Meet your State Officers

2026 STATE OFFICERS

 

President

GABE AYDJIAN
Holy Cross Preparatory Academy

“I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to the light I have.” - Abraham Lincoln 

Hello, New Jersey! My name is Gabriel Aydjian, and it is incredible that I have this opportunity to serve as your 2026 NJASC President. I first started student council in 8th grade when I decided to run for president. I learned about NJASC during my freshman year after attending the Spring Conference, which led me to attend LTC 2024.

I had such a great time collaborating with student leaders from across the state that I returned for the 2025 LTC Advanced. After this experience, I knew I wanted to become more involved with this organization. I am currently a junior at Holy Cross Preparatory Academy, where I have served as class president for three years. Outside of student council, I am on the golf and soccer team, as well as many clubs including DECA, Chess Club, Weightlifting Club, Mission Club, Morgan’s Message, and the Core Team, a faith-based club.

In my free time, I enjoy fishing, golfing, working with my dad, running, lifting, playing poker, eating, and learning new skills. I also spend time volunteering at service events with my mom. From all of these experiences, I have learned the value of time and to enjoy the ride of life. I want to thank my parents for always supporting me and I would not be here without them. I would also like to thank my advisor, Mr. Torres, and NJASC for this opportunity. I’m excited to see what the future brings and what this organization can accomplish in its 100th year!

Vice President

MELODY MIANO
Shore Regional High School

“Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” - Sheryl Sandberg

Hey, New Jersey! My name is Melody Miano, and I am extremely grateful and excited to serve as your NJASC 2026 Vice President. Student Council has shown me the importance of collaboration, service, and how we can truly make a difference. As a member of the NJASC board, I am committed to reaching as many students as possible and ensuring that every voice is heard. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow state officers and making a positive impact across New Jersey!

I am currently a sophomore at Shore Regional High School, where I’m involved in a profusion of extracurricular activities. I serve on my Student Council Executive Board as a Board of Education Representative, treasurer of Conquer Cancer Club, and I am involved in Model UN, and Interact Rotary Club. Additionally, I play both soccer and lacrosse. Outside of school, I am an avid volunteer for the Monmouth County Parks System, where I have the amazing opportunity to help my community.

I would like to give special thanks to my advisor, Ms. Cronk. Everything she has taught me about leadership, I look forward to implementing as Vice President. I would like to give the biggest thanks to Mrs. Miano, who is not only my mom but also my Student Council advisor and teacher. A lot of how I lead, plan, and push through comes directly from her. I am so grateful for the support from both of my parents on this journey. And finally, I would like to thank the 2025 NJASC State officers and all of you for your support. I can’t wait to see what the year ahead holds!

Secretary

AMINA SAHO
Burlington City High School

“I define a leader as anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential.” - Brené Brown

Hello, New Jersey! My name is Amina Saho, and I am honored to serve as your 2026 NJASC Secretary. Student Council has been a meaningful part of my life since seventh grade, where I first discovered the power of collaboration, student voice, and community connection. Attending LTC in 2025 was a defining moment for me, and it is an experience that I recommend to all students. As Secretary, I’m excited to connect with you, listen to your ideas, and make sure your voices are heard through clear communication and real action.

I’m currently a junior at Burlington City High School, where I serve as President of the Future Medical Professions Club, building partnerships to bring hands-on STEM and career exploration opportunities to students. I’m also part of the Student Council leadership team, working to expand student access and amplify voices across our school. Creating meaningful change through service and advocacy is something I truly care about. As Vice President of the BCHS chapter of the Nikhil Badlani Foundation Youth Advisory Board, I help lead student-driven initiatives and advocate for policy changes that improve pedestrian and road safety in local school zones. In addition, I play varsity soccer and have been involved in Key Club, Science Bowl, and the Performing Arts, including Theatre and Choir, for several years. Theatre, in particular, is one of my favorite ways to express myself and connect with others.

