For most of the sophomores at Armijo, this school year was a lot different. Class officers also saw a major change in the structure of leadership. Instead of holding specific positions, like Class President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary, officers worked in units specific to their class. Despite this, sophomore class officers were not slowing in their efforts to make Armijo High School more inclusive and enjoyable for their peers.

Aliyah Watson, utilizing her previous experience of assisting leadership in events and clubs, aimed to close the gap between IB/Leadership students and general education (Gen Ed) students. She wantedto remedy the lack of opportunities for Gen Ed students, which are usually reserved for the IB/Leadership programs, and create inclusive events for all students. In simpler words, Watson continues to want every student’s voice heard, and proposed monthly surveys directed to all students asking what should be improved, etc. Watson hoped to relay these answers to the principal and vice principals and discuss ways to tackle the issues and better the lives of every student.

In Olivia Mauk’s first year in leadership, her main focus was improving the school environment for all students. “This year, we have been alone for the most part, in our rooms and homes,” she said. “I don’t want the welcoming environment of our student body to diminish because of distance learning.” To do this, Maukpushed her fellow leadership members to come up with new, out-of-the-box style events. “This year has forced us to be creative in our planning, and I think we should embrace that. We should try new events we have never done before. No idea is a bad idea in this field.”

You may recognize Joshua Rusit, the previous Freshman Class Treasurer. This year, he found Armijo to be lacking in communication and involvement from its students. In Rusit’s words, “Communication is key in getting things done.” He looked to playing games together as a bonding activity and social media to highlight what the school has to offer. In terms of the latter, it is essential to promote clubs, their events, and sports.

Being Freshman Class President and Leadership Holiday Committee Head and sophomore Trunk or Treat Committee Head wasn’t enough for Kaitlyn Edejer. She looked to continue making an impact on Armijo with a positive, approachable, and upbeat attitude. Due to COVID-19, in-person activities were not an option, so it was time for leadership to plan and develop new events, structures, and guides to help students. Other issues she found concerning were the student’s lack of knowledge about their rights and improving the campus.

Although the pandemic has hit all of us hard, the sophomore class officers have shown they can pack quite the punch and hit back even harder.