At this year’s first student senate meeting at Olympia High School, attendees were asked to share their name, grade level and something they love about their school. The answers varied, ranging from OHS’s inclusive and accepting community, to its music program, to its sports. But the students all shared one common interest – contributing to the school community by being active in the student senate.
The senate serves as the link between ASB (the school’s student leadership program) and the student body. Student senators can effect change by voicing the concerns and feedback of their classmates to their ASB officers. This year, the senate is being revamped so the ASB-student link is stronger. Much of this change is being driven by Hope Dorris, OHS senior, ASB vice-president, and senate chairman.
“My goal for senate this year is to have it make a comeback as a place for real action and change to happen around OHS,” says Dorris, noting that senate participation has waned in recent years. “In the past, I don’t think senate has reached its full potential, mainly because of a lack of enthusiasm for it. I tried to start organizing and planning senate earlier this year in order to better legitimize it as a group, which is a change from last year.”
Student senators were elected this year by their English classes, after presenting short speeches to their classmates about why they would like to be representatives. After election, they act as liaisons between their classes and their ASB officers. This involves attending and participating in monthly senate meetings and communicating the needs of their class to ASB. Representatives are not, however, required to do extensive outside work. This makes the senate an appealing option for those students who are interested in getting involved in the school’s political process but don’t have the time to commit to an ASB position.
Dorris believes a revamped senate is necessary to help inject student opinion into the administrative processes of the school. “Last year, there were some issues that originated in ASB that the student body could have been more involved in solving, but the senate was not well enough established for that to happen,” she explains.
At a school with such a large student population, it’s easy for students, especially underclassmen, to feel drowned out and like their voices are not heard. This year, the senate, in which underclassmen are given equal representation, will be key in connecting the student body to student leadership. “In my mind, I hope that senate can be a place where people can go to feel heard and appreciated, despite the size of OHS,” says Dorris.
Students are already enthusiastic about the reinvigorated senate system. “I’m excited to represent the senior class this year and make decisions with the class officers,” says Juyoun Park, a senior senator. At the year’s first meeting, senators discussed topics like homecoming and spirit week themes. When these themes were actually implemented, it was “really cool to see that in action,” says Juyoun.
The senators also appreciate that the senate is a diverse group of students, representing all grade levels. “It’s really nice to see the enthusiasm for it, and get to know all the different people of different ages who want to represent the school and be involved,” Park says.
Kaleb Jacobs, a sophomore senate alternate, also appreciates the senate’s variety of voices. “It’s a great place for elevating voices, especially for underclassmen who usually don’t have much influence,” he says.
Dorris’ efforts to renew the senate this year could not be more timely, as the school buzzes with election anticipation and the halls are decked out with posters touting National Voter Registration Day. Most OHS senators agree that school democracy helps prepare students for being responsible citizens once they turn 18.
“It’s ultimately about having your voice be heard,” says Dorris. “I would love it if someone turned 18 and thought ‘oh hey, I remember being in senate when I was a freshman and it felt really good to have a say in something; maybe I should register to vote!’” She adds that the senate offers students more familiarity with the democratic process. It also sheds light on some of the behind-the-scenes aspects of administration “that some people take for granted.”
Park says that didn’t previously consider herself a “leadership-type person,” but that getting more involved in school affairs has helped her become a more responsible and confident citizen. “Choosing to become a leader, and dedicating yourself to involvement, helps you become more aware of your role in the issues around you,” she says. “It helps you realize that one voice can have a larger impact. You’re more aware of the democratic process and what it involves–being represented, and being a representative yourself.”
At the first senate meeting of the year, one class representative gushed that he “just loved the entire school in general.” With its driven students like Hope Dorris, commitment to student democracy and passionate community in the senate, it’s easy to see why OHS students have such love for their school.