Outside of school, I have been a Girl Scout for over 9 years and serve as a National Girl Delegate, representing the GSCSNJ Council on the national governance and voting committee. When I’m not engaged in these activities, you can find me creating playlists, crocheting, reading, or baking. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to my advisor, Mrs. Andris, for her constant guidance and support, and to my fellow student council members for always believing in me. I’m incredibly grateful to my family and friends for encouraging me to dream big and lead with purpose. Most of all, thank you, New Jersey, for trusting me with this role. I’m so excited for the year ahead and can’t wait to work alongside all of you to make it an amazing one!

Treasurer

JOSEPH ROBERTOZZI
Howell High School

"For lack of guidance a people falls; security lies in many counselors” - Proverbs 11:14

Hey, New Jersey! My name is Joseph Robertozzi, and I am extremely honored to be serving as your 2026 NJASC Treasurer! Student Council and Student Government have been a big part of my life since freshman year. Through excellent advisors, encouraging peers, and a student-lead environment, I’ve had the privilege and pleasure of learning all about leadership.
I am currently a Junior at Howell High School, where I serve as the Class of 2027 Class President.

When I’m not in school preparing for exams or planning fundraisers, you can often find me working at Art Beins Karate in Howell, where I serve as a martial arts instructor to people as young as 3, all the way to full grown adults. In my free time, I enjoy designing and creating clothes, as well as spending time with my friends and family. Another very important aspect of my life is my religion and spirituality. I am a devout Roman Catholic and with every decision that I make in life, I try to let that be reflected.

So whether I’m fighting during sparring class, or fighting a string of thread through a needle, everything I do is driven by faith and ambition. As I step into this Treasurer position, I will take what I’ve collected from my walk through life, and apply it for the benefit of New Jersey. Let’s make this year a great one, New Jersey!

Executive Member - Charity

ANKUSH KOTIAN
Meecer County Technical Schools Health Sciences Academy

“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” - Franklin D. Roosevelt

What’s up, New Jersey! My name is Ankush Kotian, and I’m excited to serve as your 2026 NJASC Executive Member of State Charity. My path in student council began as a ten-year-old in fourth grade with no idea what to expect. I decided to run for a position and won, beginning a journey that sparked my passion for leadership. From there, I stayed involved in Student Council at every level, including serving as president of my middle school and continuing into high school.

I am currently a junior at the Mercer County Technical Schools Health Science Academy and enjoy being involved in my school community. I am involved in organizations such as Science Olympiad, HOSA, Red Cross, and tutoring initiatives, but one of my favorite activities is SAATHH. SAATHH is a South Asian Cultural Club, where I serve as Vice President and Dance Head. It’s a fun and meaningful experience where I get to work with a hundred dancers, mentor them, and most of all, dance with them. These experiences have helped shape the leader I am today.

As Executive Member of State Charity, I hope to support meaningful causes while encouraging students across New Jersey to grow into confident leaders. I would not be the confident leader I am today without the guidance and support of my advisor, Ms. Henrickson, and my principal, Dr. Crisostomo. On this council, I hope to pass along that same guidance to students across the state and help make this NJASC’s most impactful year yet.

Executive Member - Projects

BRUCE NOVOA
Cherokee High School

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” - Marcel Proust

Hey, New Jersey! My name is Bruce Novoa, and I’m honored to serve as your 2026 NJASC Executive Member of Projects. I believe that growth comes from challenge and exposure, whether it be through trying new things or stepping outside one's comfort zone. That mindset shapes who I am both in and out of school. I love pushing myself academically and creatively, whether it be through AP classes, varsity-level running, varsity chess, and jazz ensembles, because I love challenges. As an upperclassman leader in my sax section, jazz has taught me collaboration and shown me that leadership often appears quietly through encouragement and example. Beyond athletics and academics, I serve as Vice President of UNICEF and as an executive member of Cherokee's Student Council, working alongside others who care deeply about service and communal impact.

One of my greatest passions is travel. Experiencing new cultures and perspectives has reinforced my belief that exposure to people, places, and ideas is essential to becoming a thoughtful and empathetic leader. I want to give a huge thanks to my advisor, Mr. Kelhower, who is the reason I’m serving at this level. His 3 years of guidance, clarity, patience, and belief in me have played a major role in getting me to where I am today. Not just as a student, but as a person. I’m truly thankful for his stoic support. It’s a privilege to serve New Jersey students alongside the state officers, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent student voices. Let’s make this year one to remember!

