A new announcement appeared several weeks ago calling class officers and members of STUCO to apply for something called Student Advisory Board.  Rumors immediately started spreading.  What is this so-called Student Advisory Board and what is its purpose?

Eichel Davis, senior and founder of Student Advisory Board, was able to answer these questions.  He and his friend J.D. Klein, senior, created the idea of Student Advisory Board while discussing how students should have a vehicle to input ideas into the decision making process at school.

“Student Advisory Board is a collection of students who want to make a difference at WCA.  We are the heart of this school. We deserve to be heard,” said Klein.

Davis and Klein are both passionate in giving students the chance to present the students’ perspective to the administration.

“It’s all about the students.  Me, you, all of us.  It’s about making a school of, for, and by the students,” said Davis.

He wants Student Advisory Board to be an open platform for student leaders to present their ideas and arguments to the administration.  Instead of sitting back and settling for things they do not like, students will now be able to fight for their alternatives to the issue and hopefully compromise with the faculty leaders of this school.

“All we need is a spark to light that fire and open the doors to our ideas,” said Davis.

He hopes Student Advisory Board will provide that spark through group discussions.

“The goal of Student Advisory Board is to address student concerns and make sure that the issue is addressed,” said Davis.

Instead of constantly complaining, students will be provided with the opportunity to speak to what is bothering them and present their alternative ideas.

“I went straight to Mr. Marsh, and he loved the idea.  And soon things were happening,” said Davis.

Davis and Klein would like to have four student representatives from each grade.  This would include two STUCO members and two class officers.  But for now, only five students are involved.  In the future, the current member are looking to open Student Advisory Board as an elected leadership opportunity for all students to be a part of.

“I want to be on Student Advisory Board because I think it’s something our school could benefit from,” said Sarah Betz, junior and one of the current members of Student Advisory Board.

Mr. Boesch, faculty sponsor of Student Advisory Board, is excited for the opportunity to have the administration hear the students’ perspective.  His role is to be a guiding influence in this process.  He is involved to ensure things do not get out of hand and keep ideas within reasonable limits.  He wants members and students to be realistic when giving suggestions to the administration.

Davis has several ideas he is already eager to discuss with the members of Student Advisory Board.

“They range from small ideas like a monthy dress up day, to huge  ones like lowering school lunch prices,” said Davis.

Student Advisory Board is providing student leaders with an exciting opportunity to be a part of changing things at Westminster.  As students take advantage of this new form of student government and contribute to its success, they will give students a louder voice while facing issues and improving life at our school.