out when it came to layout, as well as questions for an employer. I also furthered my writing skills with the Student Voices article we submitted not too long ago.
Concerns/Change: My main concern was being able to pull off Homecoming with relatively no prior knowledge, only what the people around me could tell me. I think the time we had to plan was stressful at first as well, but as the date approaches, I’m more confident in being able to pull it off. I’m a little skeptical of the fluidity of the night rally, in terms of moving people on and off stage, music, etc., but I think it’ll all work out.
Positive Comment: Dillan is always such a great person to be around, and he’s been especially great throughout the whole Homecoming process. He’s always active in conversation about what we want to do for decorations and stuff, and readily available for dance practice. He offered to do our fashion show on top of the dance, and always lets us know he’s there to assist. He’s a huge help, and a positive person to be around, which is so great when the world is chaotic.
Impact: As of recently, there’s been times I go to the bathroom and a girl is crying, so I make sure they’re okay. Only once was I actually able to stay and talk with the girl and find out who she is, but the other times I’ve just asked through the stall. I try my best to let them know I don’t mind talking, but those ones were during class, so I can’t stay forever. But I hope that made their day a little better.
Sophomore Vice President
17 March 2021
Position Assessment: I finally got to do something specifically VP project related, even if it was a small thing: Emma and I helped Zoe replace the dates on the Love Ripon signs to update them for this year. I’m going to look into other ways to help with Love Ripon. For more class based things, our clovers were put up today, which was this year’s version of the hearts Leadership normally does for the student body. With Homecoming, I was put in charge of our class dance, choreography, music, people, etc, all of which is figured out! Us sophomores had a mini, informal meeting to discuss what we wanted to do and order, after already coming up with our theme, which is sports. We’ve already started practicing our class dance with people outside of Leadership as well, and we just need to practice some more as a group. Personally, I’m signed up to be on a stage decorating committee for the night of the rally, and everything, as far as I know, is currently going according to plan. We'll be working on it during sixth period that day, so we can have enough time to prepare for coronation and whatnot during office hours. I’m excited for the first big in person event of the year.
Professional Development: Sophomores gave our speeches at the beginning of February, which helps with public speaking. I definitely have room to improve, but I think I did pretty well overall. We also worked on our resumes, which was informative and surprisingly fun to figure out when it came to layout, as well as questions for an employer. I also furthered my writing skills with the Student Voices article we submitted not too long ago.
Concerns/Change: My main concern was being able to pull off Homecoming with relatively no prior knowledge, only what the people around me could tell me. I think the time we had to plan was stressful at first as well, but as the date approaches, I’m more confident in being able to pull it off. I’m a little skeptical of the fluidity of the night rally, in terms of moving people on and off stage, music, etc., but I think it’ll all work out.
Positive Comment: Dillan is always such a great person to be around, and he’s been especially great throughout the whole Homecoming process. He’s always active in conversation about what we want to do for decorations and stuff, and readily available for dance practice. He offered to do our fashion show on top of the dance, and always lets us know he’s there to assist. He’s a huge help, and a positive person to be around, which is so great when the world is chaotic.
Impact: As of recently, there’s been times I go to the bathroom and a girl is crying, so I make sure they’re okay. Only once was I actually able to stay and talk with the girl and find out who she is, but the other times I’ve just asked through the stall. I try my best to let them know I don’t mind talking, but those ones were during class, so I can’t stay forever. But I hope that made their day a little better.