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Student Senate candidates offer biography statements
By Landon Blakeley
Trail Staff Writer

The Northwest College Student Senate will be holding a primary election for treasurer April 11 and will hold the general election for officers and sophomore representatives Monday, April 14. Each election will be held at Orendorff building

Two candidates have submitted applications for president, vice-president and secretary with three applicants for treasurer and one for activities chair. Five people submitted applications for sophomore representatives. All applicants’ bios that were submitted to the Trail are below. The bios are printed as they were submitted.

Sara Lambert for president Hey there my fellow NWC classmates! My name is Sara Lambert and I’m hoping to be your 08-09 Student Senate President! I am a photography nerd (hence the fact, it is my major!). I served on the senate this year as a freshman representative. I am running for president along-side Miss Tiffani Kennedy, who is running for vice-president. We have worked together throughout the entirety of this year on numerous projects. We make a pretty great team to say the least. As your president I hope to increase communication campus wide in order to make the 08-09 school year even more student-centered and exciting! This semester Tiffani and I have been working on a plan to radically improve the Oasis. As your president and vice-president, we would be able to continue on with our plans to make the Oasis a desirable and fun student hangout. We would also like to continue on with the current senates plans to make a non-traditional student hangout somewhere on campus. This is just the beginning of our long list of goals and hopes for next year, plus we are always open to new suggestions and ideas. We have Big plans and Big dreams for NWC. Help us make it happen. Vote Sara Lambert and Tiffani Kennedy for your 08-09 president and vice-president!

Kelsi Gambill for president Hello Northwest College! I am Kelsi Gambill, currently serving as the secretary of the Student Senate. As a sophomore I am studying agriculture education with the goal of getting my bachelor’s degree in four years. I will be transferring to Montana State University after my time at Northwest and look forward to continuing to interact with a variety of people through my higher education and career. I am proud to say that I am a Montana girl from Forsyth with a deep passion for agriculture.

At Northwest I have enjoyed being active as a student involved in various activities and clubs. This is my first year serving on the Senate and it has been a rich experience filled with lots of learning and activity. I am glad to b e part of this year’s proactive Senate. In addition to being involved in the Senate, I have and currently am engaged in the Block and Bridle Club where I serve as the club’s vice-president. Other activities that I have participated in at Northwest include show team, pig sale, phone-a-thon, being a work-study in the agriculture offices and serving as the student representative on the presidential search committee. I truly enjoy being involved in clubs and organizations and would enjoy serving in the upcoming year on the executive committee of the Student Senate.

Tiffani Kennedy for vice-president Hi NWC! My name is Tiffani Kennedy and I am running for vice-president for the 08-09 school year. I love politics and long walks on the beach, and I spend most of my free time competing on the NWC forensics team. I double-major in Political Science and Communication. Basically, I’m pretty rad. This year I also served as one of your Freshman Representatives on Student Senate. I worked on more committees than you probably care to read about and came to understand the ins and outs of Senate. I am running for Vice-Pres alongside my comrade Sara Lambert, who is running for President. We worked together quite a bit this year on many Senate projects, and make a pretty stellar team. Things I Would Do As Your vice-president include being the go-to-girl for parliamentary procedure for the entire Senate, continue Sara and I’s work on a plan to drastically re-vamp the Oasis, making it an even better student hangout, represent the Student Senate on numerous committees, work to increase campus-wide communication in an effort to make our campus as student-centered as possible and introduce and work with the new NWC president to establish a strong foundation for the future. Sara and I have lots of goals, and the energy to make things happen. Vote for Sara and Tiff for your 08-09 president and vice-president.

Jordan Winter for vice-president Originally from Cody, Wyo., but graduating from Lander and living in Peru for two years, and then coming to Powell has given me as an individual many opportunities to grow. I have been able to work in construction, with horses, with lots of people and also work as the minority in a teaching atmosphere. I currently work in a group home where kids receive treatment to overcome problems and difficulties in their lives. This has given me the responsibility of knowing how to deal with kids and problems that can be seen in the world today.

I am currently studying secondary education with special interest in foreign languages, particularly Spanish. I am involved in many groups and clubs. I am a council member in the Latter-Day Saint Student Association organization, sophomore representative in the Student Senate and also a Trailblazer for three semesters. These different groups have helped me get to know the school and be involved in things like selecting a candidate for the presidency, giving prospective faculty members and prospective students tours of campus and also giving many hours of service to the community. I have also had the privilege to tutor students in American Government and Spanish which are very useful in being able to help students achieve better standing in school and life.

