Slate 1: Austin Cheeseman (Student Voice), Maury Lane (Student Activities), Diondre Gonzalez (Financial Advisor), Enrique Carmona (Campaign Manager)
Slate 2: Mae Alstott (Student Voice), Lilli Marino (Student Activities), River Gilardi (Financial Advisor), Blake Jurasek (Campaign Manager)
Slate 3: Izzy Pedersen (Student Voice), Olivia Pinkin (Student Activities), Chris Murphy (Financial Advisor), Bryson Mettler (Campaign Manager)
Slate 6: Savanah Rayner (Student Voice), Mariana Aguirre (Student Activities), Camila Zavala (Financial Advisor, Victoria Wence (Campaign Manager).
3:31: The winner is Slate 1!
3:28: Isabella Alvarez tells the delegates that if they stay afterwards to clean up they can make up a lunch detention.
3:22: Slates are fuzzied by the delegates. The Slates walk the runway covered in streamers and colorful paints.
3:12: Leadership chooses 15 delegates to play musical chairs.
3:08: Leadership announces the beginning of the 3rd and final round of voting. Delegates can vote on ballots being handed out, and 9th, 10th, and 11th graders not at convention can vote via a Google Form in their emails.
2:58:Leadership chooses random songs and dance moves, and one person from the chosen slate performs them.
2:49: Leadership announces a Slate fashion show. The Slates dress up according to categories and walk down the runway, showing their costumes to the delegates.
2:41: Vice Principal Ms. Dowdy takes the stage to ask the Slates questions. Her first question, for the student voice, “What does being a dragon mean to you?” Austin Chesseman of Slate 1 discusses leadership and initiative as what it means to be a dragon. Mae Alstott of Slate 2 discusses that to her, being a dragon is being spirited. Dowdy asks the student activity directors what one event or tradition they want to continue. Lilli Marino of Slate 2 wants to bring halftime shows to SVHS sports games, and Maury Lane of Slate 1 discusses doing float fest at farmers’ markets and continuing homecoming traditions. Lastly, Dowdy asks financial advisors, “What is one challenge students are facing and what would you do?” Diondre Gonzalez discusses improving the boys’ bathroom and installing vending machines. River Gilardi of Slate 2 discusses creating a website for communication about student activities. Dowdy also describes, “Many students feel their voices aren’t always heard,” and asks the Slates to address this. Mae Alstott of Slate 2 discusses creating a Google form for suggestions, and Austin Cheeseman of Slate 1 also discusses forms for student input on events and creating a student cabinet.
2:39: Slate one discusses their goal of raising the spirit in freshman and sophomore classes as well as their commitment to intention and execution to create spirited school events.
2:38: Slate two addresses the fact that they may not physically represent the entire student body by saying that they will still attempt to foster inclusivity and representation.
2:32: Walter’s band performs “American idiot” by Green Day.
2:27: Leadership dances and sings to a compilation of popular music.
2:26: Leadership announces that Slate 6 was eliminated. They endorsed Slate 2.
2:21: Slate 4, which is the winning slate from last year, is fuzzied by the others who ran.
2:15: The Dragon’s Court asks the slate more questions. The first question is “Which class lowers your cortisol?” Slate 1 answers Chemistry with Mr. Potter, Slate 2 answers APUSH with Mr. Gibson, and Slate 6 also answers APUSH with Mr. Gibson. The next question is “Who is the worst music artist of all time?” Slate 1 answers Jojo Siwa, Slate 2 answers P. Diddy, Slate 6 answers AI artists. Additionally, other questions included “If you could only eat one food forever, what would it be?” and “Would you rather be trapped in Antarctica with two layers of clothing or the Sahara Desert with no water?”
2:12: Leadership announces best poster contest: New York, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, and Florida are called onto the stage. Colorado is the winner, and they walk down the runway off the stage.
2:08: Last year’s slate dances to “Don’t stop the party” by Pitbull, ” on the floor” by Jennifer Lopez, ” Danza Kuduro” by Lucenzo, “Taki Taki” by DJ Snake, “The Lazy Song” by Bruno Mars, “Take a Hint” by Victorius Cast, “La Carcacha by Selena, “Juju on that beat” by Zay Hilfigerrr, “La Mama de la Mama” by El Alfa, and “Girls just want to have fun” by Cindi Lauper
2:04: Leadership calls all of the fuzzied delegates onto the stage. They walk one by one down the runway at the end of the stage.
1:49: Slates go into the audience to meet delegates and try to convince them of their vote. Sophomore John Rounkle said that he thinks that convention is “high energy, loud…I don’t think I’ll be able to hear right tomorrow.”
1:45: Leadership announces a game where the Slates are singing the times tables to a random song.
