ASB President shares her vision

You might’ve seen her name on recent social media campaigns, or one from back in 2018. If you’ve been keeping up, you might have seen Chantel Martino in your elementary student government. “I chose to go into student government to be a catalyst in creating that change — not just for myself, but also for those who want to have a voice and want to play a role in creating the ‘best high school experience’,” she said.

After much consideration from her peers, Leadership teacher Mr. Casey Towner, and Armijo’s faculty, Chantel Martino was elected as Armijo’s 2020-2021 Associated Student Body (ASB) President. Although this year is going to be a lot different than previous years, Martino, Mr. Towner, and the other ASB officers are considering events that can be done virtually for this school year.

This is definitely not Martino’s first time in a leadership position. From being Class Vice President her freshman and sophomore years to currently serving as the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District (FSUSD) Student Board Member and Chair to the Student Advisory Council, Martino continues to prove she is ready to lead the school.

“Many think that the job of an ASB officer is to merely plan events, but it is more than that. An ASB officer impacts and inspires the lives of individuals within the school and community,” Martino said.

Although she was initially interested in the position for the opportunity to create change and give others within and outside leadership a voice, she has grown to realize that “it is not only through those events that the lives of people are impacted, but also through the way we uplift and encourage them.”

Since the beginning of high school, she has wanted the position. Along the way, she worked with other ASB officers and had mentors who helped her grow into the leader she is today. A few are Sharleen Esico, Kiana Sabugo, and Janelle Basa.

Managing multiple leadership positions isn’t all she does. She has devoted a lot of her time to her church, where she leads and organizes children’s and youth group meetings. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, and playing badminton. And although Martino does not have any siblings, she looks up to God and her parents. “My number one role model is my God. My faith is one of the most important things in my life, and so whatever I do, I do it for God because of what He did for me. My parents are also my role models. They are the most diligent, loving, and caring people I know, and they are the reason I am the person I am today.”

After high school, Martino plans on attending a 4-year university, “preferably a UC, although, my dream college is definitely Stanford University!” she said. “I plan to major in a science in the field of biology. I would like to pursue a career in medicine and become a pediatrician!” She even plans on continuing to serve in student government in college to better serve her community and bring joy to those around her.

Her advice to others considering joining student government: “I suggest you do it! Student government has allowed me to hone my leadership skills and has made me learn more about myself as a person. At the end of the day, seeing the smiles on the faces of the people you’ve impacted is the greatest sight you could ever see — greater than any event one could ever plan. Leadership gives you the opportunity to grow and be part of a close-knit community who is probably the most positive, strong-willed, and energetic on campus!”

When asked what she would like to change at Armijo, she replied with “to hear ‘I want to attend Armijo’ using any good reason one can ever think of.” She strongly believes in uplifting others and creating a space that inspires one to “do better and be a better person,” she said. “I would like to help you achieve that, the dream high school experience.”

Her message to all the students of Armijo: “I am very much looking forward to serving as your ASB President for the 2020-21 school year. I would just like to thank God and everyone who has helped me reach the position I am at today. If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns on a school or district level, please feel free to contact me at my student email [email protected]! Thank you again and here’s to the upcoming school year!”