With no voice, there can be no change. And with no Student Council, there is no official student voice.
GRC Student Council has had its ebbs and flows, from powering through a global pandemic when the student body was virtual, to navigating through changes in admin and sponsorship. Now, the Student Council is prepared to be on the front lines and fight for change.
At the beginning of the pandemic, Student Council was plagued with the unforeseen circumstance of an all-virtual student body. However, they were able to adapt by establishing virtual tools like Mindfulness Monday in order to stay relevant.
Now, the pandemic has been diminished and the Student Council has returned to its pre-COVID glory. With projects being proposed to members of Administration, the council is adamant about bringing together the student body as well as advocating for change.
“I’m most excited about the Senior Sunset at the end of the year, and I think it will be a great opportunity for the class of ‘24 to come together,” says Public Relations officer, Brianna Lewis. “Being on the student council gives me the opportunity to advocate for them [the students] by proposing solutions to the council and administration.”
But the council wasn’t solely established to talk about issues amongst themselves. A key aspect of the council is to hear opinions and views of the student body in attempts to make solutions to problems that directly affect the school.
“The Student Council is beneficial to the school because we are students. Who better to improve the building we spend seven hours a day in than the students?” says sophomore representative Ella Howton. “So, not only do we know what is going on, but we can see and hear our classmates and learn what they want to see in the school.”
To make student concerns easier to comprehend and curate solutions for, the council is split into four committees. These committees are Spirit, Climate, Community, and Voice.
With a member of the executive council running each committee, the class representatives get to pick which group they serve in order to create solutions for different types of student concerns. These range anywhere from policies to scavenger hunt competitions.
The council is composed of people from all backgrounds. Students involved in arts, sports, other clubs, and even other leadership councils make up this diverse council of student leaders.
Because of this diverse group, they have been planning a few projects that deal with students who may be overlooked from a perspective of leadership. With several plans to supply those in need with specific resources, the council is making sure to give a space for everyone.
“In Student Council, there are people from many different backgrounds,” says Student Council sponsor Hagan Wells. “ I would say that there are lots of proposals from council members that benefit those who may not have access to various resources in order to get them through the day or even make life easier for them. It’s very encouraging to see how our Student Council cares about those who are in need.”
The easiest way to see change happen in this school is to use the outlet of the Student Council. But who exactly are all the students on the council?
The Student Council for the 2023-2024 school year consists of: Baylee King, Zach Ross, Brianna Lewis, Kylie Hensley, Emily DeBord, Mallory Jones, Josh Muse, Genesis Smith, Daniela Ambriz, Annah Wilson, Paxton Hammonds, Ella Howton, Steven Yang, Isaac Gullet, Heidi Castle, Jose Muse, Lakelyn Hoffman, Maahi Patel, McKinley Harper, and Savannah Thomas.
“The best way to be heard is to share your voice,” says Student Council President Baylee King. “Come up and talk to your representatives. We want to hear your suggestions.”
