
ASW Senate will hold its first-year elections this week, with the ballot opening 8 a.m. Tuesday and closing at 5 p.m. Wednesday. Four first-year students will appear on the ballot to fill two seats on the Senate board.
Only first-year students at Westminster College will be able to vote in the election, casting their votes on Canvas during the allotted time.
The first-year election was initially scheduled to be held Sept. 17-18 — however, there weren’t enough candidates on the ballot at the time, according to Chief Justice Chris Ooley.
This election will fill two of the nine vacant seats in ASW Senate — leaving seven open for the board to elect.
Read on to learn more about the students running for Senate.


Henry Pernichele
- Hometown: Salt Lake City
- Major: Economics with a minor in data science
- Extracurricular activities: History Society, Honors College
“I love to cycle, play board games and go on hikes with my friends and family. I am excited to say this is my first entry in student government and I hope that my excitement can be reflected in the changes I make on campus to better the life of students at this awesome college.”

Mikey O’Hearn
- Hometown: Spring Lake, New Jersey
- Major: Communication with a minor in outdoor education and leadership
- Extracurricular activities: Loves to spend time at the Health, Wellness and Activity Center (HWAC)
“I am a ski racer on the Paralympic circuit, and I love the outdoors! I am super outgoing, social, and lively. I love to hangout with my friends having so much fun!
I am passionate for social justice, awareness, and movements as I strive to make change. I am empowered and would love to leave my impact.”

Gus Edwards
- Hometown: Yarmouth, Maine
- Major: Outdoor education and leadership
- Extracurricular activities: Climbing at HWAC
“Some of my favorite things to do are hanging with friends, listening to music, climbing, whitewater kayaking and just enjoying nature. I am running for senator because I want to be more involved with Westminster and I want to help be a voice for my fellow first years.
In high school, I spent four years on the senate and I loved it. Two other things that make me happy are dogs and carrots.”

Adia Estes
- From rural Utah
- Undeclared major
“I was a part of my high school’s student government for two years, as class secretary. I love listening to people’s passions and creating spaces for those passions to be celebrated. I would love to be a part of the ASW senate!”