After weeks of campaign posters, social media posts and chatter amongst the student body about the cabinet positions for next year, the votes have come in, and the Buena leadership team is set for the 2026-2027 academic year. To get to know the student leaders better, we asked a few questions about their goals for next year. 

Sophomore Class President – London Russell

Q:  As sophomore class president, what do you hope to achieve during your term?

A: As sophomore class president, I hope to be able to make this next year a memorable one, not only for my sophomore class but the rest of the school too. I also want to include that it is a goal of mine to make more chances to have fun including lunch time events and catered spirit weeks. I would like to represent being a leader to all my fellow classmates and other staff members to make our ASB and school altogether the best place for someone to want to be.

Q: What made you want to run for sophomore class president?

A: I wanted to run for sophomore class president so I could make a difference in how things are done at Buena. I want to make a voice for the sophomore class and anyone else that feels they are not being heard. I want to make Buena a comfortable place where a student can be not only with academics but with some fun too.

Q: What is something you want the (future) sophomore class to know about you? 

A: If the sophomore class were to know something about me, it would be that I am a very kind person. I love meeting new people and am very easy to talk to. This helps with my position as sophomore class president because I can be someone that the class can talk to and also be able to make a difference. 

Junior Class President – Lupita Espinoza

Q: As junior class president, what do you hope to achieve during your term?

A: As Junior Class President I hope to achieve more success in creating events for all students to enjoy. Whether it’s a small event at lunch or after school events, I hope to bring students together, building class spirit and memories.

Q: What excites you most about planning prom?

A: What excites me most about planning prom is being able to create a fun, memorable night for everyone. Being able to put my input, as well as taking in peers’ input to create a better experience for them too. I can’t wait to work on themes, decorations and little details to make it special.

Q: What is something you love about the (future)  junior class?

A: Something that I love about soon to be junior class is that we have so many unique personalities. Being able to witness them all is such a great privilege because everyone brings something special to the Class of 2028.

ASB Executive Treasurer – Jacklynn Ruffinelli

Q: As treasurer, what do you hope to achieve during your term?

A: During my term I hope to keep ASB organized and make sure we are able to fundraise to make sure our events are amazing and inclusive for everyone.

Q: What made you want to run for treasurer?

A: I wanted to expand my leadership and take on a bigger role.

Q: What are you most looking forward to in this role?

A: I am looking forward to getting to work alongside some of the other amazing people who are in cabinet and learn new leadership skills.

ASB Executive Secretary – Grace Hespenheide

Q: As secretary, what do you hope to achieve during your term?

A: I want a happy student body that gets to experience fun events and is excited to go to school. I want to foster and contribute to a positive community. 

Q: What is a responsibility you are looking forward to fulfilling?

A: I look forward to being a leader in the class and a person that others can look up to. I believe that as a student leader it’s important to help set the standard for how others should act.

Q: How do you want to grow as a leader in this position?

A: Becoming a more active listener is fundamental for becoming a leader. Leaders are people that can bring a group of people together by giving attention to the great ideas they heard.

ASB Executive Vice President – Mia Valdez

Was not available for comment during the time of this article. 

ASB Executive President – Mia Bavero

Q: As ASB president, what do you hope to achieve during your term?

A: As ASB president, I hope to achieve more students feeling heard and more connected on our campus as well as leaving a lasting positive impact on our school environment. I want students to feel excited to come to school and to participate.

Q: What made you want to run for ASB president?

A: The reason why I ran for ASB president was my care for our school community and the fact that I’ve always loved organizing things and leading people. I felt like this role would give me a chance to make a positive difference and help create a better experience for all students.

Q: What are you most looking forward to in this role?

A: I’m most looking forward to bringing more students together as well as meeting them through activities that they will enjoy. I’m also excited to work with my new ASB team and grow as a leader.