Meet your 2024 State Officers

President

NIKHIL BANGA
Kingsway Regional High School

"Leadership is not about a title or designation. It's about impact, influence, and inspiration." - Robin S. Sharma

Hello, New Jersey! My name is Nikhil Banga, and I am incredibly honored to serve as your 2024 NJASC President. Student Council has always been an extremely important part of my life, and ever since attending my first LTC two years ago, I have been fascinated by the work done by the NJASC to better both the students and the state of New Jersey. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of this incredible organization, and to make an impact on as many students as possible.

I am currently a junior at Kingsway Regional High School where I serve as the President of the Physics Club and Math Club. Along with this, I represent my grade on the Student Council Executive Board, and I am involved in the STEM Academy, science olympiad, and Model UN club teams. Outside of school, I am the captain of my robotics team where I use my engineering and STEM skills to build robots and make an impact on my community. Working and collaborating with a diverse group of teammates and community members have equipped me with the essential leadership skills of teamwork, communication, and respect. These skills and experiences will guide me in working to make a positive impact on New Jersey.

I would like to give thanks to everyone who has supported me on my journey: my teachers, my amazing advisors — Ms. Wescott, Mrs. Corcoran, and Mrs. Miller — and my mentors. I would also like to give a special thanks to my family and friends who have inspired me to achieve my goals and beyond. Lastly, I would like to thank you New Jersey for your support in both me and the state board. Together, we can make this the best year yet!

Vice President

RUHAN SHAH
Rancocas Valley Regional High School

“A sign of a good leader is not how many followers you have, but how many leaders you create.” - Mahatma Gandhi

Hey, New Jersey! My name is Ruhan Shah, and I am so honored and excited to serve as your 2024 NJASC Vice President. Student Council has been an immense part of my life since 6th grade, and the principles I have learned from my advisors and fellow peers continue to heavily guide and influence me in everything I do. Attending LTC 2023 was a unique and interactive experience that taught me new things, and I cannot wait to work with my fellow officers to help make the next motivated leaders of New Jersey!

I am a junior at Rancocas Valley Regional High School, where I have served as Class President for the past three years, along with currently being President of both the Future Medical Professionals Club and Key Club. Additionally, I am an instrumentalist for the school’s Wind Ensemble, a Winter & Spring Track athlete, and an involved member of the Math, Science, Spanish, and National Honor Societies, as well as Model UN, FBLA, and Peer Leadership. Outside of school, I am the founder and organizer of an initiative called Ruhan’s Rally, a food drive that serves multiple surrounding communities. Since the spring of 2021, I have annually collected and bought food from raised money with the help of my school and township to distribute to organizations that provide for families in need, and it’s something I hope to continue past my time in high school. I also volunteer at my local Virtua hospital as someone who aspires to go into the healthcare field, and my experience interacting with staff and patients has helped me gain a better understanding of what it takes to be a medical professional.

I would like to give a huge thanks to Mrs. Rosenthal, Mrs. Gerry, Mrs. Davis, and Mr. Martin for all of their effort and support in providing me with various opportunities to grow as a leader. Also, none of what I have accomplished would be possible without the constant encouragement and love of my incredible parents and friends. I know that with the unwavering support of all of these amazing people, I can serve the NJASC to my greatest capacity, so here’s to a thrilling and productive year, New Jersey!

Secretary

DE'ANNA FINDLEY
Cherokee High School

“A true leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Hey, New Jersey! My name is De’Anna Findley, and I am beyond honored to serve as your 2024 NJASC Secretary. I’ve been involved in Student Council since I was in 5th grade and it’s truly taught me the essence of leadership. Attending the State conferences and seeing the NJASC members' connection inspired me to be a part of something bigger. I am ecstatic to involve myself in this organization and serve at the State level.

I am currently a junior at Cherokee High School and serve as the Executive Board Secretary on the Student Council. I am also a member of the National Honors Society, Peer Leaders, No Place For Hate, and Varsity Debate. While being involved in school I have met many great people and found my passion of being a leader. I was taught many skills such as effective communication and resilience. These skills will not only help me grow but also support me as I help lead the NJASC Board this year!