In running for vice-president, I know that I can fulfill the responsibilities and be actively involved in what the Student Senate and Northwest College as a whole needs in order to achieve success. If experience, determination and responsibility is what you are looking for then I am your choice. Vote for Jordan Winter for vice-president.

Jennifer Hoffman for secretary  “The difference between ‘involvement’ and ‘commitment’ is like an eggs-and- ham breakfast: the chicken was ‘involved’—the pig was ‘committed.” I don’t find it the most flattering thing to compare myself to a pig, but after simply being “involved” in the Student Senate my freshman year as a representative, I’d really like to step up and “commit” myself by becoming Student Senate secretary.

My name is Jennifer Hoffman and I’m from Cowley, Wyoming. I’m just finishing my first year here at Northwest where I have been, and will continue to major in Graphic Design.

Alex Stringer for secretary Hello, my name is Alex Stringer, and I’m from Socorro, New Mexico. I attended a small private high school, in which I took on various active leadership roles. I had my own article in the school paper, I was the co-editor of the yearbook, I volunteered my time to raise money for the school and perform maintenance on the building, and I was my class’s valedictorian. During this time I also attended various leadership conferences in Washington D.C. I am Currently studying political science here at Northwest, and my goal is to eventually become and ambassador to Japan. I have also become very actively involved here at Northwest. I am currently an R.A. in Ashley Hall, a member of the activities board, treasurer of Phi Theta Kappa, and a member of the speech and debate team. I will be a super-sophomore next year and will be taking on history as a second major.

Jared Boardman for treasurer I will be a returning student in the fall of 2008 and I will be continuing my pursuit of a degree in agriculture education with an endorsement in science. I grew up in Frannie, Wyo. And was raised on a farm. In high school I participated in basketball and FFA. I was the valedictorian of my class and graduated with a 4.0 grade point average.

At Northwest I have been a member of the livestock judging team, Block and Bridle and Student Senate. I’m currently student body vice-president and have been very involved in Senate activities.
After Northwest I plan to transfer to the University of Wyoming to further my studies.

Pam Garman for treasurer I am a freshman from Townsend Mont. I am majoring political science and communications. I am on the forensics team here at Northwest. I would really like to be part of the Student Senate and think that I would be a good candidate for treasurer because I have good speaking and communication skills, and I love math and can work well with others.

Erika Partenheimer for treasurer Each person has their own dreams and life, and that life is meant to be lived!

Hi, my name is Erika Partenheimer and I am currently pursuing two degrees at Northwest, one for music, specializing in piano, and another in English. You may have seen me in the library as one of the English drop in tutors, or if you are ever in the music building in the morning, that is me pounding away at the piano.

Music has been a dream of mine since I was little and started playing at the age of seven. You could always find me at the piano and I even got in trouble, frequently, for using the, “I’m practicing” excuse too often. So now I am blessed to be able to pursue those dreams and passions, and continue on with music in college. My goals, once I graduate with my bachelor’s, is to go to teach piano lessons in my own private studio, or pursue my master’s degree right away so I can teach and accompany at the college level. I would love to teach at a small Christian college some day, and I currently have eight students who are helping me become a better teacher. And to tell the truth, I love it! I am also planning on starting a counseling minor once I transfer and want to use music to help others.

Which leads into another passion of mine, I know it may sound strange but I love being a camp counselor. This past summer I volunteered at a Christian camp in North Carolina all summer. I had counseled a week here and there since I was 16 and had really enjoyed it, so this time I went the entire summer. Counseling has been one of the most fulfilling jobs I have ever had. I get to pour in to a child’s life for an entire week and make an impact that lasts for a life time. I know, because I grew up going to camp. I am also a lifeguard and swim teacher, so that also figured into my job at camp. I was pretty much the person that said, “where ever you need me is where you can put me.”

