As our nation navigates through the complexities of governmental changes, Notre Dame’s Associated Student Body (ASB) has already established its direction. With the new school year kicking off, we have some new students in our government, and they’re bringing exciting ideas and fresh goals that will help make our school community even better.

Notre Dame is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders. This commitment is reflected in our ASB Government’s mission: “We aim to foster leadership skills through focused learning and hands-on experiences, all while upholding the values and mission of our school.” 

ASB is dedicated to not only ensuring an enjoyable school year for students, faculty, and staff but also to providing ASB members with valuable real-life experiences in planning, teamwork, and organization

Senior ASB is comprised of class representatives and elected officers. These upperclassmen work with the elected officers from the three other grade levels.  

This year, the student leaders of ASB have identified key goals to focus on, including giving back to the community, boosting school spirit across sports and various student-centered activities, and fostering unity among all classes.

ASB President Ehimen Oyamendan said, “I think as Notre Dame students we are very privileged so I want to help give back [to the community at large].” ASB wants to help students find ways to make a positive impact on others.

Notre Dame is known for its baseball, football, and basketball teams; however, it has many other talented teams and student programs that often don’t get the same attention as the more prominent sports. 

Some programs that aren’t getting recognition are student publications, choir, theater, TV and film production, and more. The main reason they aren’t getting recognition is because no one knows about them, which ASB plans to change.  

ASB Spirit Commissioner Dautry Berchtold-Karakasidis recognizes this issue and said her job is “to be a supporter of every student at Notre Dame.” Berchtold-Karakasidis wants to encourage everyone no matter what their activity or passion is, and she wants the rest of the school to do the same. 

For ASB to work towards these goals, they need a united environment. ASB Vice President Clair Romey said, “[O]ne goal that I am looking forward to [working on] is fully integrating all levels of representation of ASB.”

In a shift from previous year, ASB plans to include members of all class leadership groups when planning rallies and other school events. Senior ASB has already had the ASB officers from other grades working together by having them make posters after school for the rallies. Including all student leaders in planning events for the entire school is a departure from what has been done in the past. 

The ASB leaders recognize that every one working towards success is the most essential mission regardless of position. Expanding roles is vital for ASB to function. Romey said, “It is about the GOAL and not the ROLE.” 

Above all, ASB is passionate about creating a solid bond within the senior ASB class and the other grades of ASB to have a strong connection with the rest of the school.

So far, senior ASB has worked together on the Senior Beach Trip, the Fall Rally, and the Frosh Box Social. Through these events, Senior ASB has already started to create bonds with each other.  

 Oyamendan said, “My favorite part of ASB is the people. The other members of ASB make it so much fun to do our work together, and I have become friends with everyone involved.” 

Romey also said, “[Her favorite part of ASB is] getting to work with such a close knit group of student leaders on campus. Getting to collaborate with such a diverse group of personalities I believe has made me a more open-minded and empathetic leader.” 

Berchtold-Karakasidis said, “[Her favorite part of ASB is] getting closer to my fellow ASB members while having fun.” 

 The ASB students not only work hard but also have fun while doing it making them more motivated and efficient. 

ASB is full of spirit and is excited to make this school year one to remember, so stay tuned for all the great things to come!