As the 2025 Middle College High School elections are underway, there are three candidates running for ASB president. They are juniors Maria Jose Estrada, Victor Higareda, and Clarissa Silva. Here is what they have to say.
THE CANDIDATES’ MOTIVATION AND EXPERIENCE
MARIA JOSE ESTRADA
Jose stated she is running for ASB president to increase school spirit and to decrease stress caused by a workload of homework.
“What inspired me to run for ASB president was that I’ve always felt that this school needs more hype. I feel like we don’t have enough hype and a lot of students don’t feel included as much. I want to fix that because we all deserve to feel included and have fun, especially since our schoolwork could be stressful sometimes since we are an academic based high school,” Jose said.
Jose stated how she demonstrates leadership capabilities both outside and inside the school environment. She stated that she hosted the trick-or-treating event in October, organized the pizza give away for the Halloween dance, was sophomore class president, was a member of Wizards for Water, knows how to fundraise, and teaches preschool and kindergarten girls gymnastics. She also stated that she works well under pressure.
“I’d been a gymnastics coach for two years, I have worked for little kids …I have, in October, set up the trick or treat thing {Teacher trick or treating event}; me and my cousin did that and I am determined to have more events and activities for you next year if I am elected,” Jose said.
VICTOR HIGAREDA
Higareda stated how he decided to join ASB and run for president to make sure that all of the students of Middle College have their voices heard.
“In 9th grade ASB would have events and they wouldn’t really ask the students what they wanted or how they wanted the events to go down, and while their events were spirited, I wanted to make a change. I joined ASB to bring ASB and Middle College students closer together. I want to become president to take that step forward and unite the students with ASB and make sure that they know that their voices, concerns, ideas, they all matter and they’ll never get ignored if I’m president,” Higareda said.
Higareda stated his previous achievements in which he demonstrated leadership capabilities and organized field trips.
“I’m President of Lend a Paw where we do animal related activities. We’ve done a donation drive for a local animal shelter to help out with the overcrowding animals. I’ve taken them [Lend a Paw members] to the Aquarium of the Pacific to learn about marine biology. We’ve also done fundraising where we sell food, like in NHS (National Honors Society). We’ve sold nachos and horchata here, and I also did Halloween grams, sold poison apples, and dressed up in an inflatable dinosaur costume and delivered them to people’s 5th period class. I am President of Student Leaders, so I’ve taken them on field trips. I’ve taken them to Knotts, Camelot, Boomers, I’ve taken them whale watching, and just recently I took them to Irvine Park,” Higareda said.
CLARISSA SILVA
Silva states that she decided to run for president to create a meaningful experience for her last year at MCHS, and to bring the community together.
“What inspired me to run for ASB President is the opportunity to create meaningful and unforgettable memories during my final year of high school, not just for myself, but for everyone on campus. ASB has already been an exciting and rewarding experience for me, and it’s shown me how much impact student leadership can have. I want to take everything I’ve learned and help turn students’ ideas into real, engaging events that bring people together. This is my way of giving back to a school that’s given me so much,” Silva said.
Silva stated how previous leadership experiences in Girl Scouts combined with ASB roles, make her a strong candidate. She states how it proves her worth when under pressure and makes it evident that she will be able to be responsible as a future ASB president.
“I’ve been a Girl Scout for over eight years, which has shaped me into a strong leader who knows how to take initiative, stay organized, and follow through. Through Girl Scouts, I’ve led fundraisers, organized community service events, and taken on responsibilities that required real planning and teamwork. Combined with my current role in ASB, where I manage sound and music at events, I’ve learned to think quickly under pressure, solve problems on the spot, and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. I believe that experience and adaptability are key qualities in a leader,” Silva said.
Silva states she believes she follows realistic goals and without compromising creativity and school spirit.
“I’m a genuine, grounded, and forward-thinking person. I don’t make empty promises—I make thoughtful plans. While many candidates have amazing ideas, not all of them are realistic. I focus on what’s achievable, without losing the spark of creativity. I also bring energy, positivity, and honesty to everything I do. My goal isn’t just to win this position, it’s to represent the students in a way that’s authentic, fun, and impactful,” Silva said.
She stated she is ready to take the responsibility of president if the opportunity is given.
“Through ASB, I’ve been involved in many school activities and events. I’ve attended all the dances and many of the games, so I have a strong understanding of what students want and what they’re currently getting. I know we can do more, and I want to help make that happen. I understand where people are coming from, and I’m ready to be a voice for all of us,” Silva said.
THE CANDIDATES’ PLATFORMS
Spellbinder Adviser’s Disclaimer: Each candidate shared plans they have if elected. However, these plans have not been vetted or approved by the school administration.
MARIA JOSE ESTRADA
“Poetry day, where ASB could host a day dressed up in their culture gear, wherever you originated from, and we would sell food from different types of places, from like Mexico, Asia, things like that. That would also make money to fundraise. Also, I wanted to host a country fair, … you would make homemade butter, and ice cream, we could make activities like that. So we could make money to lower the cost of events. I also want to bring back Sadie Hawkings [Sadie Hawkins] to Dave In Busters for the low cost of $10,” Jose said.
Jose stated her plans to help future clubs if she’s elected, using Drama Club as an example.
