The Student Council selected seven new officers for the 2023-2024 school year. This new group aims to make Decatur High School a more “enjoyable and safe place to learn.”
The seven officers, Katherine Stroud, Archi Patel, Elizabeth Pack, Elizabeth Lackey, Symbree Saldivar, Bryson Borchardt, and Katherine Highlander have already taken on their roles and the responsibilities that come with them.
The Student Council is in charge of organizing and planning many of the major events that students attend each year. The president, Katherine Stroud, and vice president, Archi Patel, said they want to make this school year a more enjoyable and safe place to be at.
Katherine Stroud said one of Student Council’s goals is “to make StuCo more inclusive.”
Katherine Stroud is hoping to make Decatur High School a place where everyone can go as they are aiming to help make everyone fit in and be motivated to come to school.
New Student Council Secretary, Elizabeth “Liz” Lackey, said she wanted to become an officer so she can contribute to DHS’s growth.
“I wanted to help start the process of making Decatur High School a better place,” Liz said.
Vice president Archi Patel said she wanted to be more involved in the behind-the-scenes work of school activities.
“I wanted to be more involved with the school and all the stuff that goes on in the pep rallies,” said Archi.
Student Council Parliamentarian Bryson Borchardt said the officers have already started getting closer as the year progresses.
“I haven’t really known everyone that long, but we managed to all become… friendly to the point that we’re there for one another,” Bryson said.
The new officers of the Student Council have several new responsibilities and challenges to navigate. Katherine Stroud said Student Council Sponsor Mrs. Bayless is a great resource for her.
“I talk to Mrs. Bayless when I’m feeling stressed and she helps me out,” Katherine Stroud said.
The new officers have found another challenge in balancing school work and the responsibilities that come with their new roles.
Bryson said it can be challenging “especially when teachers assign multiple assignments due at midnight.”
When asked about if the balance of school and Student Council is difficult Liz credited their sponsors.
“It can be [challenging] but all of our sponsors are really forgiving and really accepting of our schedules. So it’s good,” Liz said.
The Student Council is responsible for hosting and planning many of the events throughout the school year, such as themed dress-up days and pep rallies.
Pep rallies are a staple of DHS’s culture as during the fall every home football game day the whole school gathers in the gym to celebrate a hopeful Decatur victory that night.
The Student Council plays a role in the pep rallies as they plan the whole event from start to finish.
“It’s one of the most rewarding experiences seeing the whole school get excited at an event that Student Council worked so hard to put together,” said Liz.
