As Parker officially opens its doors for the new school year, Student Government will open its doors for 88 new freshmen. This fall, a new generation of cabinet members and committee heads will settle into their seats for plenary, and begin to flip through pages of “The Student Voice.” But what does this mean for them and the rest of the Upper School?
“During my year in eighth grade we did not learn a lot [about Student Government], and it was very hard to learn about Student Government,” Senior and Director of Committee Affairs Lola Yee said. “You will start learning a lot as you pick things up and hear them repeatedly,” Yee said.
Some Upper Schoolers stress that personal involvement is the key step to understanding and becoming a leader within Student Government.
“It gets easier the more you put yourself out there,” President Ty Donath said.
Like Yee, Donath noted that despite knowing very little about Parker’s Student Government, he was able to comprehend more of it the more he immersed himself in it. “Obviously I didn’t understand anything when I was a freshman, so once I started understanding everything, I kind of had a lot of fun in Student Government,” Donath said.
Because some new-to-Upper-Schoolers may not be sure where to start, Committee Fest occurs in the Fall and is the perfect opportunity to learn about committees as well as find some that are both fulfilling and meaningful to them.
Though everyone is placed in a committee , there are options to apply for cabinet positions. Junior Darcy Rachel is a student who had positive experiences with both cabinet positions and committees.
“My freshman year I applied for a couple positions, I’m not sure which ones, but I got onto SIRB (Student Interview Review Board) and I ended up really enjoying it,” Rachel said. “And then for Parliamentarian, I tried to get it going into my sophomore year but I didn’t get it. So, that’s been an interest for me, so I’m happy I got it.”
Another way for Upper Schoolers to immerse themselves in Parker’s government is to attend meetings. Plenary is a meeting that everyone attends, and typically there is time for any students to ask questions or give comments based on what was discussed.
Donath felt it was intimidating as a ninth grader to share. “I don’t know any of the people in the audience, and I’m about to speak in the mics? I’m not doing that as a freshman,” Donath said.
Committee, Senate, and Small Group meetings can be an effective way to share, especially because they’re held in smaller settings and anyone can attend Senate meetings. “Plenary is mandatory, but Senate is so much fun. I learned a lot about Student Government from going to Senate, and I also think it’s a great way to listen to the experiences of your peers,” Yee said.
Any Upper Schooler can write proposals and resolutions which will be taken into consideration by voting. “A great way to share your voice when you don’t necessarily have an appointed or elected role is to write proposals and resolutions,” Yee said. “I’m always going to advocate for that. I think it’s a great way to actually see change in the environment around you.”
All in all, Parker’s many opportunities in Student Government have impacts on the Upper School experience, including proposals being passed that implement CPR training, committees that review prospective teachers, and resolutions to keep tampons and pads in the Upper School bathrooms.
“Student Government is something else, I’ll tell you that,” Donath said. “I don’t think any other school puts this much effort into Student Government.”
