Student Government president Clay Tufts and Senator Andrew Mahtook taught the Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet School student council what it means to lead peers on campus at their first meeting of the school year.
Mahtook sponsored a resolution through the SG senate to, “support and encourage” the Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet School student council. The bill urges communication and teamwork, and it was passed with 100 percent of the vote at Wednesday’s senate meeting.
Tufts said it’s important to inform the student council about the role they can play on campus.
“It went very well,” Tufts said. “The students were very engaged and eager to get started on their work.”
Even though it was the first student council meeting of the year, the students already have ideas they want to implement around their school.
Some ideas called for increased transition time between classes, a suggestion box and an initiative to clean up trash around the campus. The student council also aims to start a spirit week, study hall and multi-cultural day.
Tufts commended the students and advised them on leadership.
“This is important for them to start serving their fellow students,” Tufts said.
Last school year, the student council replaced dead trees around the campus and installed two brand new benches in front of the school.
The benches cost a total of $1,500, which took the student council two years to raise. The student council also works with Project Give, which funds student service projects, and hosts a charity volleyball game for breast cancer awareness.
Dana Morrison, Sherwood Middle sixth grade social studies teacher and student council sponsor, said she hopes the students learn to maximize their leadership skills and “use them for the good.”
“They really like to serve others,” Morrison said.
Josephine Adeola, Sherwood Middle student council representative, said student council is about sharing ideas with
everyone. She aspires to be the vice president this year and wants to assist the president with his or her duties.
“I really want a good year for student council,” Adeola said.
Tufts said he would like SG to do more in the community and reach out to more schools throughout Baton Rouge.
Morrison, who is also a University alumna, said “LSU is part of our community.”
She said the school’s ultimate goal is for the students to go to college. Morrison hopes SG will mentor and guide the student council throughout the school year.
Tufts said he has plans to bring the student council to an event on campus and wants the student council to
attend SG meetings to see how they work.