Posters are distributed, announcements are read, and everything is in place for students to enjoy pep rallies, Spirit Week, and school events. What students do not see are the unsung heroes working during lunch periods, after school, and behind the scenes to make those events possible: the student council.
During lunch meetings in the library, Student Council members sit around tables covered with notebooks and sign-up sheets. Some students discuss upcoming events, while others respond to emails or remind each other about deadlines. It may seem casual, but important decisions are being made.
The Student Council gives students a chance to build leadership skills while also improving school spirit and student life. For many freshmen, it is their first experience leading others at the high school level.
Freshman class vice president Savannah Mango helps bring new ideas to the table. “My role on the Student Council is to share new ideas and help out with the school. We all come together throughout the year to bring new experiences and opportunities to students,” she said.
Before joining, Mango expected the Student Council to be much harder in high school. “I thought it would be a lot more intense,” she said. One of the biggest challenges came during Spirit Week. “Coordinating Spirit Week was very hectic,” Mango explained. “It was hard trying to think of ideas that worked for the entire school, not just yourself.”
Freshman class historian Isabella Osterman saw that stress firsthand. She helped organize Color Day and other Spirit Week events. “Most students don’t realize how difficult it is to get people to sign up. We sacrificed our lunch periods to find people, and a lot of people canceled at the last minute,” she said.
Even though it was stressful, Osterman said the experience was rewarding. “Seeing everyone have fun and participate creates a sense of community,” she said. “It brings the freshman class together.”
Freshman class president Anica Maksimov agreed. “Spirit Week was probably the most overwhelming thing I’ve ever done,” Maksimov said. “I wanted to make sure the freshman class had fun, but it was also a lot of responsibility.”
For Maksimov, balancing Student Council with schoolwork and sports was difficult. Still, she believes the role helped her grow. “It gave me a new perspective on school and leadership,” she said.
While freshmen focus on their grade, the executive board plans events for the entire school. Executive Board President Samantha Ferretti oversees grade boards and major events like pep rallies and Spirit Week. “Scheduling is really important,” Ferretti said. “Everything has to be double- and triple-checked.”
Student Council members also face other challenges. “Getting people to participate is always a struggle,” Ferretti said. However, moments of encouragement make the work worth it. After a recent Color Day, teachers complimented her efforts. “Hearing that made me feel really proud,” Ferretti said.
Student Council advisor Elena DeStories supports Student Council members. She helps guide students while allowing them to lead independently. “The students are really taking the leadership role,” DeStories said. “I’m here to help them when they need it, but they are the ones planning and running the events.”
Additionally, DeStories believes the Student Council plays a major role in school spirit. “Our main goal is to increase student engagement and make school more enjoyable,” she said. “These are the moments students will remember.”
Although most students only see the final events, the planning, teamwork, and stress behind them show how much effort Student Council members put in. At Kinnelon High School, the Student Council teaches more than how to enjoy Spirit Week—it teaches students how to lead.
