Student Council at Olentangy High School stands as a team with a clear purpose which is more than a group who plans events. STUCO intends to shift its focus this year toward unity, collaboration and shared goals.
“Our biggest goal is to just do things on a more unified front,” Anna McReynolds, the Student Council adviser, said. “We’re all working together on our projects and focusing on collaborating as a whole unit. That starts from within ourselves, encouraging each other to be engaged and hoping that it spreads to the student body.”
Council members say the change has already had an impact. President Bella Starr said her goal is to maintain the team’s enthusiasm and motivation.
“I make sure everyone’s having a great time,” Starr said. “I play pump-up jams and rotate people through different tasks so they stay motivated and try new things.”
Starr said the improvements she had in mind the previous year have been implemented. As she has witnessed the development of her ideas, her sense of leadership, confidence and her connection to the Student Council have grown.
Samantha Jackson-Kuofie, another STUCO member, stated one of the hardest projects this year has been to design the rally posters.
“We want them to be well done but also done quickly. Plus, we want them to look cool and be fun for our school. Just the overall work is a lot, but when we all chip in and have creative ideas, we’ve learned to make them look really good,” Jackson-Kuofie said.
McReynolds states she hopes students will remember this year as a turning point for school culture.
“I hope they look back and see this as the year school spirit started to grow. I also hope they remember our events as ones who fostered community and made people feel like they mattered here,” McReynolds said.
The council works on more than events. Students’ leadership, abilities and commitment have improved, McReynolds said.
“Their leadership capabilities have grown a lot. Compared to last year, their level of effort and commitment is on a whole new level”, McReynolds said.
Jackson-Kuofie said the Student Council plays a key role in the culture of OHS. It helps create a positive school environment and gives students a say in decisions.
“This year we’re really trying to engage people and help everyone feel included. We’re trying to be more energetic to encourage others to participate and help make the school more exciting and fun,” Jackson-Kuofie said.
“I try to let them buy in as much as possible. It becomes our program instead of just mine or theirs; it’s a group effort,” McReynolds said.
From hallway decorations to leadership development, STUCO has worked to create a culture of connection and togetherness at Olentangy High. Council members hope this year will be remembered for how involved they were, more than for what they achieved.
