As a ninth grader, senior Cora Haggarty never expected to become this year’s Associated Student Body (ASB) president. But fast forward through a pandemic, three years of leadership class, and nine seasons of varsity sports, and that’s exactly the role Haggarty finds herself in.

“I am really excited to make school activities exciting for people and something that students can look forward to during their day,” Haggarty said.

 Though Haggarty didn’t expect to become ASB president, she has spent four years building the ideal resume to hold such a leadership position. While not in school, Haggarty has excelled in various sports, including track and field, cross country and soccer. 

Haggarty initially joined leadership in hopes of helping out and contributing to the community. But when Haggarty joined leadership her freshman year, the class was held on Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was difficult, but when we returned to in-person, over time, I decided I wanted to become ASB president,”  Haggarty said. 

This year isn’t Haggarty’s first experience in the ASB cabinet. Last year, she served as ASB secretary, working closely with former ASB president Rinko Miyoshi.

“I was inspired by the past president Rinko Miyoshi, she was a huge inspiration for me,” Haggarty said. “I just wanted to be like her.” 

Freshmen Bruce Peters and Madison Gee are new students in the leadership class and take direction from Haggarty in the class.

Peters, while only a freshman, has years of experience working in leadership due to his former experience as a member of the  Crocker Middle School class cabinet.

“Cora’s really, really nice and very organized,” Peters said. “She’s a very hard-working person and a great leader.” 

Gee, who has also worked in middle school leadership positions, has felt very supported while working under Haggarty.

“She’s very bubbly and a professional at her job,” Gee said. “She is also very welcoming and nice, and has good management, she’s able to do a lot and not miss a thing.”  

Throughout the school year, Haggarty hopes to provide support and fun events for all Burlingame students.

 “Community events should be an outlet for people to work together and to get to know one another and bond in a different way outside of the classroom. And so that’s important to me,” Haggarty said.

Haggarty believes that it takes a team effort to make school activities successful. With her leadership skills and the support of her team, Haggarty hopes to make every student at Burlingame feel connected to the community.

“As president, I want to make sure that everyone whether your freshman or senior feels like they have a place here at [BHS],” Haggarty said.