I would like to thank everyone who supported me throughout my life. My family and teachers have truly inspired me to be my best self. I would like to give a special thanks to my advisor Mr. Kelhower and all of Cherokee's Student Council for helping me get here. Most importantly I would like to thank all of New Jersey for giving me the opportunity to serve as your 2024 Secretary and I hope to inspire the next generation of leaders much like the last.

Treasurer

EMILY LAING
Neptune High School

“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, do more and become more then, you are an excellent leader.” - Dolly Parton

Hey New Jersey! My name is Emily Laing and I am extremely excited and honored to serve as your 2024 NJASC Treasurer. I’ve been involved with student government since freshman year, and it truly has become one of the highlights of my high school career. It has taught me the importance of speaking up and encouraging others to use their voice. I'm so excited to get started and bring fresh ideas to the board.

I am currently a Junior in the class of 2025 at Neptune High School. I'm involved in a variety of activities and extracurriculars including Class Council, Varsity Club, Medical Science Academy, Math Team, Blazer (school paper), as well as Softball and Golf. I am excited to bring fresh ideas stemming from my variety of experiences through different extracurriculars. In May 2023, I founded a youth organization entitled Bags For Change that aids in collecting donations for underserved youth within my community of Monmouth County. I pride myself on my care for community, activism, and political knowledge and access.

I want to thank all of my fellow student council members and close friends, as well as my student council advisor from Neptune, for supporting me throughout the election and campaigning process. I am the first Neptune Flier to run and be elected to the state board. I can’t wait to get started and I am ready to work!

Executive Member - Charity

SKYLAR HARRELL
Holy Cross Preparatory Academy

“Sometimes its the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination.” - Drake

Hey, New Jersey! My name is Skylar Harrell and I am beyond excited to be your 2024 Executive Member of State Charity! Being a leader means setting the standard for people around me, knowing that I am ready to be a positive example for student boards across the Garden State. Determination is the key to success, being elected on the state board is a new journey that I’m determined to succeed on. 

I’m currently a sophomore at Holy Cross Preparatory Academy where I am Sophomore class Secretary. Along with that, I play Softball and am on Varsity Cheer. I am also an Honors student, who is heavily involved within my community. I am involved in Mission Club, Stars and Stripes club, Women Empowerment Club, and Ski Club. Outside of school I volunteer at events across Burlington County, mainly at the Catholic schools in my area. 

I would like to thank my family for being an amazing backbone for everything I do. The faculty at Holy Cross have helped guide me throughout my time as a student officer, especially my advisor, Mr. Torres. Along with family and faculty, I am blessed to have the most supportive friends in my life that have surrounded me with an outpour of support throughout high school. The biggest thanks goes to the students at Holy Cross, for electing me to lead them, introducing me to a world of opportunity. I’m ready to put in the effort and make this year memorable for the NJASC. Let's go to work, New Jersey!

Executive Member - Projects

JAHNESE SESSION
Burlington County Institute of Technology - Westampton

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. - Philippians 2:3-4

Hello, New Jersey! My name is Jahnese Session, and I am beyond grateful to be serving as your 2024 NJASC Executive Member of Projects!

I am a junior at the Burlington County Institute of Technology in Westampton. In terms of extracurriculars, I'm actively involved in marching, jazz, and concert band at Burlington City High School, my sending district. Furthermore, I hold the treasurer position for the student council at Burlington County Institute of Technology, my attending school. I'm a member of the National Junior Honor Society, recognized as a state representative for the New Jersey Teen Arts Festival in Poetry, and contribute to the LLS team "Special Saints," dedicated to raising funds to combat blood cancer. In my free time, I pursue martial arts, reading, building Legos, enjoying music, and occasionally annoying my friends.

The support I've received on this journey is too vast to name individually. From the daily hugs of my classmates brightening my mornings to the unwavering backing of my family, best friends, student council members, advisors, team/band mates, administration, and countless others – my heartfelt thanks goes to each one. Above all, I express praise and gratitude to my Lord (YHWH) for His guidance; all glory to Him.