1:39: Slate 1 Dances to “Love” by Keyshia Cole
1:36: Diondre Gonzalez, financial advisor of Slate 1, makes his speech, saying, ” I will make sure our money is used responsibly and transparently…we should be planning ahead”.
1:32: Slate 6 dances to “All the Stars” by Kendrick Lamar.
1:30: Camila Zavala gives her speech as the financial advisor of Slate 6. “I intend to bring change…I’m ready to put in the work.”
1:27: Slate 2 dances to “Treasure” by Bruno Mars.
1:24: Financial advisor speeches begin with slate 2. River Gilardi says that he “will work hard to ensure transparency…I will work hard to make sure we support clubs and school events. Slate two is here to represent you.”
1:17: Walter’s band performs “Green to me” by Hum.
1:16 Leadership leads the Sonoma cheer.
1:14: New York was announced as the winner.
1:10: Leadership announced the best state competition, calling New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Maine to the stage. The delegates cheer for their favorites.
1:04: Yomy Celis-Casas asked the Slates for “dad jokes”, their best party trick, favorite conspiracy theories, and “hear-me outs”.
1:00: Performance by Senior Siena Kelly, who sang “Birds of a Feather” by Billie Eilish
12:50: Mr. Gibson takes the stage to ask the Slates questions. He starts with Slate 1: “What message would you give to SVHS students who are not at convention… how would you include their voice?”Austin Cheeseman answered, discussing that if SVHS adopted polls and message boxes, students might participate further in decision-making. Gibson asked Slate 2 what their outreach plan was. Mae Alstott answered by proposing to create a website so that students can be more aware of student activities. He asked Slate 6 what they think the largest problem is. Vicky Wence cited that challenges include student inclusion and awareness of student events. Next, Gibson asked, “If you had 15 dollars for lunch, where would they go? River Gilardi answered for Slate 2 that he would go to the bagel shop. He asked Slate 6, “If the K building were to form a band, what would their name be and why? Slate 6 answered “The founding fathers.” For slate 1, he asked, “Is a hot dog a sandwich?” Maury Lane responded that a hot dog is not a sandwich. Mr. Gibson asked more questions like “If you could be a movie character, who would you be?” “What is your favorite karaoke song?” and “If teachers had to run for slate, who would you pick and who would be their campaign manager?” Finally, Mr. Gibson asked each slate, “If you could sum up your campaign in one word, what would it be? Slate 1 said “Community”, Slate 2 said “Spirit”, and Slate 3 said “positivity”.
12:10: Leadership discussed rules for lunch and released the delegates. Isaac Ting, a freshman representing Oklahoma, told the Dragon’s Tale that his favorite part of convention is “maybe the music, definitely Walter’s band”. He wants to see more spirit and spirit days more interesting.
12:01: The delegates ask questions to the Slates. Questions include “What is the school’s biggest problem, and what is your plan to fix it?” Slate 6 discussed a lack of school spirit and inclusivity, and proposed frequent announcements to increase participation. Slate 2 discussed student fear of embarrassment for participating in school activities, and a solution is that Slate 2 is an example of everyone showing that school spirit is important. Slate 1 believes that the root cause of a lack of spirit is due to division in the school, and they want to host new events to better represent students to address this issue. Another question was “which teacher would represent your slate?” Slate 1 chose Mr. Gibson, Slate 2 chose Mr. Merino, and Slate 6 chose Mr. Hansen.
ll:58: Walter’s band performs “Them Bones” by Alice in Chains.
11:55: Slate 2 wins trivia, and leadership holds a trivia activity with the delegates.
11:44: Leadership announces staff trivia with the Slates. They answered questions like “Which staff are alumni of SVHS?”, “What is the name of Eddie’s book?”, and “Name 3 staff who went to Sonoma State”.
11:38: Leadership announced a “cross the line” game, where they read our statements, and the Slates crossed the line if a statement applied to them.
11:29: Dragon’s Court, the top 10 students in the senior class, asks each Slate what makes them unique. Slate 2 described their friendship with each other, Slate 6 described their diversity and inclusivity, and Slate 1 described their leadership experience together, as well as their student club and sports involvement. The court also asked the slates what meme best represents their slate. Slate 1 discussed the “speed face” as their inside joke and demonstrated it to the delegates. Slate 6 discussed “68 plus or minus one”, Slate 2 discussed a vine-era meme. The court asked, “What is your favorite president. Slate 1 said Barack Obama, Slate 2 said Abraham Lincoln, and Slate 6 also said Barack Obama. The next question had to do with the colors of school subjects. All of the slates agreed that Science was green, but there was debate as to the other subjects. Slate 1 and 6 agreed that math was red and English was blue. The next question was what class “raises your cortisol”. Slate 1 said Mr. Merino, prefacing that their choice was not because of the teacher, Slate 3 said Mrs. Gray’s honors English, and Slate 6 said Mr. Potter’s AP Chemistry.
