This year’s Associated Student Body (ASB) election promises to bring some fireworks, with multiple students competing for positions.

ASB Advisor Kirsten Frudden told the Insider that past elections often lacked competition. “Many students would not run against their friends, so many positions ran unopposed,” Frudden said. “I’m happy to see some friendly competition this year!” 

The increased number of candidates has also led to a noticeable rise in campaign efforts, including creative posters displayed around campus.

Below are the profiles of candidates running for three contested positions: ASB President, Spirit Commissioner, and Public and Communications Commissioner. Candidates running unopposed are listed separately.

ASB President:

Primary responsibilities include serving as the public face of ASB, leading meetings, creating agendas, and “manning the gavel.” 

Devon Stewart

Serving as the three-time captain of the CORE Butte basketball team, Devon Stewart brings a strong background in leadership to his campaign. “I’ve always been the one to step up in leadership,” Devon told the Insider. “People have faith in me, and I have faith in myself.”

Encouraged by friends, Devon explained that their support played a major role in his decision to run. “They made me believe in myself,” he said. Looking ahead, he aims to increase student involvement in all aspects of school. “Not many people know that anyone can come to ASB meetings,” he said. “I would encourage students to come and understand the decision-making that goes on for our events.” Devon expressed respect for his opponent, adding, “I think we would both do great. Best of luck to Carsten.”

Carsten Balint

Known for his school spirit and involvement, Carsten Balint said his motivation comes from a strong connection to the school community. “I really care about this school and the things that we do here,” he said. “I’m overall the best representation of our school spirit.”

Carsten stated that he hopes to maintain the positive systems already present in CORE, “I feel like we do a pretty good job of running things around here.” He said, adding that he wants to “keep things running nice and smooth.”   

With his strong connections, he expresses that he has “reached a lot of friend groups and areas in the school that [competition] hasn’t.” In the coming year, Carsten hopes to increase involvement. “I’d like to be able to get more people in CORE involved in events.” Carsten added, “I just have noticed that people don’t always get connected as much as they should.”

Spirit Commissioner: 

Responsible for organizing spirit weeks, dress-up days, rally events, and game themes for volleyball and basketball.

Liz Stewart

With deep compassion and respect for her fellow students, Liz has many ideas for the position. She hopes to draw on student energy and input to build stronger connections. “I’m open to input on how other students think we can bring the CORE community together,” she said. 

Liz shared that she chose this position because it “fit [her] personality the most,” adding that she wants to go out with a bang in her last year of high school. “It would make a fun memory for senior year!” 

Because of her diverse friend groups, Liz said she “gets a view on every perspective— personality-wise.” One unique part of her vision for spirit commissioner is her desire to include events that “focus on more introverts.” She explained that she wanted to make more low-key school functions in addition to the big social gatherings. “I want to have events where you can have snacks and hang out, not just dances.” 

Serina Rogers

Serina brings a love of participation and involvement to her campaign, along with many ideas for increasing student engagement. “It’s only fun when a lot of people do it,” she said. 

Already active in sports and school events, Serina said the role would be a natural next step. “I’m already doing sports and dress-up days—[this] just takes it a step further.” 

With many visions for this position, Serina wants school functions to be “more tailored to what students would like so they would participate.” She plans to gather student input through polls and Google Forms. “My main idea is to do more Google Forms to get student ideas for dress-up days and other things,” she said.  “If they like the theme, they will be more likely to participate.” 

Serina emphasized that her goal is to make sure student voices are heard. “I like school spirit, and I like others to get more involved.”

Publicity and Communications Commissioner:

Primary Function: Creates posters and tickets for events and manages the ASB Instagram. 

Madi Morris

With strong connections in the school community, Madi brings both experience and commitment to her campaign. “I enjoy making content, so I think I have a good platform to keep everyone informed,” she said. 

In addition to her experience with social media through both work and personal use, Madi has been in ASB for two years. “I really love seeing the dynamics of our officers—they really do have an impact on the community.” 

Madi’s interest in running communications at a school-wide level grows out of her very social nature. “I feel like I have a really good connection with other students, if someone wants to talk, I’m there”. 

Looking ahead, Madi plans to use tools like social media polls to give people more opportunities to share their opinions. “It’s a good way to reach people,” she said. “It makes it more of an open door for other people to be involved in ASB things like prom.” 

Her goal is to promote events that the CORE community “actually wants to see and engage in.”

Julia Spears

With an “inside scoop” on things, Julia is already well-informed about everything CORE. She is currently running the school’s Instagram page, so she’s practically doing half the job already. But Julia says she wants to “continue on a higher level.”

“I enjoy making sure everyone’s involved and informed,” she said, adding that the position suits her interest in leadership. Keeping everyone at school included “stems from involvement and awareness,” she said.

Julia values sports as a big part of school spirit, and she lives that by being active in CORE Butte soccer and track and field. Along with that, she’s “very familiar with social media” and making posters. Julia emphasized how important it is to be included, telling the Insider that “I know how it feels to not be in tune with what’s going on.” 

Julia puts special emphasis on collaboration and outreach using the platforms that teens already engage with. “I think we can do a lot with social media,” she said. “I am representing the school—voicing for everyone else how they want to be voiced.”  She added, “I wish Madi the best of luck, and I really appreciate anyone’s vote!”