Executive Member - Publications

URIEL RIVERA
Lakewood High School

“The way to achieve your own success is to be willing to help somebody else get it first.” - Iyanla Vanzant

Hey New Jersey! My name is Uriel Rivera, and I have the pleasure of serving as your 2026 Executive Member of Publications. I began my leadership journey in middle school, where student government showed me the power of student voice and the impact it can have in my school and community. Since then, my involvement with NJASC has continued my growth, including attending four Leadership Training Conferences, where I learned and connected with motivated student leaders across our state.

I am currently a junior at Lakewood High School, where I have served as Student Government President for the past two years and as Student Representative to the Board of Education for three years. I am also a member of HOSA, participate in my school’s band, and am a part of the dual enrollment program. Outside of school, I am involved in my church’s multimedia team and currently hold an internship with my town’s Municipal Utilities Authority through an opportunity provided by my area’s State Senator, allowing me to strengthen my leadership skills and create impact beyond my school community.

I would like to thank my advisor, Ms. Douglas, for guiding and shaping me into the leader I am today, as well as my friends and family for being by my side throughout every accomplishment, and for their unwavering support. But most importantly, thank you, the leader reading this, for entrusting me to hold this position, and I am so excited for what is in store this year!

State Board of Education Student Rep.

EMILIA REYNOLDS
Collingswood High School

“A real leader uses every issue, no matter how serious and sensitive, to ensure that at the end of the debate we should emerge stronger and more united than ever before.” - Nelson Mandela

Hello, New Jersey! My name is Emilia Reynolds and I am honored to serve as your 2026 NJASC State Board of Education Student Representative. Student Council and the NJASC have both played significant roles in my development as a student leader, inspiring me to use my voice, collaborate with my peers, and serve others.

I am currently a sophomore at Collingswood High School, where I participate in a variety of extracurriculars. I am involved with the Student Council Executive Board, Model UN, Student Voice Action Committee, and Interact Club. I also play the French horn in my school’s concert band, and run cross country and track. In my free time I enjoy reading, crocheting, knitting, playing piano, fishing, and watching movies. My activities inside and outside of school have shaped me into who I am, helping me gain confidence, curiosity, patience, and perseverance.

I would like to thank my Student Council advisor Mrs. Whalen, as well as my parents, who have been incredibly supportive throughout the process of running for state office. I would also like to express my gratitude to the student leaders of the NJASC who have entrusted me with this position. Through my role as an NJASC State Officer and State BOE Representative I hope to accurately represent the students of New Jersey, and I am so excited to amplify student voices on the issues that matter most to them!

Middle Level Representative

MEESHA PATEL
Melvin H. Kreps Middle School

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

Hey New Jersey! My name is Meesha Patel and I'm so excited and honored to be serving as your 2026 Middle Level Representative! Student Council has been a major part of my life since the fifth grade. I have served as a spring representative, a general member, and currently I am the Student Councl treasurer at Melvin H. Kreps Middle School in East Windsor.

Being part of the Student Council has helped me become a better leader by improving my communication and problem-solving skills. It has also taught me how to work well with others and helped me grow into the best version of myself. I am currently a seventh grader at Melvin H. Kreps Middle School. I speak and understand several languages and take part in many in-school and out of school activities. I participate in Morning Announcements Club, Drama Club, my school’s musical, Leadership Club, Study in Peace, my school’s seventh grade Choir, and play intramural volleyball and flag football. Besides that, outside of school I have been swimming for 9 years and dancing for 8 years. I enjoy reading, listening to music, playing various sports, and hanging out with family and friends.

I would like to thank my friends, family, and advisors, Mrs. Devlin and Ms. Comfort, for their endless support throughout this journey. Their encouragement and motivation has helped me become a better student leader. I am so proud, happy, and ready to serve, listen, and represent middle school students all across New Jersey!