by Jesus Biag

Staff departures and former Associated Student Body (ASB) moderators stepping down from their positions have led to new additions within St. John Bosco’s Student Life staff.  

At Bosco, ASB is responsible for planning and organizing all of the different events throughout the school year, such as Homecoming and Winter Formal. 

One of the core responsibilities of Bosco’s Director of Activities is to work alongside ASB members and moderators as they come up with ideas for these events. From 2021-2024, Mrs. Mayra Fernandez handled that role within the school. But with her departure, someone new needed to take up the position.

For the 2024-2025 school year, Mr. Geoff McArthur will serve as the Director of Activities. In addition, he will also continue to be the wide receivers coach for the varsity football team, a position he’s held since 2022. 

Mr. McArthur understands the impact that Mrs. Fernandez had on the school and hopes to have a similar one.

“[Mrs. Fernandez] did a great job for us, and it’s hard to fill those shoes,” said Mr. McArthur. “But I’ve had the support of the entire staff around me. We have a family of faculty around us, and they’ve been helping me out in any areas that I’ve had to make transitions in.”

A similar sentiment was shared by new Senior Board Moderator, Mrs. Gina Sterling. She’s felt a great amount of support from Ms. Kelly Blakeman, former Senior Board Moderator and the current Math Department Chair, who has helped her understand her new role alongside all of the logistics that come with it. 

Mrs. Sterling is entering her second year at Bosco. Last year, she worked as an Academic Advisor for SJB Global, but has transitioned into becoming an on-campus English teacher this year. 

She has had a great time as Senior Moderator so far, enjoying the ASB training that took place before the school year began. There, she met with her board members for the first time, as they planned for freshman orientation.

“We had a really good introductory meeting. It was fun because we all got to know each other a little bit more,” said Mrs. Sterling. 

Senior Board President Josh Samonte believes that Mrs. Sterling has done a great job as moderator so far.

“[Mrs. Sterling] has been great to work with due to her supportive and enthusiastic nature,” Josh said. “She has ensured that things be done efficiently, while also making sure that we are engaged during our activities.”

Finally, the new Freshman Board moderator is Mr. Alex Grimm, who takes up a role previously held by math teacher, Ms. Edna Ramirez.

Mr. Grimm, similarly to Mrs. Sterling, is in his second year at Bosco. Alongside his new position on the Student Life Team, he is also a social studies teacher. 

A graduate of St. Anthony’s High School, he participated in ASB while he was there. He believes that his previous experience with ASB is going to help him tremendously as he oversees the Freshman Board. 

As of now, Mr. Grimm doesn’t actually have any board members. With candidates already submitting their applications, however, he has an idea of the types of board members he’s looking for.

“I’m looking for someone who really exemplifies being a young Brave.” said Mr. Grimm. “Someone who is outgoing, someone who is going to take risks and also someone who’s happy with being here.”

Freshman Board elections will take place on Thursday, August 29th for President and Vice President and Friday, August 30th for the rest of the board.

Ms. Jen Schnorr, Vice Principal of Student Affairs, believes that the new leadership will provide a lot of energy and enthusiasm alongside Dean of Academics, Mrs. Elizabeth Hunt, who will return as Sophomore Board Moderator and English teacher, Mrs. Michelle Tracy, who continues her role as Junior Board Moderator.