Candidate Biographies

ASB President

The President is the face of the school and ASB. Their primary responsibility is to determine and enforce the daily workings of ASB. They also help prepare for the summer retreat, create the weekly agendas, run formal meetings, coordinate ASB bonding events, and help plan Election Convention. They facilitate communication with other ASBs, work closely with the ASB advisors, and promote a supportive ASB culture based on principles of character. The President is responsible for overseeing committee work and represents the student body at IUSD School Board meetings if the Student Representative is unable to do so.

Jamie Youn

I will work towards leading an ASB class full of diligence and commitment
I was previously Sophomore and Junior President at Portola, and have hosted fundraisers, led class council, and planned 2 Homecomings, Winter Formal, and Prom
I love animals and intern at an animal clinic, so I know how to take care of you, DOGS!
I have learned and polished my leadership skills with my involvement with the American Red Cross’s Leadership Development Program, as a camp counselor for three years
I hope to build student culture across all our amazing programs: Performing Arts, Sports, Academics, Visual Arts, Clubs, and more!

ASB Vice President

The Vice President is the second in command of ASB. The Vice President plans and organizes the Homecoming halftime activities and spirit week. They work closely with the advisors and help the President prepare for the summer retreat, coordinate bonding events, and lead the class. The Vice President collaborates with the Clubs Commissioner on everything from the various club events (including but not limited to Club Renewal, Club Kick-Off, Clubapalooza) to general administration and bookkeeping. The Vice President is expected to be organized, responsible, and always aware of upcoming events for all ASB positions. Along with the President, they will oversee committee work.

Kesin Jayakumar

Hello! My name is Kesin Jayakumar and I am extremely excited to be running for your ASB Vice President!
I am an experienced member of our student body through being both Sophomore & Junior Vice President and a captain on our Varsity Soccer Team
During my time in ASB, I have planned 2 Homecomings, last year's Winter Formal, and this year's Prom
With my experience, I have developed strong leadership and teamwork skills that will help me create a more inclusive, engaging, and spirited school environment
Vote Kesin Jayakumar for ASB Vice President and Jamie Youn for ASB President!!

Athletic Commissioners

The Boys and Girls Athletic Commissioners serve as the connection between the coaching staff, athletes, athletic secretary, Dog Pound, and the entire student body. They work together and with coaches to create Game of the Week schedules, encourage school spirit and game attendance, and assist in the production of athletic pep assemblies. They also utilize social media and other forms of publicity to promote game attendance, report scores, interview players, and update the student body on upcoming athletic contests.

Boys Athletic Commissioner

Bravo Borroto

Girls Athletic Commissioner

Ella Bailey

I am a 2-year varsity team captain for Cross Country and Track & Field who has experience with ensuring that everyone receives recognition for their achievements and unique contributions to the team’s success
I have been competing at the varsity level in multiple sports since my freshman year of high school, where I have shown consistent dedication and a deep understanding of the demands of athletics
With multiple years of experience as an athlete and leader, I am ready to advocate and enhance the athletic experience for everyone
I have been an active member of Class Council since my freshman year of high school where I have helped organize multiple important school events every year
I also enjoy going out to support my fellow Bulldog Athletes during their games on a regular basis

Frances Lee

I am an active athlete at Portola High School, participating in golf, basketball, and lacrosse, and I’m always interested in exploring new sports
I serve as a Vice President for the Surf and Snow Club
I volunteer with the OCO Youth Club, a youth empowerment organization dedicated to making positive changes in the community. I’m always actively engaged in this program and service projects
With my kindness and outgoing personality, I am committed to helping create an inclusive environment for students
I want to help contribute to the events at this school and bring school spirit up

Spirit and Rally Commissioner

The Spirit & Rally Commissioners raise, maintain, and enforce school spirit. They plan, write, and organize all pep assemblies. They are the commander in chiefs of the Dog Pound and the symbols of “PHS School Spirit”. They must be passionate about all aspects of the school: sports, students, staff, cultures, drama, art, etc.

