With the conclusion of the 2024-25 school year, the NC student government election cycle concludes. Alongside the seniors, every member of the Tribal Connections (TC) student government, no matter the grade, forfeits their position. In light of the farewell to the graduating seniors, the TC administration begins the process of determining who will represent the census in the following year. With only an application sheet and a vision, students line up in droves to hopefully become a lucky official to speak for the people.

The official senior class and student body president, magnet junior Tumi Adeyinka, has been consistently involved with NC affairs. As current junior class president, Adeyinka plays volleyball for the NC girls varsity volleyball team (34-16), playing in back-to-back state championship playoffs and winning the title during the 2023-24 school year, 3-1. Outside of her ongoing two-year participation in TC, Adeyinka involves herself in other clubs such as NCHS Rally, National Honor Society (NHS), Interact Club and Beta Club. She plans to attend college and major in adolescent psychiatry. 

“I want to be [senior class] president because I want the people’s voices to be heard, not just for seniors, but the whole community. I love to help people and help around school as much as I can and be an active leader in my community to present even more opportunities. I have a lot of school pride and want to make the school fun for those who have gone through, or are currently going through stressful times with academics or at home,” Adeyinka said.

The first of two running candidates for senior class and student-body vice president, magnet junior Justina Stewart prides herself on representing the class of 2026. As the current vice president of the junior class, Stewart’s tenure spans back to her sophomore year, and she hopes to extend her time in office for her senior year. Outside of TC, Stewart actively participates in National Honor Society (NHS), EcoWarriors, Beta Club, Teen Action Council, College Prep Club and NC Rally. Stewart plans to attend college and work in the medical field to become an Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OBGYN).

“I want to be elected vice president to continue my efforts in planning various fun activities and being a voice for my class. With my gained experience over the past two years as VP, I know that I am trained to not only continue past events, but also add new ones and make them even better. I know the student vote will be fair in choosing who will represent them.” Stewart said.

While not holding a seat in the current NC government, TC member Gregory Buranich holds aspirations to become the class and student body vice president. Outside of his two-year involvement with the student government, Buranich remains involved in Sources of Strength, DECA, and the college prep club. As a member of the school yearbook, moments in frame, Buranich’s photography skills garnered the attention of athletes and students countywide, even working with the NC football team in creating promotional videos. Buranich hopes to attend Louisiana State University and plans to major in photography and minor in business to create his own photography company.

“I decided to run for the coveted position of senior class vice president because I felt it was an opportunity to take my leadership at NC to another level and to make my senior year very special. With these new opportunities to better the school, I hope to accomplish numerous goals in my vision. I want to introduce new spirit week ideas, new pep rally ideas and make the voice of all NC students heard so everyone can inspire excellence. Everyone thinks I am in it for the title, but in reality, I’m running to improve the state of our school. I’ve been involved in tribal connections for a while now and I truly care about my school and what is best for my peers,” Buranich said.

The rising junior class races to the office as well, with five ambitious students aiming high for class president. Prospective leaders all campaign for a chance to sway the sophomore class’ votes and secure their position in office. Each candidate presents a drastically different personality and campaign goal, allowing the rising junior class the option of variety. 

TC veteran sophomore Anyanna Ekpechi excitedly began her campaign via Instagram (IG). The sophomore, a consistent participant in TC since her freshman year, now faces her aspirations head-on in hopes of creating a lasting difference for her class. Ekpechi leverages her position in the NC magnet program, regarding her rigorous academic schedule as a justification for her ability to time manage. Overall, Epechi stands as a promising candidate for Junior Class President.

A famed and loved student, sophomore Roger Ho, well known for his charismatic and outgoing personality. Ho takes on a unique campaign style, parading through the halls with a Mount Rushmore poster, each president’s head replaced with a picture of him and his fellow candidates. While Ho often finds himself mistaken for a class clown, he vows to take his role as president seriously should he end up in office. 

Sophomore Jeronimo Segovia pursues the role of president with a clear goal of increasing student engagement and creating an enjoyable school environment. However, a majority of sophomores remained oblivious to his running, as the campaigning strategy differed from the usual. Segovia failed to use his social media presence on IG, his campaigning rather scarce in comparison to his opponents, leaving him with a lackluster audience of voters. 

Last but not least, magnet sophomore with a dream, Casey Jones. The honest and lighthearted sophomore began his campaign with high hopes. The sophomore took a rather competitive approach and began planning posters to reduce the credibility of his opponents. His actions led to a near expulsion from the election, as Jones’ opponents reported him for unsportsmanlike conduct. Ultimately, Jones’ name remained on the ballot. 

With the election results out, The Chant proudly congratulates the 2025-26 student government. Government consists of senior class president Tumi Adeyinka, vice president Justina Stewart, junior class president Roger Ho and vice president Isabella Morales. Each student government official formulates plans for the betterment of their class and government as a whole and waits with bated breath for the upcoming school year.