Meet Your State Officers

2013 - Madison Brown
Phillipsburg HS

“The most important part of being a leader is maintaining the desire to keep on learning. That means learning about yourself, about your peers, and about the people you serve.” – Brian Koval

Hi, New Jersey! My name is Madison Brown and I am thrilled and honored to serve as your 2013 President. Since my first NJASC Conference back in 2008, I had dreamed of being a state officer, and now I could not be any happier. For six years, and playing the largest role in my life, Student Council has helped to shape the person I am today and I look forward to sharing my passion for leadership with other student leaders of New Jersey.

As a junior at Phillipsburg High School, you can find me on the soccer field or on the basketball court. I am also a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the Key Club, Class Officer, and Corresponding Secretary for Phillipsburg’s Student Council. Not only do I serve my school, but I also serve my community by volunteering in soup kitchens, babysitting, organizing fundraisers such as our Giving Tree, and participating in the Veteran’s Day Tribute at our school.

Through my many experiences with this organization, from Middle Level Representative, to a Junior Counselor at LTC, and having attended numerous conferences, I feel I am  ready to be a state officer. I aspire to share my experiences and passion with the student leaders of our very own Garden State and look forward to this upcoming year and working with the 2013 state board. I cannot wait for us to demonstrate all of the wonderful things that NJASC is capable of and transcending expectations. I would like to give a special thanks to everyone who supported and encouraged me, I would not be where I am today without you. I anticipate an amazing year together with the new NJASC Board and all of the student leaders across New Jersey!

Feel free to contact me anytime at president13@njasc.org with any questions or concerns.

2013 - Emily Cassidy
Mount Olive HS

"Leadership is action, not position." - Donald H. McGannon

Hello, New Jersey! My name is Emily Cassidy and I could not be happier to be your 2013 NJASC Vice President!  It really is such an honor. I am currently a junior at Mount Olive High School. I first became involved with Student Council in middle school, but once I entered high school, I began to love it even more and I decided I wanted to help make a difference within my school in a bigger way. This year, I am the treasurer of my school’s student council. After my first time attending LTC (the real “Happiest Place on Earth”) and meeting people who were just as passionate about student council as I was, I became inspired and wanted to do something more- run for state office!

Outside of Student Council, I am very active in my school and community. I am the Students Against Destructive Decisions Secretary and am the Head Chair of the Relay for Life Student Committee. I really enjoy doing community service work and am involved in my school’s welcoming committee for new students and chapter of Key Club. I am also a member of the French chapter of World Language Honor Society and have been a Girl Scout since kindergarten!

I cannot wait for an amazing year and to see all that we can accomplish as a state board. Big thanks go out to my advisor, Mrs. Nelson, my family, and Mount Olive HS Student Council for all of the continued support! I would not be where I am today without you. Between LTC and annual conventions, the NJASC has had a huge impact on my life and I am ready to show my appreciation by doing my best job possible while in office!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions at vicepres13@njasc.org. 

2013 - Colby Thomas
Parsippany Hills HS

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hi everyone! My name is Colby Thomas and I am honored to be your NJASC Secretary! I am a Junior at Parsippany Hills High School and I have been involved with student council since middle school. I am currently the Vice President of my school student council, and I have gained so much knowledge from my leadership experiences. I have learned confidence and ambition from attending many leadership conferences including LTC, LTC 2, Region 2, and four NASC National Conferences. I can't wait to see what I can bring to the board this year as I work for all of you!

Aside from Student Council I participate in many other activities in school and community. I am a vasity competition and football cheerleader along with National Italian and National Art Honors Societies. I also help run the Antioch retreat at my church and am a member of the Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad. Between extracurriculars and school work, I always make time to hang out with my family and friends.

I cannot wait to see all that we can accomplish this year as a state board. I would like to thank Parsippany Hills HS, my advisors, my family and friends, and all of you for the continued support. I am thrilled for this year to make it a great one and I know that with our team of dedicated 2013 State Officers we can do this.

