Aliah Cruz, the newly elected ASB president of MACES, embodies a vibrant and inclusive leadership style that aims to unite the diverse student body. When asked about herself, Cruz acknowledges the various insights people may already have of her, but she highlights the importance of being self-aware and staying true to oneself, “No matter what a person may think of you, what matters is what you think of yourself,” she says.
With a diverse background in leadership roles such as AVID, Interact, Mesa, NHS,MHS, and cheerleading, Cruz’s personality shines through reflecting her love for shoes and perfume alongside her passion for reading and enjoying the beach.
When asked about her plans for collaboration with students and faculty to enact positive changes within the school community, Cruz outlines her approach. She plans to implement a monthly Google spreadsheet to gather input from students on future events, in hopes of inclusivity and engagement school wide.
Offering advice to those who hope to become future leaders, Cruz emphasizes resilience in the face of negativity and the importance of always maintaining an open mind. “I just choose peace over anything. Choosing peace is the main key to forming a leadership role as it forms a good person not only for yourself but the people around you,” she said. Cruz recognizes the value of choosing peace over drama, highlighting its role in personal growth and community unity.
Looking ahead to her Legacy as ASB president, Cruz envisions a school community where everyone feels connected and can talk openly amongst one another. “As ASB president, I want everyone to feel like they belong and can share their thoughts,” she says. She wants students to enjoy highschool and make memories together. “ I want people to reflect on next year’s events and live that high school movie life,” Cruz states, envisioning a fun and interactive school community.