11:26: Slatee 1 chose the golf team because of their financial advisor, Diondre Gonzalez’s involvement in the sport. Slate 2 chose basketball, and Slate 6 chose baseball.
11:23: The student activities game is announced. Each Slate will have a minute to create a cheer for a different sport.
11:17: Maury Lane gives her student activities speech. “I believe that school isn’t just about classes and learning..I want to plan events that represent us as a whole…Activities that represent the diversity of our student body.” Lilli Marino described her experience in leadership. “We create activities for you, and not with you, and that’s what I want to change.” She proposed adding halftime performances during sports games. Mariana Aguirre said in her speech that “With your help, we can all get the high school spirit we were promised,” continuing Slate 6’s tradition of translating their speeches into Spanish.
11:14: Anuhea Breeland announced that “Slate 1 is safe. Slate 2 is safe. The slate that is leaving us is… goodbye Slate 3. Slate 3 left the stage, endorsing Slate 2.
11:08: Yomy Celis Casas announces that the voting results will be announced in two minutes. Leadership announced a game of Simon Says during the vote counting, and the delegates stood up to participate.
11:06: The dance team performs a routine to “Where Them Girls At” by David Guetta.
11:03: The security pushup competition took place onstage.
11:01: Riley O’Hara performs a dance routine to Lemon Pepper Freestyle by Drake. He said in an interview with the Dragon’s Tale that he has been dancing for about 12 and a half years.
10:57: Walter Hofstetter’s band performs “On a Plain” by Nirvana. “It’s a feeling like no other when you’re up on stage… not every day you get to play on fancy gear in front of a bunch of people,” He said.
10:44: The Slates return to the stage. The first round of voting takes place. The current slate announces that because phones are banned at SVHS, the Slates will vote using paper ballots. Each state has 3 votes for the slate that they would like to win, and can distribute the votes between slates as they like. Each state votes as a group.
10:36: Slates go into the audience, encouraging the delegates to vote for them.
10:30: The slates called up their biggest fans. Each gave a speech in support of their Slate. Jenna Trujillo, representing Slate 1, said: “They know what to do, they bring so many new ideas to the school.” Keaton Abodeely for Slate 3 said that Slate 3 will bring “Hype and spirits” to SVHS, Isla Tudisco for Slate 2 said “I think they’re going to make the school a much better place”, and Stephanie Mata for Slate 6 said that “I just feel like [Slate 6] is the perfect fit for Slate this year.”
10:18: The Dragon’s tale interviewed Ms. Rivara, SVHS’s leadership teacher, who is in charge of organizing convention alongside her students. Her favorite part of convention is “Watching all of the spirit and creativity that comes out of everyone participating.” She has helped to organize convention for 13 or 14 years, including for the first time in 2002.
10:06: A 20-minute break is announced. The students clap for their favorite student voice. Senior Emma Currotto said that she was excited about “the energy and the spirit” of convention. Julian Romero, a sophomore representing the state of Texas, said that “I like all of the action and the singing, It’s hard to choose [which slate to vote for]. Enrique Alcaraz, a senior, said that “I’m part of Dragon’s court. We’re going to ask questions to the slates.” His favorite part of the convention is the free food. Nicolás Bonfiglio, a sophomore, is excited “to vote…I really want to vote, and the exciting shows the Slates are putting on, and Pizza.” Josephine Shirk, also a sophomore who is representing Missouri and dressed as Slim Shady, said that her favorite part of convention is “The lipsync battle”.
10:02: Anuhea Breeland introduces the student voice activity which is for each student voice to read an advertisement about Grad Night.
9:55: Slate 2 performs their lip-sync, dancing to “Mirrors by Justin Timberlake, “Bang Bang” by Ariana Grande, “That’s what I like” by Bruno Mars, “Shallow” by Lady Gaga, “Feel this Moment” by Pitbull, “Lay it down” by Lloyd, “Only Girl” by Max Magnani, and “Blame it on the Rain” by Milli Vanilli.
