Everybody sees the posters in the hallways, but what do they mean? Who are they for? Are they more than just a catchy pun with a silly picture? The newly elected student government is back, and stronger than ever. 

When asking our elected student government why they ran, their responses were very similar. Lily Black, junior vice president, shares, “It is very important to me that students’ voices and ideas are advocated for and listened to by faculty.” Sophomore Vice president Taylor Partrite explains, “I felt called to give those who aren’t listened to the representation they deserve.”

Students feel that after the pandemic’s toll on student’s mental health, representation is imperative. Many students can relate to the sentiments of our leaders as everyone struggled to get used to our “new normal.” These common challenges helped to unite the O’Dowd community. The student government’s campaigns contain a present theme of community and connection, whether it be between students, leadership, or faculty. Belen Mahray, junior class president, shares, “I feel like I established some sort of connection with people who voted for me. Not just saying reasons on why they should vote for me for class president but also building some sort of community by getting to know each of my classmates.” 

Beyond the emotional statements, many wonder what the student government actually accomplishes. We all vote but do we know what we are voting for? Ella Walker, the senior class president explains, “The most important thing to me in having this leadership role is making sure I am advocating for the needs of my fellow student body.” She explains that one of the many roles of student government is to act as agents for the needs of the community. The student government provides an inside perspective of the student body, so that qualified adults can help the representatives work together to solve any obstacles. Also, Taylor Partrite, ‘25, explains, “Student government helps in planning many events such as spirit week, homecoming, and fundraisers.” They come up with the themes and songs for spirit week, and plan assemblies for school. 

The foundation of all elected official’s goals for the school year all tied to “want[ing] to make memorable fun events for everyone” states Belen Mahray ‘24. Triscella Saucedo-Duncan, sophomore class president, also shares how she wants to “make everyone feel included. Everybody still needs individuality, but to an extent. I feel like if I can be somebody who can support, and show that we’re all in this together that would be really good.” 

What inspires these young leaders? What drives them into leadership roles? Who grounds them and reminds them of their values? In response, Lily Black, ‘24, shares, “I think the person who has inspired me most is my mom because she was on her high school student council and speaks very highly about it. As well, I just look up to her in general as she owns her own company and has completed many academic goals I hope to achieve one day, so by doing student council I feel like I am following in her footsteps a bit.” Triscella Saucedo-Duncan ‘25 shares the same sentiment, “My mom! She’s a single mom. She makes me strive to be the best I can be. She gives me that motivation and determination to do it all!” Next, Ella Walker ‘23 shares her admiration for a fellow leadership student, “I would definitely say Audrey O. inspires me as a student leader because she’s such a natural-born leader and such a kind soul. I love her. She wants the best for all of us and is one of the most hardworking people I’ve ever met. I admire her so much as a person and a leader and the dedication she gives to the student body.” 

In all, each government representative is an inspiration to our community and are helping to foster a healthy environment here at O’Dowd.