Miranda Perdomo Ballon

Dylan Nguyen

I hope to plan and organize social events that allow for greater participation and inclusion for all high school students
I am a multi-year member of Class Council, and have contributed in events such as the Homecoming Halftime Show, Winter Formal, and Prom
I am serving my second year as a Class Representative of Youth Action Team, and serve as a board member of the International Friendship Club, F1 Club, and Mountain Biking Club
I vow to dedicate my time as an ASB member to providing all students the greatest high school experience possible, and maximizing the potential of their characters!

Michael Shell

The boss
Outside the box thinker
Chess player
Foodie
Motivational speaker

Farouk Merzougui

Vice President Of Better2Thrift Organization
Creative
Resilient
Open Minded
Just a fun guy

Student Representative

The Student Representative is responsible for voicing the opinions of the student body. They work with the Activities Directors and ASB to improve the culture of PHS. They also represent the student body at IUSD School Board meetings, School Site meetings and serve on various committees. They organize and host the Student Senate, including coordination of Advisement Senators. They also work collaboratively with the Student Activities Coordinator to plan and execute CARE Week in the spring.

Coco Marshall

I will create new and inventive games and activities during Student Senate meetings to encourage students to feel free to brainstorm and share new ideas to improve Portola
I will dedicate my time to creating a strong and fun school culture by boosting school events such as VAPA performances, Game of the Weeks, Intercultural Week, and more
At my previous school I organized dances, lunch activities, and school-wide events such as field trips
I´m founder and president of outside-of-school organizations such as Film and Tv Productions and The Activist Club: World Changers in the Making

Marley Willis

Class Presidents (Senior, Junior, Sophomore)

The Class Presidents coordinate and organize the Homecoming Halftime Show for their class. They assist the Student Activities Coordinator in organizing, planning, and running lunchtime activities and spirit days. They are also responsible for organizing and running Class Council.

Senior Presidents

Blayze Borroto

With leadership skills I’ve gained from being an athlete of 3 varsity teams (captain of 2) and a board member of 2 clubs, I will be driven to plan fun events such as senior bondings, class council meetings, fundraisers and more!
Considering my previous experience on ASB as the Girls Athletic Commissioner, I will help cultivate community across the Class of 2026 with spirit and high morale
Ensure all to-be seniors receive opportunities to make the most of our senior year
Establish a reputable ‘senior culture’ and foster a sense of PRIDE throughout our grade

Brandon Chen

I am currently the treasurer of the Better Two Thrift Club in Portola
Actively in DECA, showing my thinking and communications skills
I am committed to making senior year a more memorable experience, advocating for fun events
I am in class council and I believe that I have the leadership skills to make create a positive impact in Portola.

Junior Presidents

Nico Becerril

Hello! My name is Nico Becerril, and I am running to be your Junior President!
I’ve had the honor of serving as your Sophomore President and Freshman Vice President, which has provided me with valuable experience in leadership and understanding your needs.
My time in ASB equips me to build on our past successes and make our Junior year truly unforgettable!
Additionally, I’ve been the captain of our basketball team for two years and am an active member of several clubs, including serving on the board for the Dogpound Club.
Vote Nico Becerril for your Junior President!

Lauren Slade

I have 50+ hours of community service working on projects that help our community. Such as assisting at Great Park events, cleaning multiple beaches, and working at Irvine Katie Wheeler Library
For the past five years, I have volunteered at Mariners Church, supervising ten children and helping them with various activities. This has given me experience overseeing multiple people and having them depend on me.
I danced for five years and have been on the Portola track team for two years. These activities have shown me how to be consistent and dedicated.
I strive to help all students find a place in Portola where they feel happy and connected with their peers. I believe everybody can have memorable experiences, whether it’s during sports or VAPA events, school activities, or extracurricular options.

Sophomore Presidents

Martin Xu

Hey guys, classmates, folks!

I'm Martin, your candidate for the Freshman Class President! High school means a new stage for us all, and I want our class to have it all—and together we create things like brilliant events, school spirit, and a community that cares for the students.

Why Vote for Me?