9:49: Slate 6 performs their lip-sync, dancing to “Adventure of a Lifetime” by Coldplay, “NUEVAYoL” by Bad Bunny, “Low” by Flo Rida, “Right Round” by Flo Rida, “Where Have You Been” by Rihanna, Bwso Al Aire by 3BallMTY, “Midnight Sun” by Zara Larrsoon, “Dame Beso” by Kali Uchis, “Young Wild and Free “by Snoop Dogg, “Oye Mi Amor” by Maná, “Five more hours” by Deorro, “Feels” by Calvin Harris, “VOY A LLeVARTE PA PR” by bad bunny, “We are the people” by emire of the sun, and “BAILE” by Avery
9:45: Slate 3 performs their lip-sync, dancing to “Everybody talks” by Neon Trees, “Teach me how to dougie” by Cali Swag District, “Shut up and drive” by Sakoya, “Blueberry Faygo” by Lil Mosey, “Best Ever” by Polo Frost, “Toosie Slide” by Drake, “100 racks”, “What you know about love” by Pop Smoke, and “My boo” by ghost town DJs.
9:37: Slate 1 performs their lip-sync, dancing to “America has a problem” by Beyonce, “24K magic” by Bruno Mars, “Whip my hair” by Willow, “Baby Boy” by Beyoncce, Casatchok by El Grande del Real, “Twerkulator” by City Girls, “I like it” by Cardi B,
9:26: Anu Breeland introduced the student voice speeches. Slate 6 began with Savanah Rayner. “We are not running because we are perfect students…[or for popularity].” She discussed her involvement at SVHS and Slate 6’s commitment to leadership and inclusivity. Like Victoria Wence, she translated her speech into Spanish. “If you want to get things fixed, vote Slate 6.” Next, Mae Alstott of Slate 2 gave her speech. “Slate 2’s mission is to make participation fun. Everyone deserves to be heard, seen, and included,” She discussed increasing student involvement and making it more accessible. She also commended SVHS’s commitment to representation and wants her Slate to continue this. Next, Austin Cheeseman, of Slate 1, gave his speech. “I’m that DTM leadership kid” he said. He discussed that his Slate’s experience in leadership will allow them to create change in the school. “Student involvement motivates me… turning words into action takes dedication.” He proposed creating a student cabinet to promote outreach. Izzy Pedersen of Slate 3 discussed her involvement in varsity sports and commitment to teamwork and representation. “I love our school … I love knowing that all of you are here today because each of you cares about our school.” She wants student voices to be heard “It’s not about the ideas we have for you, it’s about the ideas you have for us.”
9:22: Isabella Alvarez joined the stage, singing “Hopelessly Devoted to You” by Cat Diva.
9:18: Slate 6 represented themselves with a poster of a flower as well as their campaign slogan and it’s translation. Blake Jurasek of Slate 2 presented their poster, centering an image of SVHS’s dragon mascot, and Enrique Carmona of slate 1 represented unity with their poster, saying that “Slate 1 is here to represent you”. Slate 3 presented their poster, which also included the dragon mascot as well as a rainbow to represent their color scheme. The crowd cheered for their favorites, choosing slate 6 as the winner.
9:12: Slates pass out beads and the delegates play rock paper scissors to obtain as many necklaces as possible by the end of convention. Isabella Alvarez, a senior, discussed her experiences with convention with the Dragon’s Tale during the break. “I’ve never not been at convention,” she said. “Last year I was in a slate. My favorite part is the energy…it’s everyone being patriotic and school spirited.”
9:09: Yomy announces the first activity of convention, which is where the campaign managers create advertisements on posters. while they work. Anu introduces the various jobs at convention, including the security guards, fuzziers, dragon’s court, the media, as well as the snack shack and teachers who helped organize convention.
9:02: Yomy announces the campaign managers. Slate 6 begins with Victoria Wence. She said, “Vote slate 6 to be led with passion”, translating parts of her speech into Spanish. Next, Blake Jurasek, from Slate 2, gave his speech. He discussed the others in slate 2 and their commitment to bringing positive change to SVHS. “Slate two will represent you … these three leaders behind me are the best leaders i’ve ever met. ” Enrique Carmona, of Slate 1, said that the slate has lots of school spirit and leadership experience. “This experience isn’t new to us so vote slate 1… we can all agree that last year’s school spirit was lame.” Bryson Mettler, campaign manager of slate 3 discussed the strengths of the other members of his slate.
8:59: The delegates stand as senior Walter Hofstetter performs the national anthem on electric guitar
8:57: Leadership student Anuhea Breeland introduced convention alongside Evelyn, Andrea, and Yomy, who are the slate elected last year. Slate 1, wearing blue, entered Golton and went onto the stage. Slate 2 entered after them, wearing light purple, followed by Slate 3, in tie dye. Lastly, slate 6 entered in orange, and the delegates erupted in applause for the slates.
8:46: A member of leadership announced that convention is about to begin. Senior Ari Volat, a security guard, said that “I’m really excited to fuzzy [the delegates].”
8:30: Delegates begin to enter. Tristan Brown, a junior representing the state of Michigan, said that he’s “Really excited to represent [the] school…I’m dressed as Slim Shady”.
