Student government is starting the year off strong with ambitions for a constitution, monthly senior celebrations, and intense fundraising.
The two branches of student government are the Senate, a multi-grade body dedicated to school wide change, and the four class councils who prioritize fundraising and grade-specific events. Each of these five groups meet regularly and have their own individual goals for the upcoming year.
Senate
This year means major change for Oyster River High School’s (ORHS) Student Senate. Last year, the Senate visited Souhegan High School to observe a strikingly different version of school decision making. Inspired by what they saw, Senate’s goal this year is to reform our school’s system of student government and create a constitution that will enshrine student voice and allow kids true involvement and authority on matters of change in ORHS.
Caroline Sterndale (‘28), a senator for the past three years, believes that “students belong in all those places [where decisions are being made].” She describes Senate’s visit to Souhegan high school last year as something that “really opened my eyes” and showed her what was possible for Senate to work towards.
Sterndale reports that despite challenges communicating with administration last year, things have gone well this fall. This is a year where collaboration is more important than ever, and hopefully Senate, teachers, and administration will all be able to find common ground as Senate works toward a new system of student governance.
Seniors
The senior class council is finding creative ways to promote school spirit and class unity. After three years of diligent fundraising, Maddy Cook (’27), senior secretary, explains that senior council’s biggest goal is to give back to the Class of 2027.
Seniors can look forward to a fun activity put on by student government every month on the 27th. “Because…we’re the class of 2027!” Cook explains. This could mean donuts or breakfast in the core, something to celebrate the seniors last year together and a way for class council to turn all those bake sale proceeds into lasting memories.
The senior class council is already thinking about their class gift at graduation this spring. “Last year, I believe the class of 2026 gave the remainder of their [money] to the nurses fund,” Cook shares, “But I think we really want to do a gift.” Whatever events they put on, whatever gift they choose to leave behind, the senior government is sure to make a lasting impact on their class’s spirit and connection.
Juniors
The junior class council’s main focus this year is fundraising in preparation for senior events. Georgia Leone (‘28), class treasurer, says, “Our goal is to raise at least $10,000 to have a successful senior week.” Junior class council was recently told that they will be expected to contribute to their senior cruise, Canobie trip and prom. This came as a surprise, and some members are feeling frustrated that such a hefty fundraising goal wasn’t communicated earlier. With only about $2,000 currently in the bank, the juniors have a long way to go.
Last year’s biggest highlights for junior council were the pickleball tournament and parking lot market. The juniors have worked hard to come up with creative, engaging fundraisers that will turn a profit and also help to boost class spirit and unity. “Our biggest challenge last year was getting involvement and participation,” Leone says. But junior council is planning to repeat some of last year’s events, and hopefully it will be easier to garner participation for something people remember from the previous year.
Sophomores
The sophomore student government, on the other hand, isn’t too concerned with finances. Victoria Yu (‘28), sophomore senator, says, “We’re still kind of worried about fundraising, but its not as big [a deal] as spirit.” Sophomore council is hoping to put on a movie night, something they did as freshmen and want to bring back. They also helped with the junior’s pickleball tournament and want to organize more events in collaboration with other grades.
Yu explains that one of her class’s biggest challenges is participation within the council. “We often have to go into flexes to work on things and some people will just bail and not help,” Yu says. She also echoes Leone’s remark on student body participation, admitting that despite class council’s best efforts some events received little turnout.
Freshmen
Freshmen government has yet to be elected! There are a host of events the freshmen government traditionally puts on, including a movie night, election day bake sale, and end-of-year celebration Breakaway to Vacay. But as ORHS French teacher and freshmen government advisor Heidi Sant explains, “It’s really student-driven…so I can provide ideas of what has been done in the past, but if they want to take it in a different direction, it’s up to them.”
As Cook says, “I think our voices being heard is…important, whether that’s at a school level, whether that’s at state…our voices do matter.” What student government does is up to its members, and being involved means having the chance to make your high school experience something you can remember.
Yu adds, “I think it’s a great idea to go for office…you meet new people, you get connected with teachers.” She feels like being part of government has allowed her to make friends with people she wouldn’t otherwise. Especially as a freshman, being part of something like student government instantly connects you with upperclassmen, teachers, and a broader pool of your own peers.
Class of 2030, if you are interested in getting involved in class council or student senate, see Sant or Senate advisor Eden Suoth! And get ready for elections, which will be held on October 6th.
- Writing and visuals by Zadi Hale
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