Always feel free to contact me at secretary13@njasc.org.

2013 - Samantha Serrano
Bayonne HS

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hello everyone!  My name is Samantha Serrano and I cannot express how thrilled and honored I am to be your 2013 NJASC Treasurer!  I am currently a junior at Bayonne High School.  I began to participate in Student Council my freshman year as homeroom representative, I am the Junior Council class Secretary, and I now serve as the Parliamentarian on my Executive Board.  Having been to both LTC and LTC 2 has really opened my eyes to what being a true leader means.  I have never met such dedicated and motivated students in my life.  We are all like one big happy family!

Other than Student Council, I am also involved with the Bayonne High School Ambassadors, Mock Trial team, and Polish Cultural Society.  I am also constantly working thanks to my AP and Honors classes that are quite time consuming.  However, I am a professional at multitasking and can handle any task that I am given (even if it means getting two hours of sleep)!  I am looking forward to bringing ideas to and from my school and the State Board.  I am always open minded and love hearing new ideas.

I have been dreaming of being a State Officer in the NJASC for almost a year now, and I am looking forward to working with the board to showcase the spectacular state of New Jersey in a positive light.  I know that it will be an extremely successful and fun year.  I can’t thank my Student Council as well as my advisor, Mr. G, here in Bayonne enough for all of their support, and for their belief in me this year.   I can’t wait to see you all soon at the next conference, or at LTC!

Feel free to ask me what’s on your mind at treasurer13@njasc.org.                

2013 - Keya Gangadharan
Morris Hills HS

"The secret of making dreams come true can be summarized in four C's. They are Curiosity, Confidence, Courage, and Constancy; and the greatest of these is Confidence." - Walt Disney

Hello, New Jersey! My name is Keya Gangadharan and it is an honor to be your 2013 Executive Member of Special Projects. Ever since middle school, I have been actively involved in student council and hoped to become a part of NJASC someday. After going to LTC and LTC 2, meeting new people, and building confidence every day, I have become the outgoing, spirited leader I always dreamed of being.  I want to bring my passion for student council to the board this year as I work with the others to help serve you!

Outside of school, I am a part of many other activities. Music is a big part of who I am. For eleven years, I have enjoyed playing violin in the Lakeland Youth Symphony, a nonprofit organization for strings players. I also volunteer my time there once a week, helping the elementary school level orchestra. In addition, I have danced Bharatanatyam, Indian classical dancing, since fifth grade.

I have many inspirations in my life, one of them being Disney. Disney has taught me to dream big and work hard towards my goals. My friends and family have always served as role models for me. I would like to thank them for helping me become who I am today and without them, I would not be where I am.  They have always supported me in everything I have done and I cannot express my gratitude enough!

Please feel free to contact me at projects13@njasc.org.

2013 - Leah Watson
Bridgewater-Raritan HS

"Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality." - Warren Bennis

How's it going, New Jersey!?! My name is Leah Watson and I am MORE than psyched to be a part of the executive board for the year 2013. Being elected into the position of Executive Member for Publications and having the opportunity to represent my state is something I have been striving for since I first attended LTC in 2009. Basically, this is a dream come true!

I am a junior at Bridgewater-Raritan High School in Somerset county. I have been involved in Student Council since Middle School and am currently the Recording Secretary at my high school. Student Council is one of my greatest passions! I am also involved in my school's Peer Mediation and CEC clubs. Playing on the competitive Field Hockey and Lacrosse teams is something I have been doing since Middle School. I love being a part of a team! Outside of school I enjoy volunteering and spending time with my amazing friends and family, and of course shopping!

The LTC program I attended was truly life changing and I can't wait to inspire the people who attend it in the upcoming summer the same way I have been. I am super excited and cannot wait to see all the things my fellow board members and myself can accomplish in the year 2013.

