On June 5, South’s freshman, sophomores, and juniors came to the playhouse, separated only by grade and joined by one common goal: electing the new Student Council members of this year.
With just 16 nominees and a whole lot of ambition, each candidate took the stage and delivered a speech, hoping to earn a place on the Student Council.
The newly elected Student Council consists of President Sanjana Shetty (‘27), Vice President Yona Choksi (‘28), Secretary Maya Shue (‘28), Treasurer Rahult Tulasi (‘28) and Historian Terence Arlotta (‘28). These students will represent the interests of the student body during the upcoming school year.
“Student council is important, and what it does is it puts on events that are intended to be enjoyed by the entire school, not just the grade level,” said Student Council advisor Mr. Matthew Coburn.
The main responsibility of the Student Council is to represent the students. The Student Council voices student concerns, proposes new policies and communicates ideas directly to the school administration, our school is shaped by the students who take this responsibility.
“They represent the bridge between the administration and the students’ needs, ensuring that we actually get to have a memorable high school experience rather than only an academic experience,” said Shayna Singh (‘26).
Each position plays a role in connecting students with administrators. The president leads the planning and makes the final decisions along with the vice president, while the secretary executes the plans and manages the details. They do this work alongside the historian, who spreads awareness through social media, and the treasurer manages the financial accounts.
“I want to be more involved in the school community and have a role in making school and its related things better for everyone,” said Yona Choksi (‘28), Student Council Vice President.“I like working with people and helping out behind the scenes, which is definitely a huge part of the student council.”
As an extension of the student body, they also organize memorable events like prom or homecoming, where they decide on music, food, and themes to create the best experience for their peers.
But they don’t stop at only organizing events. The Student Council also reaches out to the community outside of school to create charity drives and start community service initiatives.
“We meet Monday evening up in the mezzanine after school, and we plan our community outreach programs and events there. We create small groups within the student council, and they start with promotions, whether it be videos, morning announcements, e-flyers,” said Mr. Coburn.
Looking at the year ahead, the newly elected Student Council members are excited to start their new roles. “We are always willing to listen to our classmates’ ideas and opinions, and we really do want to hear them,” said Choski. “All of our student council mem- bers are approachable people to talk to for absolutely anything and everything.”