New Jersey, never underestimate the impact of small gestures. A simple acknowledgment can transform someone's entire day. Let's be kind to one another, considerate of what others may be going through, and work towards making New Jersey not just better, but THE best state.

Executive Member - Publications

CAMERON MINNICK
Southern Regional High School

“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” - Ronald Reagan

Hey New Jersey! My name is Cameron Minnick, and I am honored to serve as your 2024 NJASC Executive Member of Publications. Back in July of 2023, I attended LTC for the very first time and immediately knew that I wanted to be part of the great organization of NJASC. This experience expanded my leadership skills and gave me the confidence to take the next step in becoming a State Officer.

I’m currently a junior at Southern Regional High School where I serve as Student Council Secretary and Business Club Co-Founder. I am also an active member in the Ski/Snowboard Club and German Club. Outside of school you can find me working at WaWa, or snowboarding during the winter. I have instilled a passion for travel in myself, and I have recently been to England and Germany back in 2022, as well as Punta Cana and Las Vegas just last year.

I would like to thank my parents, family, friends - especially my campaign team (Ava, Cassidy, and Trevor), and my Student Council advisor, Mr. Derion - for helping me get this far and pushing me to be the greatest version of myself. I am honored to hold this position, and I can’t wait to work alongside the other officers for the 2024 year. I am certain that this year’s executive board will be able to accomplish anything and I look forward to our successful collaboration to serve New Jersey!

State Board of Education Student Rep.

ANNA PASZKIEWICZ
Palmyra High School

“People who are truly strong lift others up. People who are truly powerful bring others together.” - Michelle Obama

Hello, New Jersey! My name is Anna Paszkiewicz and I am both honored and excited to be the 2024 NJASC State Board of Education Student Representative! I became involved in student council during my freshman year of high school and have remained active since. I have attended many NJASC conventions and two years of LTC, both as a delegate and an administrative assistant. I truly believe that this has made me a better leader, and that’s why I wanted to take on a larger role in the organization; to help other students find their voices. I believe that service to others is one of the most important things we can do as people.

I am currently a junior at Palmyra High School. At my school, I am class treasurer for student council, secretary of German club, an active member of Interact, a “leader” for Panthers With Heart (a service organization at my school), a member of the mock trial team, and am joining with other students to start a chapter of No Place for Hate club. Additionally, I am a captain of the varsity field hockey and basketball teams, and I run varsity track. These activities have taught me time management, communication, and patience, all skills that I can use to execute my position as State Board Representative to the best of my abilities. I look forward to taking what I have learned and using it to help better schools in New Jersey.

I would like to thank both my friends and family for supporting me through everything. They have made me the person I am today. I would also like to thank my student council advisors, Ms. Martino and Ms. Jones, for helping me run for and obtain this position. I would also like to thank the students of New Jersey. I am beyond excited to serve the NJASC and the state of New Jersey, and together I believe that we can accomplish so much!

Middle Level Representative

SIMON JACOBS
Palmyra Junior School

“If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but do whatever you have to do you have to keep moving forward.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

Greetings, New Jersey! My name is Simon Jacobs, and I am thrilled to be your middle level representative! I have been in middle school and student council for one year, and I have learned so much in this time. My advisors and peers have helped me through this journey to becoming part of the NJASC, and I am so grateful for this opportunity.

I am a seventh grader at Palmyra Middle School. I’m very involved in the drama club and student council; I also run spring track and play baseball. I am a musician: I play piano and the clarinet in the school band. I have helped the Student Council and drama club at my school with many fundraisers and projects to raise money, awareness, and creativity – especially for the arts programs. '

The quote above shows everything the NJASC stands for, and everyone should keep this in mind. I believe that with enough hard work and determination, it is possible to bring positive change to yourself and the world around you and bring joy to others while doing it. It shows that no matter how tough things get, you must have determination and grit to get through life’s challenges.

I am very grateful to my advisor and teacher Ms. Van Zandt, who has helped me so much to achieve my goals. Thanks also to my brother Owen - my campaign manager – and my parents. I am so excited to work with the NJASC, and let’s have a great year!