I am a class representative who really cares. I want to know that nobody is discriminated against at all, and that our class is cool and welcoming, even for freshmen.

I am capable of planning and implementing things. You can count on me to do it all, lying from getting people involved and being the good head of the event.

Teamwork is everything. Obviously, the most ingenious ideas are created when ideas are rejected and rolled in collectively, and I want us to have all the chances to enjoy working together.

Getting an education should not just be the school subject areas. What I want to do is to bring in activities, events, and make up some traditions that will be memorable all through the freshman year.

I am a vibrant person, and I have lots of ideas. I will be there listening to, adapting, and even coming up with new ideas.

Going for the role of the representative of our class at this school and getting voting for it done to make the year even better for all of us would be a real blessing that I would like to see taking place. Let's look back at the freshman year as special—Vote for Martin!

Jake Wang

I’ve been a part of many sports programs that taught me about teamwork and dedication
I was Freshman president and a part of ASB throughout middle school
My past Hoco experience allowed many people to get out of their comfort zone and enjoy something different
I’m also passionate about contributing to the school atmosphere where everyone feels included and motivated to participate
I strive to make a positive impact wherever and however I can

Class Vice Presidents (Senior, Junior, Sophomore)

Class Vice Presidents assist the Class Presidents in the planning and coordination of any and all activities that promote school spirit. They are also responsible for creating class bonding activities and class fundraising activities.

Senior Vice Presidents

Luca Kingsley

Determined to plan fun events, including senior sunrise, breakfast, and more to ensure the best last year for the Class of ‘26!
As the current Staff Liasion in ASB, I work to make sure all staff on campus feel appreciated. I also make ASB’s weekly community newsletter. This role has taught me to be organized, understand different perspectives, and have an inclusive environment.
I am a Captain on the Varsity cheer team, and I have been a part of the program since Freshman year. Being a Captain has allowed me to strengthen my communication skills to motivate and guide others.
Board member of the Dogpound Club, a portola ambassador, and a link crew leader!

Justin Tokko

I want to create more opportunities for our upcoming Seniors to connect with one another through more outside events!
I am a member of Mission Continues, a nonprofit uniting communities and veterans through volunteer work, which taught me the importance of a strong community.
As Secretary of the Athena SoCal Chapter, a nonprofit organization, I learned accountability, responsibility, and, most importantly, effective communication.
I am a Sea Cadet member, a program that has taught me to do everything with a purpose.
Although I’ll be new to ASB, it will allow me to bring a fresh perspective that can contribute to our community.

Junior Vice Presidents

Claire Kim

As Sophomore Vice President, captain of my club/high school volleyball teams, and club board positions, I’ve honed important leadership skills, balancing team dynamics and motivating peers.
With my active participation in multiple clubs—Humanities Research, Ethics Bowl, MUN, and Global Youth, I bring a well-rounded perspective and a strong ability to connect with a wide range of students.
I’m not afraid to show my school spirit at pep rallies or games, helping to foster a positive and united atmosphere.
I’ll incorporate fresh ideas for fun and inclusive activities that will help ensure that all juniors feel connected.
My involvement in diverse roles has helped me develop my communication skills, enabling me to effectively represent and advocate for the junior class while keeping everyone informed.

Jillanne Conejos

I am always willing to listen to my peers, and I am very understanding of different perspectives
I have multiple hours volunteering at church, where I help organize their weekly services
During the summer, I worked for food services at Wild Rivers. Since there are so many customers, it sometimes creates a hectic environment, which has taught me how to work under pressure. I can also effectively communicate with my peers and customers. I know how to work effectively with many people on multiple tasks.
In the past, I have helped organize many events, such as fundraisers, in-school activities, dances, extracurricular opportunities, etc.
I aspire to make Portola a happy and positive environment where all students can freely express themselves through the activities ASB provides.

Sophomore Vice Presidents

Carter Lo

II was previously Freshman Vice President, and I have helped run events like Homecoming and Winter Formal
I want to make events more memorable and enjoyable!
I’ve shown strong leadership in basketball
I will devote everything to ASB and make this year amazing!