Charlotte Korer ’27 & Cassidy Miller ’28
Copy Editor & Staff Writer
On April 5, Scripps Associated Students (SAS) released the 2025-26 SAS election results. Voting took place on April 2 and 3 with a record turnout of voters according to the SAS announcement email. The Scripps Voice reached out to these newly elected representatives to learn more about their motivations and expectations for the 2025-26 school year.
Why did you want to run for SAS?
President, Simran Sethi ’26:
“I ran for SAS because I care about building spaces where students feel seen, heard, and supported. Over the past year, I’ve seen how much impact SAS can have — from planning events that bring people joy to advocating for meaningful institutional changes; and I wanted to continue to be part of that. As someone who values collaboration and communication, I saw an opportunity to strengthen the connections between SAS and the student body, to make our work more transparent, and to ensure we’re not just planning events but also addressing real student needs. Whether it’s through SAS Senate, community mixers, or just helping students navigate campus life, I want to lead with empathy and intention.”
Executive Vice President, Rebecca Yao ’26:
“I’ve been in SAS since first semester freshman year and it’s been one of the most valuable experiences I’ve had at Scripps. I was able to gain mentorship and create relationships with upperclassmen through it, and I want to be able to be that mentor for others next year. But more importantly, I just want to continue to serve the Scripps community and improve the school culture, in addition to advocating for students.”
Co-Vice President of Finance, Sammy Natesan ’27:
“This year, as SAS secretary, I have had the privilege to work with every SAS member on the board and see the amazing work they have been doing. And as a group, we have been able to work together and address many issues and host amazing programming to foster community and improve the Scripps student experience! Seeing the impact SAS has on the Scripps community is the main reason why I wanted to run again!”
Co-Vice President of Finance, Lily Azigbo ’27:
“I ran for SAS because I wanted the opportunity to work with other talented student leaders to address the concerns and needs of our student body. I wanted to be helpful when it came to allocating funds within the SAS budget.”
Co-5C Event Chair, Evelyn Cantwell ‘28:
“l ran for the SAS 5C Event position — co-chairing with Avni — because I really love throwing a good party. Having served on the programming committee, helping plan and host events, I’ve learned that the task is daunting and fraught, but without doubt rewarding. There is such catharsis in sweeping up confetti at the end of the night and such thrill in gathering to set up for the next one, and I cannot wait to propagate it all next year.”
Co-5C Events Chair, Avni Kalia ’28:
“I ran for 5C events chair with Evie because I wanted to learn more about all that Scripps has to offer. Throwing a good party is so essential to our culture and personality as a school and as a community and by running for this position, Evie and I get the opportunity to really cultivate all the fun and vibrancy that our student body brings to Scripps!”
Co-Junior Class President, Mekala Kumar ’27:
“I wanted to run for SAS again because I have loved being involved with the school behind the scenes. I’ve learned so much from interacting with all the different people in SAS and from my other connections.”
Co-Junior Class President, Madyson Chung-Lee ’27:
“Being in SAS this past year has allowed me to revitalize and bring back lost traditions and also advocate for students on a broader scale, especially to administration during these more polarizing times for disenfranchised and marginalized students. I chose to run again because I want to continue to do this work and specifically serve the junior class as we go abroad and transition into upperclassmen.”
Co-Student Organization Commissioner, Chenxi Bi ’28:
“I’ve always wanted to join student leadership, and the supportive Scripps community gave me the confidence and platform to run. I’ve always been devoted to the service of my colleagues, and SAS gives me the opportunity to do exactly that.”
Sustainability Chair, Oli Yoo ’26:
“I ran for SAS because I want to hear about sustainability as much as we hear about other campus events. It is important to keep discussing sustainability through a grassroots approach.”
What are your goals for your time in your position?
Sethi:
“To successfully lead the 25-26 SAS board by providing support on various initiatives such as food accessibility, reviving campus traditions, and advocacy for undocumented students.”
