After six years of being the ASB advisor, Kelly Ortiz will be stepping down, and Mason Markell will be taking her place. Ortiz will continue to teach English, AP Art History, and advise Yearbook.

“My time is done, I’m at the end of my [ASB] career. I think it’s time for me to just focus on teaching and not worry about all the other things,” said Ortiz.

 With Ortiz’s tenure coming to an end, Markell is assuming the role after a selective process. Markell will be entering his fifth year at CHS, having already become Science Department Chair and advisor to the National Honor Society. He’ll be adding another position to his belt. 

“I submitted my application when I first started teaching. I knew that it was something I wanted to do, so when the opportunity arose, I immediately submitted my application with some ideas,” said Markell.

Markell hopes that his first year will lead to an increase in participation across all events. 

“I think the way of doing that is just making students feel like they belong a little bit more, making campus a little happier, more music, more fun, more spirit,” said Markell.

He believes that his experience in ASB during his high school years at Agoura will help him with the role.

“I was the Commissioner of Technology and the Commissioner of Spirit, when I was in high school. So I feel like I’m pretty well-rounded in my view of what it could be. And I’m obviously going to have to adapt to the needs of Calabasas High School, but I’m really excited to get started,” said Markell.

“It’s been a wonderful run. I truly love the job. I love working with the kids. And, you know, it’s hard to say goodbye,” said Ortiz.