Meet your State Officers

2025 STATE OFFICERS

 

President

XENIA JAHANGIR
Parsippany High School

“Leadership is not wielding authority - it is empowering people.” - Becky Brodin

Hey, New Jersey! My name is Xenia Jahangir, and I am so incredibly honored to serve as your 2025 NJASC President. Student Council has been a primary component of my life since the third grade. I have been a part of the NJASC community since middle school, but this past summer I attended my first ever LTC. It was such a fun experience and made me even more invested in this organization.This opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, charismatic and motivated to learn and lead, was a driving force in my decision to run for office. Through the NJASC board, I plan to connect with as many students as possible and make sure you all feel heard.

I am currently a sophomore at Parsippany High School where I am involved in a plethora of activities. I am class vice president, an avid member of the drama club, choir, key club, and interact. In addition, I am a member of the executive board of our student council and a volleyball and varsity lacrosse player. Outside of school, I like to immerse myself in a lot of hobbies. I am a part of the Morris Area Honors Choir, play for Elite Volleyball, love to draw and paint with oil paints and watercolor, make vintage inspired jewelry, play guitar, read books and comics, and play video games. During the summer, I volunteer at my public library. I love learning new skills and picking up new hobbies.When you and I connect, I cannot wait to learn something new from you!

I would like to thank my amazing High School Advisor, Mrs. Van, for supporting me and always urging me to do my best. I would also like to thank my parents for raising me to be a leader and to always pursue my aspirations. I would like to give a special thanks to my middle school advisor, Mrs. Curry, or as I’ve always called her, Quez, for caring so much about me and making sure I knew my potential and all I was capable of. Without her, I would have never even thought to run for this amazing organization. She believed in me when I thought no one else did. And of course I would like to thank all of you for your support during the election. I look forward to all that this year will bring!

Vice President

SAMAIRA TEWATIA
South Brunswick High School

“We’re here for a reason. I believe a bit of the reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the dark.” - Whoopi Goldberg

Hey, New Jersey! My name is Samaira Tewatia and I am beyond honored to serve as your 2025 NJASC Vice President. I’ve been a part of Student Council since 7th grade and it has taught me the value of collaboration, service, and the power to make a difference with the help of your fellow peers and advisors. Ever since attending the State conferences and 2024 LTC, it has inspired me to become a part of something bigger. The connections I made and the knowledge I gained there sparked a deep passion in me to take on something larger in our NJASC community. These experiences solidified my belief that when we work together, we can accomplish anything, no matter the challenge.

I am currently a junior at South Brunswick High School and I serve as the Board of Education Chair on the Student Council. Along with that, I am also the Mid Atlantic State Director of Media on Junior State of America, a volunteer with the Unified Track and Basketball team, and a member of the Asian Cultural Club. Outside of school, I am an EMT at my town’s First Aid Squad, where I have the privilege of serving and supporting my community during some of its most challenging moments. I am also the President of Dream of Blue Skies, where we organize tutoring sessions to raise funds that provide technology to underprivileged schools across the United States. Outside of these roles, I spend my time volunteering young students at HindiUSA, teaching them how to read and write in Hindi. Being able to give back to my community has profoundly shaped me into the person I am today. Helping others has taught me how to be a patient, understanding, and adaptable in all situations.

I would like to give a huge thanks to the most amazing people: my advisors, Mrs. Olsen and Mrs. Morris. They have always been there for me no matter the situation, and have provided me with various opportunities to grow as not only a leader, but also as a person. And of course, none of this would be possible without the unwavering support of my parents and my brother, who have taught me to never give up and pursue all of my dreams. I am honored to serve as your 2025 Vice President and I can’t wait to make this the best year yet!

Secretary

KHUSHI MAHESHWARI
West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North

“A great leader's courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.” - John Maxwell

Hello, New Jersey! My name is Khushi Maheshwari, and I am honored to serve as your 2025 NJASC Secretary. I joined Student Council during freshman year, and it quickly became an important part of my life. It taught me the value of leadership and building connections. Seeing the dedication of NJASC state officers at conferences inspired me to make a meaningful difference for a broader community. I am eager to work with my fellow state officers and serve at the statewide level.

