We connected with Alyssa Carmona, a 12th-grade student at Mendez High School. Below, Alyssa shares more about her role as President of the Associated Student Body, Mendez’s governing student body, and how she’s learned to navigate the job’s responsibilities. 

“My role as Associated Student Body (ASB) President is to make sure that student voices are heard and included in all student and school policy decision-making. I joined the ASB leadership class in 11th grade and became the Secretary of our governing student body. 

ASB members – among other peers – encouraged me to run for president. So I did, and I won. I have been ASB President for the 2021-22 school year and it has been an honor serving my school and making it a better place. 

This role has made me stronger and prepared me for future responsibilities in leadership roles and academically at school. This is a demanding role and it has strengthened my emotional, physical, and mental capabilities. The good thing is that I continue to learn to manage the different responsibilities that come with the role. I ensure that extracurricular activities are inclusive to all students and ideas. For example, I like to think about activities that make it accessible for our teachers and students with disabilities to participate in and join our amazing school community. 

This year we planned a Teacher Spirit Week and Battle of Buildings. This idea consisted of teachers participating in everyday dress-up challenges (e.g. wearing solid colors, wearing holiday sweaters, etc.). We counted teacher participation from each building and at the end of the week, we announced the winner. The winner received a pizza party. I was proud of the planning that went into setting this up, especially because all the teachers seemed to enjoy it. Our school spirit really spiked up!

Outside of school, I am a member of the Mother Church committee. This committee was established seven years ago by eight people, including me. Our goal is to establish a good relationship with our community as well as to reconstruct our church, which was in poor condition. I serve as the spokesperson and activity coordinator. As a result, I feel connected to my community.

After high school, I plan to attend college. I’m not sure where yet since I am waiting to hear back from the colleges I applied to. Ideally, I would like to go to UC Berkeley or Boston University and learn more about criminal justice. For now, I know I will take everything I have learned and incorporate it into my daily life. Being ASB President has helped me become more inclusive and patient. I will take that with me and make sure I am inclusive and creative in any activity I participate in, plan or host in college. 

Lastly, I want to thank all the teachers at Mendez High School for caring for us and always being there when we need them, in-or-out of the classroom. Without them we would not have the great school community and spirit that we have.”