For a little history on me, I was born and raised in Wisconsin. My family and I moved to Wyoming three years ago this coming November. Having been raised on a farm when I was ages 8-17, during those ‘fun’ years, I received some of the best training possible. And that, including having been home-schooled all the way through till college, has served me well now that I am in college. I learned to work for what I wanted if I wanted it badly enough. During the pre college school years, I was an active participant in my local 4-H. Besides all the projects I had, something that I really enjoyed doing was being an officer in my 4-H clubs. Name a position and I was in it at some point in time, e.g. president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. I feel that with this experience I would make a good Student Senate officer.

Things that I love doing during the school year are being a peer mentor for Project Succeed, playing piano, tutoring in English and music theory, reading, hanging out with friends, playing or singing on a worship team or other musical group, chess club and so much more!

My current leadership positions on campus are treasurer for the music club, and as I mentioned before, English tutor, music department tutor and peer mentor for Project Succeed. To me all this isn’t a job as much as it is a privilege. I want to see others succeed and enjoy their college experience as much as I am, and to be involved in seeing others succeed is an amazing thing and opportunity. In fact, one of my favorite roles is helping new students adjust to college life, and to set up, and succeed with their goals, their dreams. I love to share my own experiences and knowledge, so that hopefully it will be easier for others.

To sum me up, I am a young woman pursuing her dreams, and I want to challenge and help others to go after their dreams!

ReAnna Kero for activities chair Hello, my name is ReAnna Kero and I am applying as a candidate for the position of the activities board chair. I am currently a sophomore, returning for my third year at the college, I am double majoring in graphic design and communication. After Northwest College I hope to transfer to Montana State University in Billings in hopes of furthering my degrees in mass media art and communication. But, that will have to wait until I receive my Associates of Arts in both of my degrees here.

I also am an active member in multiple activates, including Activities/Intramurals board, Phi That Kappa, Resident Life Staff, RA at Ashley Hall, the Forensics team, Project Succeed, and the current community theater production, Beauty and the Beast. My involvement in the activities has allowed me to become quite familiar with the most of the staff members and opportunities that this small college contains, for which I am very thankful. When I am not involved in activity directly involved in the college, I am oftentimes found at Cody helping with Habitat for Humanity, attending church at St. Agnes, teaching bible school, participating in community theaters, skiing or snowboarding at my hometown of Red Lodge, hanging out with my friends or just finding ways to have a good time without breaking the law.

I look forward to becoming a more active member in the college community and hope to accomplish a decent job of representing the Activities/Intramurals board as well as the voices and opinions of the students, and provide a liaison between the student senate and the students of Northwest College. Thank you

Jesus Davila for sophomore representative Hey, my name is Jesus J. Davila and after graduating from Worland High School, I came to Northwest College to get my Associates degree in Mathematics. I am currently a Resident Assistant, on the soccer team, and ski club member. I am Running for the Student Senate Sophomore Representative. I am enthusiastic about the position because I feel I could have a valuable impact on the Senate’s process and could accurately represent Northwest College student’s goals and requests. I am well known and accessible for the needs of the students and have an optimistic attitude about being and active senate member. Thank you for your time and consideration for this important position.

Wendy Dorvall for sophomore representative I am currently a member of the freshman livestock judging team and I am majoring in elementary education. Freshman representative is my current role on the Student Senate.

I was born and raised on a ranch in the small town of Fromberg Mont. I attended Fromberg High School and was very involved in many activities throughout high school. These activities included basketball, volleyball, FFA, 4-H, choir, high scool musical plays, the National Honor Society and student council. I have held high offices in FFA, 4-H and I was a class representative for student council. I held team captain titles on both basketball and volleyball varsity teams.

As for my hobbies I have my own small herd of sheep and a few cows that I tend to. I like to ride horses and play basketball. I also love to be outdoors and I like o do almost anything that is outdoors. I enjoy watching movies, especially comedies.

After I graduate from Northwest College, I plan to attend the University of Wyoming to receive my bachelor’s degree in elementary education. I would like to find a teaching job in a small town somewhere in Wyoming.

