Most students at Anderson High School can name people in student council, but when you ask what they actually do, the room just goes quiet. Beyond planning the occasional dance or spirit week, their role feels like a mystery hidden somewhere between announcements and after-school meetings. For something meant to represent the entire student body, student council operates in a way that leaves many students wondering: What really happens behind those flashy titles?
Most students know that student council exists, but very few actually understand what they do. For many students at AHS, it just seems like a group of students that plan dances or show up at school events. The lack of awareness creates a disconnect between student council and the student body they are supposed to represent. In reality, student council is supposed to play a bigger role in the school. The student-run organization who’s supposed to be looking in the student body’s best interest and relay concerns doesn’t seem to be doing that. This leaves students to believe all student council has under their belts are those fancy titles.
To better understand the role of student council, Ethan Gibbs spoke with student council advisor Brittany Sylvia, who offered a little insight into what student council actually does and why many students may not fully understand its purpose. When asked what student council does on a daily basis, Sylvia explained that members serve as representatives of the school. “We put up flyers about upcoming events, support teams by decorating lockers, and organize activities like spirit days, dances, and graduation events.”
Although the student council advisor gave important information, reporter Ethan Gibbs decided to interview an important subject of the matter, the student body.
Ethan Gibbs asked students in the school if they were aware of any student council accomplishments, and it seemed that most were unsure. In an interview shown below, Ethan Gibbs interviewed a student to see his insight on student councils accomplishments.
In addition to student interviews, a poll created and sent by Kelson Bell asked students at AHS an important question, “Are you aware of what student council is and what they do?” The responses varied from “Yes absolutley no doubt asked” to “I am literally clueless.” Though the responses varied, the clear answer was shown. Over 45.9 percent of students selected the choice “I kinda know.” This just shows us that a lot of students are clueless as to what student council does.
That leaves us with an important question, why aren’t students aware of what student council is or what they do? Brittany Sylvia believes that a major reason why students are unaware of student council’s role is simple: communication gaps. “Students don’t read their emails, the school newspaper, or watch Tribecast,” Sylvia noted. While recognition may not always come from students, Sylvia noted that staff members do appreciate their efforts. Ultimately, she hopes students begin to better understand the role student council plays in improving both school culture and community involvement.
