As May approaches, the thought of cumulatives, AP exams, and finalizing a matrix of course requests for the new and upcoming school year before summer break floods Bishopians’ heads. But, in between that all, what else do we ponder about? For a new school year doesn’t just mean new teachers, new classrooms, and new classmates—it also means a whole new Associative Student Body (ASB) representing students’ needs! So join me, Yina Shate (‘26), ASB member of two years and future Chief of Staff in giving you the insider info on what the 2025-2026 ASB will look like. 

If you ask any ASB member, they will tell you, as future ASB President Charlie Ahn (‘26) articulated, that it is “an honor” to be part of the group and “follow in the footsteps of…great representatives” that have passed through. “Each year is unique and adds great value to our already amazing Bishop’s community,” ASB Co-Advisor Ms. Nicole Uhland added. Now, let’s start off strong with one of the most important aspects of ASB — school spirit. 

The future Spirit and Dungeon Representatives, Emma Banaie (‘26) and Clyde Kates (‘26), hope to bring all the spirit on. Both Emma and Clyde emphasized the responsibility that come with holding a leadership role on ASB as a senior. “Being the oldest kids on campus naturally comes with needing to set the example for the younger kids. Since I have the title of Spirit Rep, I am almost setting [the] stage for spirit. If spirit isn’t coming from the rep themselves, how can everyone else have spirit?” said Emma. 

The serious job of cultivating school spirit doesn’t just stem from Emma, however. Clyde also voiced how being a part of the Dungeon next year will mean “making posters and making videos…but not just some joke.” Dungeon members are expected to be committed to being spirited and showing Bishop’s pride; as Clyde said, in order for it to be fun, the Dungeon and Spirit Representatives have to do serious work together.

On the same more serious note, our incoming ASB members have lots of grand plans ahead. Future Junior and Senior Class Presidents Ryan O’Donovan (‘27) and Sophie Arrowsmith (‘26) aim to tackle the parking crisis Bishopians face. Ready to work with Charlie on this issue, they will have their hands full — especially with the open gradebook policy that ASB has chipped away at, drafting and interviewing for, throughout the last two years. And despite Ryan being a returning member while Sophie is new, both feel as through they have lots of perspective and experience to offer. 

“I am excited to serve this year as a more senior member, an upperclassman who knows what’s going on within ASB,” commented Ryan. Similarly, Sophie, who describes herself as a “sponge” who has soaked up almost all the clubs, sports, and events Bishop’s has to offer, is eager to bring her variety in trades to the table. Recognizing the diversity of Bishop’s students, future Arts Representative Zara Zierhut (‘27) hopes to highlight and celebrate various art forms, making the arts more appealing and accessible to all.

Speaking of accessibility, future Service Representative Surina Verma (‘26) strives to make service easier for Bishopians. She proposes the creation of a website dedicated to community service. “Right now, there’s just an overwhelming Google Doc and it’s hard to tell when you can do service and figure out when things align with your schedule,” said Surina. A website would mitigate the overwhelming effect that service sometimes has at Bishop’s and she further voices how “if we’re requiring service, then we should try to support students” as much as possible with it. 

Surina isn’t the only one with goals; future Vice President Jake Kim (‘26) wants to “maximize fun and minimize stress.” Who doesn’t want that? Per Religion and Ethics teacher as well as Global Education Initiative leader Dr. David Moseley and English teacher’s Mr. Mark Radley’s suggestion, Jake hopes to bring back entire school assemblies that are run by the Vice President as that was a past tradition that some teachers looked forward to. 

To ASB Co-Advisor Ms. Dolores Williamson, the incoming group will mix great with the returnees who will mentor the newer members. The positions of the Freshman, Sophomore, and Senior Class President, as well as the Spirit, Community, and Dungeon Representatives will all be new faces to ASB. Meanwhile, our President, Chief of Staff, Vice President, and Junior Class President will be returning members. 

This is especially important to future Freshman Class President Kyle Wang (‘29) who is “excited to see how high school ASB operates compared to middle school ASB.” He looks forward to “working with high schoolers” and learning “from their experience.” By seeing how they face challenges, he hopes “to bring some of that wisdom back to” his freshman class. Another young new member, our future Sophomore Class President Edward Baek (‘28) also shares the same excitement to learn more about ASB’s processes and meetings in general. He’s “thrilled” to be in his position and looks forward to how he can help increase class participation on the daily. 

To keep track of all this, future secretary Anna Yang (‘26) will continue the ASB newsletters started by former Secretary Summer Hu (‘25) two years ago. Anna also intends to add a suggestion box to foster more community input. She joked that as a “lover of all things paper and pen,” Anna likely has “a different colored pen for every day of the year.” Talk about being prepared! 

Now, although Ms. Uhland and Ms. Williamson are “always excited for a new year,” they are “also trying to get through this one and cherish [their] time with the current group.” As a member of ASB for two years now and future Chief of Staff—I am beyond ecstatic to join this group of lovely people on my senior year journey that is the 2026 to 2026 school year! 

Go Knights!