As the end of the school year approaches, Oregon Thespians, the major group for drama/theater in Oregon, is planning on having State Thespian Officer elections. 

According to current Student Thespian Officer Mikaela Ochocki, a senior here at Wilsonville, being an STO requires “lots of confidence, even when you feel like the worst leader in the world.” The group, composed of 6 high schoolers – 4 officers, 1 Vice Chair, and 1 Chair – meets multiple times each year to plan thespian events. The group also uses social media to contact thespians across the state and keep in contact with troupes.

Ochocki was elected her sophomore year to serve as Vice Chair junior year, and served as Chair this year. When asked about her time as an STO, her response was definite. 

“Oh, it is like nothing else in the world. I have met so many people, and people who say they look up to me. It is so, so rewarding to be able to inspire people all across the state without ever meeting them.”

After graduating, another STO spot will be open – Wilsonville junior Cormac Lister hopes to fill a vacant seat. The election isn’t happening due to her graduation, but her seat will be open during the election.

Elections are a little different this year – since school and large gatherings are cancelled, interviews will happen over Instagram Live. According to Oregon Thespian’s Instagram, the first half of the livestream will be the board interviewing the candidate, and the last half will be open for instagrammers to ask questions. 

Lister’s interview will be on March 28th at 2:00pm. 

As for voting, troupe directors will vote online after they have had a chance to talk with their troupe members about their picks.

Check back in the coming weeks for updates on the election.