For the Students, by the Students!

At Taft we have principals, assistant principals and other administrators that make decisions for the school on what programs get funded, what events are hosted, security, athletics that will benefit the students, with the question of how to know what students want and how to represent their ideas in a much more inclusive way.
Student Government is one of the ways the student body can get involved and represented in Taft. “The duties of Student Government is to organize student events and implement new policies and activities that students have asked for as well as voice concerns of our peers,” said Taft senior and Vice President of Student Government, Ava Novak, via email.
Taft sophomore Matilda O’Looney via email said that the Student Government assists in planning dances, spirit days, and school events alongside community service projects. O’Looney is the treasurer where she collaborates on planning and managing funds for the Student Government.
“I think one of the biggest problems at Taft is the lack of student spirit and involvement. We organize fun events, volunteer events, and fundraisers for students to engage in to promote student involvement and have outlets for student engagement with every club meeting and other surveys sent out to the entire school,” said Novak.
While the Student Government doesn’t have as much power as the school administration, O’Looney said in response, “While the student government cannot create change on our own, we can raise concerns to the administration. The only way we can be effective is if people come to meetings and give their opinions.”
“I think that people do not realize that it is not up to the Student Government to change school wide policies. Yes, we can voice concerns and talk to the administration, but ultimately it is up to the administration for what policies to enforce and what they can take away and/or implement,” said Novak.
Novak continued, “Student Government meetings are open to the entire school. If people want certain things addressed but are not showing up to meetings or contacting student government officers, there is no way for them to advocate for what they want, or for student gov to try and address their concerns.”
In conclusion, the Taft Student Government is a perfect club for those who want to be a part of the community, school, and place they are in. It allows for each and every student and member to be part of and involved in making a change that can improve the community. It is open for everyone regardless.
Representation of student voice is an important part in Taft and will be a continued recognized factor in Taft High School.