Senior Class President Isabel Gonzales and ASB President Josh Dewhurst get quizzed:
1. What does being the senior class/ASB president entail?
Josh: I can summarize the job of ASB President in 4 words: present, organized, supportive, and innovative. As ASB President, I reside over the leadership class, so I must make sure it is run efficiently. This requires planning, deadlines, and most importantly organization; with all the events happening in a year’s time, being organized is a must! I strive to continually bring new ideas to the table and bring PRHS from good to great as the year progresses!
Isabel: Within the realms of everything that I do, I have to be organized, I have to be patient, and I have to have the right motivation. But the most important factor, I believe, is actually knowing and understanding my class, maintaining a good relationship, and using how much I care and believe what we can accomplish as a whole as a derivative to make this year as amazing as it already is.
2. What inspired you to run for senior class/ASB president?
Josh: I once attended a conference at which the speaker told us it was silly for us to think that we can change the world. However, that shouldn’t stop us from wanting to change someone’s world. It is along those lines why I decided to run for ASB President. I have been fortunate enough to be involved with leadership/student government since freshman year and even hold an executive position on a nationally recognized state leadership organization, and I have personally seen the effects that student government has had on campuses across California and even across the nation. I believe that through small acts of kindness and a silly little event, we have the possibility to positively affect someone’s path. This was my inspiration in running for this position.
Isabel: My inspiration to run [for president] expanded from passion. The past three years I have been a part of the technical crew in the Drama department here at PRHS. This place that I was lucky enough to land in was like a family, and I wanted to expand that opportunity to the entire class. I fell in love with how passionate everyone around me was, and I wanted to show that maybe I can do something bigger than myself.
3. What are some goals you are hoping to accomplish this school year?
Josh: Sadly, I do not want to disclose all of the goals I have for this year, as some are top secret! But to summarize my vision for this year, I’m looking at unity, innovation, and the concept of being a part of something much bigger than yourself.
Isabel: I can simply say all my goals revolve around having a spectacular year. Everything I do will be to make this year as enjoyable as possible.
4. How do you plan on involving the rest of the student body in your plans?
Josh: Posters don’t invite people, people invite people. I know we have some amazing Bearcats out there! I personally need to get over my own fear and learn to go out and talk to people. A personal invitation or a simple conversation can go a lot farther than an image on a screen. All in all, I believe that what we have planned will allow for our Bearcats to rally behind us. It’s just going to take a little courage to go out and inform the campus!
Isabel: I know that for the most part, my responsibilities are towards the senior class, but part of my plan is to simply inspire. I really want to get out there and talk to the lower classmen and get them involved.
5. What advice would you give to the new freshmen of PRHS?
Josh: Don’t wait! I’m sitting here as a senior in high school, and I have no idea where the time went. Laziness has become a new thing recently, but do not fall victim. In the long run, you will be happier knowing you tried your hardest and got a result you’re proud of than to look back and know you didn’t give it 100%<percent. Furthermore, find what you love, and chase it. We have so much to offer at PRHS. I recently read a book who which gave me this advice, “dare to be disliked, you might even like it.” So going along those lines, find something that makes you happy, even if your friends don’t find it cool. At the end of the day, you might even like it. And if all else fails, find me, and I will help you with whatever you need.
Isabel: Get involved. Please, I beg you to not forget to love yourself and breathe.
6. What is your favorite part about our school?
Josh: That’s a hard question to answer. For me, personally, my favorite part of PRHS is our amazing and inspirational group of faculty, staff, and students. From Margie dancing and spreading positivity, to our new Principal Mr. Martinez and the tireless work he’s done in preparing for this year, and finally to the amazing group of students and teachers on campus, I can be assured that everyday I step foot onto campus I’ll be surrounded by unique stories, personalities, and passions. It truly is an amazing place to be.
Isabel: My favorite part about our school is the spirit. In the few weeks that we have been in school this year, I wanted to attend as many clubs as possible, and every single club that I have gone to wants to make a change! Whether it’s Drama Club, JOOI Club, GSA+ or just attending all the FFA meetings, they’re there because they care about the things that they do! It isn’t just the students but the teachers too. Teachers and adults get so passionate about how passionate we are!
7. What else should we expect to be hearing/seeing from you two?
Josh: I think that’s for us to know and for you to find out! All I can say is we have been hard at work for a long time to ensure this year is going to be great! Just stay with us and get involved because that is what Bearcats do.
Isabel: Know that this year will be amazing, and of course I’ll be the one next to Josh screaming at all the games because that’s what Bearcats do!
