Candidates in this year’s ASB elections displayed varied and talented approaches to their campaigns, ranging all the way from humor and costumes to songs and serious talks.

In the end, about 80 percent of Bishop Kelly students cast their ballots on the final day of voting. This percent is much higher than Americans who vote in political elections.

“This high voting turnout illustrates the interest students show in their government and their school,” Principal Robert Wehde said.

Claiming victory as president was John Fery accompanied by vice president Peter Pham. Emily Raimondi took the position of corresponding secretary and Chelsea Bokan won recording secretary. Jack Lawson took the title of treasurer for next year.

Starting out the speeches was Jack Lawson, running against Carmen Angleton for the position of treasurer. Jack took the approach of humor to start out his speech. He began in coveralls acting as if he were going on a treasure hunt but was quickly informed he was trying to become treasurer, not a treasure hunter. He then took the coveralls off in one fluid motion and became a bit more serious. Jack’s tactics worked because he won the spot of ASB treasurer for next year’s school year.

Next was the fight for the spot of recording secretary. It was between junior, Chelsea Bokan, and sophomore, Brittany Martinez. Chelsea took a more serious approach with her speech. She talked about what she would do if elected and how she was eligible for the job. Chelsea took the position of recording secretary.

Running for corresponding secretary was junior, Emily Raimondi. Being the only candidate running for corresponding secretary, she gave a brief speech about how she was deserving of the position.

Running for vice president were juniors: Peter Pham, Eulalia Kafari, and Mariah Adcox. Peter decided to bring humor to his speech by starting off with common stereotypes of Asians. He also used a bong to mix it up. His approach of using humor was winning. He won the election and will be our sitting ASB vice president next year. Peter explained, “I ran because I think I can fully represent each student fully like I did as the junior class secretary. Peter thinks he won because, “I made the audience laugh and went into my qualifications and I felt the audience respected what I did as the junior class secretary.” Peter says his plans for next year are, “first and foremost, I will make sure all the classes finish their assigned tasks. Like the juniors getting Prom done before the deadline and making sure other clubs organize dances. I want to ensure that every student has a voice. I will listen to a freshman just as much as a senior.”

Ending was the race for president. The candidates were juniors Ryan Schmidt, Great Kunal Madan, John Fery and sophomore, Pedro Rodriquez. Kunal took the approach of humor and made everyone laugh. John took a more serious but charismatic approach. He was the only candidate who didn’t stay behind the podium. He walked around the center of the gym while speaking, showing he was also a student and walked among us. Kunal and John made it through the primaries but John took the final victory and will be Bishop Kelly’s president next year. When asked why he decided to run for the position John responded, “Well, usually when someone chases me I run.” John said the reason for his victory was due to “wearing my shiny shows.” John plans to work to make this next school year “freakin’ fantastic!”