Jake Gankofskie for sophomore representative Jake is originally from Clinton, Maine where his family owns and operates Gankofskie Farms a nationally renowned Polled Dorset Sheep program. Throughout the years Jake has grown up being heavily involved in managing and promoting the flock, participating in shows and sales across the country. Some of Jake’s most recent accomplishments include breeding and raising the 2006 reserve national champion ewe, champion ewe at the 2005 NAILE Jr. show and champion or reserve ewes three of the past four years at the New England sale. Jake is a member of the Continental Dorset Club where he is currently running for a seat on the board of directors for the Jr. association. He also helps promote and manage the North East Livestock Exposition currently he is the only Jr. member on the committee. Jake was an active member of 4-H for nine years where he was either president of secretary for five of the nine years. Jake hopes to one day own a graphic desigtn, sales and communications company promoting the livestock industry. After attending northwest College Jake hopes to attend a university that is prominent in livestock judging and the agricultural industry.

Michelle McPherson for sophomore representative My name is Michelle McPherson and I am currently seeking a position as a general representative on the Northwest College student senate. I graduated from Sidney High School in Sidney, Mont. In 2004, I then spent three years attending Minot State University in Minot, ND. While at MSU, I studied art and business and was involved in a variety of activities. I served as an ‘ arts and humanities senator’ on the student senate and was a student ambassador, among other things. Last fall I transferred to Northwest College to study photographic communications. I am currently a resident assistant in Ashley Hall and I have enjoyed my experiences at this school so far, but I am looking to get even more involved as I start my second year here. There are many good things I see happening on this campus, but I would like to have more say and become more involved in what goes around campus, because this is still my home for the next year and home for future students. I would like to have a hand in making it the best it can be. Because I am a little older and have attended a university previous to this, I feel like I have a lot of experiences that offer something different. I do feel like I have been involved in many activities that have prepared me for a leadership role such as this. Some of these are high school student council, my ambassador position, my RA position and more obviously similar- my previously held position on a student senate. 

I am not all-serious business though. Other than art and photography, I enjoy spending as much time as I can with my family. I also am very involved with Campus Ventures, and of course, I enjoy typical college activities such as watching movies, hanging out with friends, and napping.

I am really looking forward to the opportunity to work with other members of the student senate, and really see what we can accomplish together at NWC.

Christopher Grant for sophomore representative My name is Christopher Lee Grant. I’m 20 years old and I’m originally from Powell, Wyoming. I lived in Gilbert, Arizona for the past fiver years, where I graduated high school, until recently having moved back to Powell. Since being back I’ve tried to involve myself in organizations that would benefit me and others. I am a member of Friends of the Lake. It’s an organization committed to preserving the Bighorn Lake Recreation area through lobbying to keep water level in it high enough for recreational activities. It is also dedicated to keeping up the campgrounds and other facilities that southern Montana and the Bighorn Basin use. Also, I am a member of the Church of Jesus of latter-day Saints and am currently the secretary to the bishop in my ward.

I currently plan to major in Business Administration. After I receive my associate’s degree, I plan to transfer to a four-year university to receive my Business Marketing Bachelors Degree. I’ve chosen this path because of the experience I have had in this field previously. For the past two years I have worked in sales departments of two different companies. The MCI call center was the first. Here I was trained extensively in sales skills and the mentality of consumers. The training lasted two months before I was even allowed on the sales floor. After those months of training, my class was moved to A-bay. This is where a trial period occurred to see if further employment was practical. During this time period, I exceeded everyone on the sales floor including the company’s top representatives. Half way through the trial period, I was promoted to the main sales floor. I continued to work there until the comp any was bought out by Verizon and that division of the company was shut down.

While parting with MCI, I was automatically referenced to other companies because of my outstanding accomplishments. I received a phone call from Scott Pickles a manager for a company called Mr. Quotes. It was a company that formed leads for lenders that helped people refinances their home. After working for them for a month, I was quickly promoted to a team lead position over a specified group of people. I continued this position until changes in interest rates and other variables caused the company to go out of business.

After this company closed, I received another phone call from Scott Pickles to work at Mr. Quote’s sister company, Homerun Loans. This company was a actual loan brokerage from home refinancing loans. I was hired to be a Loan Origination Officer. I worked sorting through and calling leads to distinguish the real intent of the lead at hand. After two months I was promoted to a Junior Loan Officer where I worked directly with a decided to move back to Wyoming with my family.

The experiences in these jobs have helped me to determine that I wanted to earn a degree in business and marketing. I have now realized that even though I have great references and experience in sales, that most of the jobs out there for people without a degree are very unstable and unreliable. I have also realized that with a degree I could not only find a better job that is more stable and profitable, but apply my skills in sales and client services to create a competitive advantage over others entering this field.