“Clubs, I know Drama Club, we don’t have enough events and stuff like that, I want to work with them for example, to help them fundraise in order for them to be able to afford the stuff they need for productions. They’re always selling out, but sometimes they’re stressed and I just want to work with them so they have their necessities and any other clubs that wish they had more help from ASB. If they need anything from ASB I’ve got to help them. I want to host more HCC meetings (club meetings every month),” Jose said.
Jose stated her ways to communicate with Middle College students to receive feedback to improve events.
“I know that there is not a lot of feedback; we don’t really gather a lot of input from the students so next year I want to emphasize in going around (for feedback). We will put the forms (google forms for feedback), sometimes they’re helpful, but I want to make ASB members go around instead and talk to students because I think that that will work a little more,” Jose said.
Jose stated her plans to improve the school dances, specifically focusing on increasing their popularity and lowering costs.
“Sometimes some of our dances get close to being canceled because we are not sure if there are enough students that will go to them. I plan to start promoting these dances and events that we have a month earlier so people know to buy their tickets and I plan to lower their costs,” Jose said.
VICTOR HIGAREDA
“One new event I have an idea of is a carnival that we could do. The admission would be small because ASB is not here to profit off you guys. Like we did in elementary, there would be rock climbing and different booths with different games and carnival. I would like to bring that into this campus. They will not be rigged and they will be very fun,” Higareda said.
Higareda stated some of the ways he plans to fundraise enough money for all the events he plans to create.
“We could sell lemonade or Horchata, agua frescas, raspados and stuff like that on hot days. On cold days we could sell hot chocolate with donuts. They don’t all have to be food related, we could do fundraisers in which you pie a teacher or ASB member in the face, or you can dunk them with water for like a dollar to make the event engaging,” Higareda said.
Higareda stated his plan to communicate effectively with Middle College students to receive feedback and see what to improve on.
“I want to have Google forms set out so I could ask you guys what you want in these events, so instead of a suggestion box, we would have Google form qr codes around the school. So after an event you can go up to it, scan it and say what you thought, what we could improve on and what you liked, any and all feedback is good. … I wanna go around and ask people in person what they want and what we could improve on and build off that input because these events are for you and created by you as well,” Higareda said.
Higareda stated that he would like to incorporate more club activity and assure the club presidents that they are all acknowledged and can be helped.
“I wanna have club spotlights … introducing clubs and bringing more attention to them. Then I also want to, during the ICC meetings, talk to the club presidents and make sure that they know that their club is important and every student-led organization on this campus is important,” Higareda said.
Higareda states his responses to failures and explains how he uses his past failures to help him plan for future events.
“I would take that as a learning experience and use it on my events going forward because obviously the road’s not going to be perfectly straight and there’s gonna be some curves and hills. I would apply them to future events to make them more funner,” he said.
CLARISSA SILVA
“I have a lot of exciting and realistic ideas that I believe would bring more spirit, connection, and fun to our campus,” Silva said.
Her plans include student-created merch drops; food pop-ups, photo booths, talent shows, open mic nights, teacher dares, thrift store events, carnival game days, Friday snack booths, and club collabs.
To provide support for students who are stressed over an overwhelming workload, Silva proposes a few events she would like to establish.
“Study nights… chill after-school sessions with snacks, music, and peer tutors to help prepare for tests. De-Stress Week…leading up to finals, offering relaxing activities like stress ball making, calm music lounges, and mental wellness booths,” Silva said.
Silva plans to empower and provide support for clubs by providing a variety of ways to fundraise, hoping to work together more with clubs to increase their support.
“I plan to empower clubs by involving them in fundraising opportunities that increase their visibility and profits. Whether that’s selling food or merch at ASB events, like our dance, having weekly rotation booths, or co-hosting themed fundraisers, I want to ensure every club gets a chance to shine. With enough creativity and teamwork, we can raise money that not only supports individual clubs but enhances the entire student experience,” Silva said.
Silva stated the ways that she plans to gather student feedback to make changes based on their concerns.
“Listening is one of the most important parts of leadership. I’ll create multiple ways for students to share their voices, including anonymous surveys, suggestion boxes, and open Q&A sessions. I also want to make myself approachable, so people feel comfortable bringing ideas or concerns directly to me. I don’t believe in planning events in a bubble. Student input is essential to making sure we’re organizing things that people are excited about,” Silva said.
Silva stated how she wants to cooperate with club leaders to create events and make sure they are all included, keeping the diversity in the school community without anyone feeling separated.
“I plan to use our monthly club president meetings as a platform for true collaboration. I’ll actively listen to their ideas, keep communication open, and invite them to participate in ASB led initiatives. I want club leaders and sports captains to feel heard and involved. Together, we can plan inclusive events that reflect the diversity and creativity of our school community. School unity starts with leaders working with each other, not separately,” Silva said.
In case of unforeseen circumstances, Silva stated her confidence in being able to control problems and roadblocks that may come up unexpectedly.
“Adaptability is something I’ve learned firsthand through my work in ASB, especially managing music and sound at events. Things don’t always go as planned, and that’s okay what matters is how you respond. I’ve gotten used to thinking quickly, staying calm under pressure, and finding creative solutions in the moment. If an event hits a setback, I’m confident I can pivot, problem-solve, and still make the experience great for everyone involved,” Silva said.
If you want to learn more about Jose and her campaign you can visit their Instagram account @mariajose4prez
If you want to learn more about Higareda and his campaign you can visit their Instagram account @victor4prezohyeahh
If you want to learn more about Silva and her campaign you can visit their Instagram account @clarissa4prez