I am currently a sophomore at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North, serving as a Special Assignments Officer. I am also involved in Yearbook Club, Stage Crew, and SAASA. In general. I love doing anything that involves socializing with old and new friends. These involvements have allowed me to improve on my communication skills and time management which will assist on the NJASC board.

I am so grateful for the unwavering support I have had on my journey. I would like to thank my family and friends for always encouraging me to be my best. I would also like to thank my advisors – Mrs. Newbury, Mrs. Calabro, and Mr. Gore – and HSN Student Council who have not only guided me through the NJASC process, but also my highschool career. Lastly, I would like to thank all of New Jersey for giving me the opportunity to represent you as your 2025 NJASC Secretary. I am looking forward to working with my NJASC peers and here’s to another amazing year!

Treasurer

CHRISTINA LE
Warren Hills Regional High School

"What you decide on will be done, and light will shine on your ways." - Job‬ ‭22‬:‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬ 

Hey, New Jersey! My name is Christina Le, and I’m super excited to serve as your 2025 NJASC Treasurer. Though it’s a skill I picked up later on, having your voice heard is extremely important to me. My goal this year is to share the inspiration that leaders in my life have shown me and leave a positive impact on others.

I am currently a junior at Warren Hills Regional High School. There, I am the Secretary of Key Club, a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and I manage the social media and cinematography for my school’s wrestling team. During my freshman and sophomore year, I ran track and did sideline and competitive cheerleading. Outside of school, I am in Girl Scouts where I am currently working on my Gold Award. Although it’s definitely difficult to balance hard classes and extracurriculars, I’ve learned how to avoid any stress while doing the things I love. 

I was born and raised in Hackettstown, NJ, however, my first language is Vietnamese. I really love going out and staying active, such as going to the gym or snowboarding. Although I am definitely a more outgoing person, I also really love reading, drawing, and watching tv shows. 

Thank you to my family and friends for their unconditional love, and thank you to Mrs. Giamoni for helping me take on this amazing opportunity. I am so grateful and I’m positive we can make this the best year yet!

Executive Member - Charity

SALONI MITTAL
Kinnelon High School

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Hey, New Jersey! My name is Saloni Mittal, and I am incredibly honored to serve as your 2025 NJASC Executive Member of State Charity. Leadership, to me, is about uplifting others and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Being part of the Student Council has taught me the importance of collaboration and determination—values I am excited to bring to the state level.

I am currently a junior at Kinnelon High School, where I served as the Executive Board Secretary for our Student Council and the Kinnelon Board of Education Student Representative. Last year, I had the privilege of serving as the Administrative Assistant at NJASC, an experience that taught me the value of organization and effective communication. Other activities I am passionate about are the Ability Awareness Club, a club that I co-founded, Peer Leaders, DECA, and FBLA. These roles have helped me develop teamwork and resilience, which I bring to every leadership opportunity. 

I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me on this journey. My family and friends have inspired me to aim higher, and I want to give a special thanks to my advisor, Sra. Sappio, as well as my amazing Student Council at Kinnelon High School. Most importantly, thank you, New Jersey, for trusting me with this incredible opportunity. Let’s work together to make this year unforgettable!

Executive Member - Projects

JULES-HANZ CANLAPAN
Phillipsburg High School

“A leader is great not because of his or her power, but because of his or her ability to empower others.” - John C. Maxwell.

Hey New Jersey! My name is Jules-Hanz Canlapan, and I am honored to serve as your 2025 NJASC Executive Member of Projects. I have been involved with the Student Council since middle school, and it has taught me valuable lessons about leading with integrity, encouraging others, and leadership. Being a leader has truly inspired me to be passionate about leading and showing others what can be done through determination and collaboration.

I am a Junior at Phillipsburg High School where I participate in different clubs and extracurriculars. Currently, I am the Board of Education student representative for my student council, an active member of the National Honor Society, Corresponding Secretary of Key Club, part of the Chess Club, and on the Varsity Tennis team. I enjoy being part of different activities in my school as it shows a way of meeting new people and giving back to the community. I would like to thank my advisors, Mr. Kiley and Mr. Sapir, my fellow student council members, and my family and friends for helping me on my journey. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to achieve everything I have done so far. They were always there to support me and show me that anything is possible. I am grateful to be part of this board and thrilled to serve New Jersey together with my fellow state officers, I am looking forward to a great year of leadership!

