Every year during Student Council elections, the halls are lined with witty posters encouraging students to vote. But after the elections, not much is heard from the winners. Being on Student Council is a big responsibility, but also rewarding and fun. Zephyrus got the chance to talk to three Student Council members to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes.
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Some quotes have been edited for clarity and conciseness.
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Zephyrus: What are your responsibilities within Student Council?
Senior Syver Johansen: Currently, I serve as treasurer, which means that I am in charge of all Student Council related expenditures.
Junior Laura Huepenbecker: Juniors don’t typically have any specific roles like the executives, but more often than not, [we] are group leaders. We are all responsible for helping each other out, whether that be with our own group (even if you’re not leading) or others! Everyone is all working side by side, and our jobs aren’t necessarily based on grade.
Zephyrus: What is your favorite Student Council event to help plan?
S.J.: This being my third year on Student Council, I have planned practically everything imaginable, but my favorite has to be the ABC Fun Run. The run is my favorite to organize because everyone can attend it and the proceeds go to such a great cause.
L.H.: My favorite event to plan is definitely coronation. I was on coronation group last year as a sophomore and loved it (even though I had no idea what this event looked like until after it happened), and got lucky enough to be leading it this year for homecoming! Sadie’s week was also super fun to be a part of last year. Decorating the lunch room was a ton of work but I got to work with some great people, so I couldn’t complain. Our non-dance seasons also offer a lot of diversity in our responsibilities, which everyone loves. We get the chance to become involved with fun community service events and school-improvement projects, which is always a favorite of StudCo.
Zephyrus: Why have you continued to participate in Student Council?
S.J.: In ninth grade, I decided to run for Student Council because I wanted to become more involved and help out our school. I have continued to participate in Student Council because it’s fun and I have seen the difference we can make to staff, students, and the community.
L.H.: I didn’t consider not running again, mostly because of the great people I got to meet through Student Council. It’s amazing, really, how close I became with my Student Council family, and I wanted to spend another year working and leading with them!
Zephyrus: What is your favorite Student Council memory?
S.J.: Looking back, my time on Student Council has been extraordinary. Picking one is difficult… Every November, Student Council hosts an Armful of Love drive where homerooms compete to see who can donate the most money. We then use the money to go to Target and buy items on the holiday wish lists of families supported by Armful of Love. Even though I loathe shopping more than anything in the world, this time is so fun because I get to make holiday joy while spending time with some of my best friends.
L.H.: One of my favorite memories was meeting all the council people last year for the first time. I didn’t know anyone, but just a couple hours after our first introductions I felt comfortable and welcomed by everyone. Meeting the new sophomores (and other incoming members) this year was awesome as well! The Can Dance was one of my favorite memories, too. It was a really rewarding event to help plan, especially after watching all the donated cans stack up and hearing how much everyone enjoyed it! And I can’t forget about waking up court! Especially for the awkward and nooby sophomore I was (and, let’s face it, still am), it was such a hilarious and great experience.
Zephyrus: What have you been working on so far in Student Council?
Sophomore N’namdi Andersen: These past few weeks on Student Council we have split into a few groups in order to plan homecoming, the pep fest, coronation, the parade, and the bonfire!
Zephyrus: What are you most excited about helping with as a part of Student Council?
N.A.: As this is my first year on Student Council I am most excited about planning different school activities such as the dances – I’m so thankful I have the opportunity to help out with making this school year as fun as possible!
Zephyrus: What made you want to run for Student Council?
N.A.: Student Council sounded like a great way to be involved with the school and meet new people!
Zephyrus: What is your favorite part of Student Council so far?
N.A.: I feel so blessed that I was elected to be a part of this wonderful position and to have the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of people as we work towards making every student’s time here memorable!