Yao:
“My goals for next year include increasing engagement with SAS from the student body, making Senate working groups more effective and a hub for student leaders + integrating it more with SAS, making campus life/vibrancy more accessible for BIPOC and FGLI students, helping make SCORE a safe space that students actually want to go to, and more. I have a lot of goals and I’m excited to hit the ground running, starting this semester and prepping for the fall throughout the summer.”
Vice President of Student Affairs, Reyna Manriquez ‘26:
“I’m excited to try a different role in SAS, since I was the VP of Finance for two years. I’m excited to interact more with the student body through the programming committee and the 1C committee.”
Natesan:
“In the VP of Finance position, I hope to maintain transparency of SAS budgeting, finances, and funding, and increase student access to this information! And most importantly, I hope to support clubs and campus programming that are essential for creating our rich Scripps culture and community through budget allocation and funding requests! I hope to push for filling staff positions and creating more resources in institutions like SCORE on campus, so that Scripps fosters supportive environments where students from diverse backgrounds can celebrate their diversity and create community!””
Secretary, Tomi Jinks ’26:
“I’m very excited to gain more experience working in communications, and to try to be in more of a leadership position and tailor [my work] to the student body, and to try to bring students into the secretary position a little bit more.”
Cantwell:
“We have some really exciting things cooking. Get ready for blow-out parties like never before, returning and revamped traditions, and hopefully more cross-campus collaboration. Think big party when we return to campus, a new take on Halloween, Mardi-Gras like you’re in New Orleans, and something for all the California girls. It’s going to be all-hands on deck and all feet on the dance floor.”
Kalia:
“For our time as event co-chairs, Evie and I just want to have as much fun as possible. Making our wildest dreams come true in a party as extravagant and exciting as possible. We want to collaborate with other campuses, build better relationships with admin, and create lasting traditions.One thing that Evie and I were specific about wanting to improve was Scripps’ reputation among 5C parties and events. We are often seen in a poor light when we host events, only to be seen after the fact as a good event. We want to have students from all 5Cs coming to our events and staying through the night!”
Kumar:
“My goals for the upcoming year is to keep the part of our grade that is studying abroad connected with the students [that are] on campus.”
Chung-Lee:
“I want to host events that not only allow people in the class of 2027 to connect with their peers from abroad but also on this campus. Additionally, I want to connect people in our class with important resources, speaker events, workshops, and fun events to help with pre-professional networking and also lighthearted fun.”
Bi:
“My goals as student organizations co-commissioner are to increase the diversity and inclusivity of SAS snacks, support CLORGs with registration, budgeting, and general issues, and bring underrepresented voices to SAS. I’m a huge fan of SAS snack and am excited to use SAS snack to bring attention to less well-known or new CLORGs. A specific problem at Scripps I hope to combat is international students’ lack of sense of belonging. With an international background, I hope to help promote a more inclusive community by highlighting affinity CLORGs at SAS snack more often and ensuring that Scripps events are safe and inclusive. I will also work closely with the SAS Diversity and Inclusivity chair Durga to share concerns of international students, especially in the anti-immigrant political climate we’re experiencing.”
Yoo:
“My main goal is to listen to the Scripps community and approach sustainability with a people-centered lens. I want to hear concerns and be involved in faculty discussions including the dining and facilities staff. [I want] to offer a space for dialogue and guidance that actively supports and does not echo redundant ideas. I want to refine a foundation that can be built upon for the upcoming years. I hope to organize green action plans for each SAS member, and reduce consumption starting with what I know best: food. I will teach efficient ways to include campus-grown produce and avoid overbuying.”
Community Building Chair, Sophia Heffner ’26:
“I am excited to make the student union a true “third space” on the Scripps campus—one that is welcoming, vibrant, and creative. I want students to know and use the student union!”
Additional elected officials are: Diversity and Inclusivity Chair Durga Mekkoth ’28, Faculty Staff-Relations Chair Sabrina Kung ’27, Co-Student Organization Commissioner Vivian Simon ’28, Co-Senior Class Presidents Bella Guizler Bonilla ’26 & Quinn Dwyer ’26, and Sophomore Class President Chloe Fong ’28.
Interviews were edited for length and clarity.