Executive Member - Publications

LEILANI ORTEGA
Hillside High School

“If you have a dream, don't let anybody take it away.” - Selena Quintanilla-Perez

Hey, New Jersey! My name is Leilani Ortega, and it’s both a privilege and an honor to be serving as your 2025 NJASC Executive Member of Publications. Student Council has been a big part of my life since middle school, and since then, I knew that Student Council was the community I wanted to continue to be part of. I never would have imagined that I would be serving as an officer for the entire state of New Jersey, and being part of this organization is truly a blessing.

I’m currently a junior at Hillside High School where I serve as Community Outreach Coordinator for Student Council, Secretary for the Class of 2026, I’m on the softball and bowling team, I am active within the Performing Arts and Book clubs, an editor for the yearbook, and I’m an honors student! 

I’d like to thank God, my wonderful family and amazing friends for their unending support and love, my teachers for letting me make you laugh and also letting me rant (Mr. Skelton), and my supportive Student Council for working so incredibly hard, getting things done, and still feeling like one big family when the day is done. A big shout to my advisor Mrs. Deutsch for making all of this happen; without her, our Student Council wouldn’t be as efficient as it is today, and I wouldn’t be the best version of myself. I’m so excited to work with you, New Jersey; let’s make this a fun year!

State Board of Education Student Rep.

KAILYNN DuROSE
East Brunswick High School

“The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born-that there is a genetic factor to leadership. This myth asserts that people simply either have certain charismatic qualities or not. That’s nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born." - Warren Bennis

Hello New Jersey! My name is Kailynn DuRose and I am honored to serve as your 2025 NJASC State BOE Student Representative. Since 5th grade, Student Council has allowed me to speak and work with many different types of people with their own stories. Attending LTC has highlighted the importance of empowering those voices, and serving the community you foster. I’m so excited to be involved with this amazing organization and make a lasting impact.

I am currently a sophomore at East Brunswick High School and serve as the NJASC Liaison on the Student Council. I’m also a member of the Pre-Med Club, HOSA Team, Psychology Club, and Sources of Strength at my school. I also serve on a Teen Advisory Board for NJ4S, volunteer at my local library, have been a Girl Scout for over 10 years, and I’m the founder of Science News Periodically—an organization dedicated to sharing scientific information to youth. These activities are where my skills such as communication, collaboration, and creativity truly flourish.

I would like to give a huge thanks to my incredible advisors, Mrs. Benkard and Mrs. Laforge, who’s dedication and reliability have supported me into becoming the leader I am today. None of this would be possible without the support from my family, my mother and grandmother, who are always there for me and push me to reach my full potential. It’s an honor to serve as your 2025 NJASC BOE Student Representative and I can’t wait to amplify student voices.

Middle Level Representative

KATE WARD
Brooklawn Middle School

“A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, and a little less than his share of the credit.” - Arnold H. Glasgow

Hi New Jersey, my name is Kate Ward and I am so excited to serve as your 2025 Middle Level Representative! I am currently a seventh grader at Brooklawn Middle School in Parsippany and for the 2024 - 2025 school year I have been serving as the treasure of my student council. I serve as a peer leader and I am in the school band as a clarinetist. I enjoy theater and am currently in a community and school program. I enjoy sports and have been on my school field hockey team for the past 2 years as well as my town lacrosse team where I play on the field and in goals. I enjoy traveling, doing puzzles, playing games, and always bring my best energy and positive spirit to everything I do.

My quote explains how a leader takes responsibility and gives others the attention. These are important qualities to me because a leader is someone who puts others before them and is meant to serve. I would like to thank my advisors, Mr. Miller and Mrs. Franz, for all of the work they put in for me to get this far in student council. I appreciate them so much and they are always a helping hand. I would also like to thank my student council for all of their support and help they provided me with. My last thanks is to my family and friends who are so supportive and so proud of me for how far I have come.