I want to thank all of my supporters that have been there for me through my journey to becoming an NJASC board member. I could not have done it without all my friends and family. I also give a special thanks to my Middle School advisors, Ms. Pratt and Mr. Casey, my current advisor, Mr. Sean Foley, and my whole BRHS family. I can tell that this year is one that I will treasure!! 

Don't be afraid to contact me at review13@njasc.org. 

2013 - Alex Mirabella
Union County Academy for Information Technology

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” - John C. Maxwell

Hey, New Jersey! My name is Alex Mirabella and I am your Executive Member of State Charity. I am very excited to be a part of the NJASC state board. I am a sophomore at The Union County Academy for Information Technology and am currently the President of my Student Council. Student Council is my way of being a helping hand in giving my sophomore class a voice in the decision making that goes on during our meetings. I will be happy to do the same for the students of New Jersey.

Other than Student Council I participate in sports. I am a wrestler, a football player and I throw shot-put and discus for the track team. Sports are a great way to learn how to work together as part of a team. I think of the state board as a team where we all have to work together to make New Jersey better. When I am not in class, in student council meetings, or on the field I like to hang out with friends and family.  I have a great relationship with my family and we love and support each other.

It will take a lot of hard work and dedication to fulfill my role as the Executive Member of State Charities but I know I am ready to accept the challenge. I would like to thank my family and friends for all their love and support. I would also like to thank my advisor, principal and super intendant for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the State Board.

Feel free to contact me at charity13@njasc.org - let’s make this year the best one ever...are you ready New Jersey?

2013 - Caitlin Slate
High Point Regional High School

“Leadership is unlocking people’s potential to become better.” - Bill Bradley

Hi, New Jersey! My name is Caitlin Slate, and I am honored to be your 2013 State Board of Education Student Representative. It has been a goal of mine to serve on the NJASC Board since I attended LTC this past summer, and I can’t wait to start my job! I am a junior at High Point Regional High School where I serve as my school’s executive treasurer. Having been involved in student council since middle school, I have come to realize all that it has taught me. I value the importance of hearing everyone’s opinions and hope to give all of you a voice.

In addition to student council, I stay pretty busy with other activities. I am in Heroes and Cool Kids as well as Peer Counseling. I also have a job as a waitress at a local restaurant which has taught me valuable time management skills. I play field hockey for our Lady Wildcats in the fall, and this has taught me how to work with others and how to focus on getting a job done.

I can’t wait to make 2013 the best year yet for the NJASC. I am ready for the challenge, and excited to get to work! LTC taught me more than I could imagine, and I know I will apply all that I learned as Student Representative. I want to thank my student council advisor, my principal, and the rest of the student council for their support. I also want to thank my parents, siblings, and friends for their encouragement- I don’t know where I would be without their love!

Anytime you have a question or a concern, always feel free to contact me at stateboe13@njasc.org.

2013 - Cole Mitchell
Stewartsville MS

“Leaders are made, they are not born.  They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.” — Vince Lombardi

What’s up, New Jersey?  My name is Cole Mitchell and I am excited to be your 2013 NJASC Middle Level Representative!  I currently attend Stewartsville Middle School, the home of the Stinger Bee. I am involved in student council which I have loved being a part for the past three years.  I feel that my experience with student council has given me the confidence to become a leader and ultimately helped me to get where I am today!

It has been my goal to become the Middle Level Representative for New Jersey. I am so happy to have achieved this position and I am looking forward to serving my term to the best of my ability. As Vince Lombardi stated, to achieve any goal it takes hard work, and I am excited to work hard for you.

I enjoy many extracurricular activities, such as soccer, basketball, baseball, and will be playing lacrosse for the first time this spring. I am an alter server at Saint Mary Church and I enjoy volunteering in our community when possible.

I can’t wait to start my term as Middle Level Rep! I am looking forward to meeting with and getting to know all of my fellow executive board members.  A special thanks to my advisors Mrs. Boyer and Mrs. Gengaro, my principal Mrs. Snyder, my family, friends, and student council members for helping to make all this possible for me!

Feel free to contact me at midlevel13@njasc.org.