(October 5, 2007) — “Welcome class of 2011!” ASB advisor Susan Giatti said to kick off the freshmen elections last Friday. Armineh Mikaelian, freshman class advisor, stood by her side along with the 11 candidates competing for their fellow students’ votes. Though the weather was cold and gloomy, the elections ran smoothly. The assembly began with the flag salute, led by Giatti. It continued with the introduction of the candidates and the positions they were campaigning for. But before the candidates were able to deliver their persuasive short speeches, assistant principal Kristina Provost made a few statements. “Let’s help make this place better,” she said, in reference to recent defacement of property at Clark. She also reminded students to be sure to vote for the right reasons because students usually think of elections as popularity contests. The candidates presented their qualities and their future goals if they were to be elected. Freshman Lynette Hacopian, a candidate for president, said, “If you have any ideas, I can make them happen!” She even had a poster, which Giatti helped hold up for the students to see. Students sitting on the amphitheatre steps clapped and cheered. Freshman Henrik Kantarchyan confidently presented his speech. He said that he has had previous experience in student government at Roosevelt Middle School and that it would come in handy if he were voted as vice president. Senior Artin Mardirousi, who attended as a teacher’s assistant to Chris Axelgard’s class, said he was impressed by this year’s freshmen. “It’s a good show-up compared to our freshman year. I’m surprised at how many people are running,” Mardirousi said. “I gave them a quick little pep-talk before the assembly to boost their confidence.” At the end of all of the speeches the ballots were passed out and the students filled in their choices with number two pencils. The frenzy and whispering of students left and right caused commotion. The results were announced and are as follows: Iliona Gyunashyan, president; Henrik Kan-tarchyan, vice president; Denica Kakacheva, secretary; Andre Akopian, treasurer.