Student Senate isn’t just a bunch of meetings and pencil shavings. But many students wouldn’t believe this if they heard it because everything they know about student government they learned from cheesy, high school TV shows. There is a lot more to student Senate than that.

Student Senate is a group of students who work together as a link between Wahlert students and the rest of the community. Senate members have meetings about once a month in the Frommelt Conference Room, but committees or other groups within the Senate may have meetings more often. At these meetings, the members discuss their upcoming projects and responsibilities.

One of the main things that the Student Senate members do is put on events to make all students’ high school experiences as enjoyable and as memorable as possible. Homecoming, for example, is organized by the Student Senate. Each class has specific duties to take care of such as the dress up days, the fun day, the pep rally and the dance itself.

Not only does the Senate put on events to help our own students, but they also organize charity events.  With Christmas right around the corner, the Senate members have begun preparing for Operation Elf. This is a project where money is collected from fourth hour classes and is then used to purchase gifts for needy families for Christmas.

Student Senate also organizes two blood drives each year. The drive on Nov. 3, 2014, produced over 50 pints of blood that were donated to the American Red Cross.

The most important thing that Student Senate does is represent the opinions of the average Wahlert student. “Student Senate is important because it lets students have some say instead of letting the teachers plan everything,” said Joe Patrick, a freshman class representative. Unfortunately, many students are not tuned in to what’s going on in Student Senate, which defeats its purpose completely.  Senate is based solely around students’ wants and needs, which means that the senate can’t function properly without input from each and every student.

Student Senate members rely on the rest of the Wahlert students to give them input on what they do and do not want to see in their school. If you have an idea to share, try putting suggestions in the suggestion box, located at the intersection on the main level. Ideas for Catholic Schools Week would especially be appreciated. The Senate reviews suggestions during its monthly meetings.

You don’t have to have a new idea to get involved, either. You can simply ask a Senate member or Ms. Wagner if there is any need for helping hands in any upcoming projects. Your help would be much appreciated!