By: Cora Howell
For the 2026 state conference, the theme of the dance, heroes, is one filled with ambiguity, leading it up to diverse interpretations. For some delegates, it’s the traditional masked superheroes that fly around cities rescuing people from super villains. For others, it represents powerful world leaders who serve as political aspirations. Or even, the strong quiet strength of those closest to us, our family. When four delegates, Mangai Snare, Lana Kamel, Isabella Galan, and Aishwarya Bharathram, were asked who they considered heroes, their answers reflected how powerful that word can be.
When Isabella Galan was asked to reflect on who was a hero to her, she responded confidently with the character “All Might” from the anime My Hero Academia. In the anime, All Might serves as a superhero over a city in Japan, displaying characteristics of unwavering optimism and willpower all in the name of protecting others, using his famous catchphrase of “go plus ultra” whenever he goes past his limits. These characteristics of Isabella are exactly why All Might serves as a hero in her eyes. “All Might has inspired me a lot, especially on tests or events, he serves as a reminder to me that sometimes I’ve got to go plus ultra,” stated Isabella.
Lana Kamel’s interpretation offers a view that shifts away from the traditional superhero to a character that shows great political leadership. Although she isn’t a superhero, the character Padme Amidala from the Star Wars prequels served as a queen and senator over the planet Naboo. Her character is largely attributed to her allegiance to democracy, intelligence, and care for others. “Padme Amidala serves as a motivation for attributes I hope to possess,” Lana said, “Her care for her citizens and sacrifices she makes in the name of democracy are incredibly powerful, demonstrating a powerful female figure in government.”
While fictional characters possess qualities to strive for, oftentimes, the most powerful people in our lives are those who are the closest to us. For Mangai Snare, his biggest hero is his mother. “My mom is my biggest hero because she motivates me to try my best in everything I do, even when I feel like I can do absolutely nothing. She’s been my main supporter when I’ve been in school, and as I’m preparing to go to college, she’s still by my side.”
Similarly, Aishwarya finds her hero in her older brother. “My biggest hero is going to be my older brother. He gave up everything to pursue his passion for golf, and he’s worked really, really hard in the face of challenges, never giving up. He makes do with everything that he can. He is just really an inspiration, a person I want to be like.”
From masked heroes in comic books to courageous political leaders to devoted family members, each delegate’s response reflects a different angle of heroism. The beauty of this year’s theme lies in its vague ambiguity, offering delegates the interpretation of hero to anyone we find inspirational. A hero doesn’t need a cape, title, or fame, as these delegates remind us, a hero is someone who encourages us to be braver, kinder, and our best selves.