The following story was written by a student on the staff of The Jaguar Times as part of Hilliard Bradley High School’s Journalism Production course.
by Eric Sese
News Editor
On September 9th, Hilliard Bradley’s student body elected a handful of their peers to become members of the Class Cabinet. Next week, the Bradley Class Cabinets will convene.
The upcoming school year is packed with student events and activities, many of which are coordinated by Class Cabinet. Mr. Gerber, a science teacher, is one of the advisors for the Upper-class Class Cabinets. He describes Class Cabinet as “representatives of [each] class” who provide insight when it comes to planning school events.
Many of these major school events include homecoming, prom, and student-staff competitions and activities. There are also smaller initiatives by the Class Cabinet, such as free hot chocolate days during the winter. For Class Cabinet member Hanan Darwish (12), she wants students to “have fun” with “school spirit.” Spirit days are one of the initiatives of the Class Cabinet.
In working hand-in-hand, profit from major events such as homecoming and prom is allocated to specific Class Cabinets for future use. This forms a mutually beneficial relationship between the school, student body, and Class Cabinets.
Events for Seniors in particular include the Senior Thanksgiving, beach party, Senior gift, and even graduation. Mr. Gerber adds that Senior Thanksgiving is “a new tradition” which was introduced for the Class of 2022. Senior Class Cabinet member Griffin Way (12) looks forward to “[providing] a plethora of fun” as Seniors enter “a new chapter of [their] lives.”
As Seniors approach the conclusion of their secondary education, it is important that they leave a lasting legacy at the school. Class Cabinets member Abby Neill (12) explained that she looks forward to “[bringing] new traditions to Bradley” that will make people feel more “connected and excited.” This year, the Class of 2023 is hoping to bring a new tradition to Bradley in the form of a Senior beach party.
Between Class Cabinet and administration, administration has always been supportive of student initiatives. Mr. Walton is one of three assistant principals at Bradley. He explains that if another school engages in an activity of particular interest or someone “dreams something up” then “[administration] is all for it.” More complicated outside decisions such as hiring a disc jockey are left up to the advisors.
While some traditions at Bradley can be found in schools everywhere, students in the Class Cabinet collaborate to make Bradley unique. The diverse perspectives of this elected body serves as a voice for every student, and leaves lasting legacies for years to come.