Partnered with multiple other student leaders from different classes and clubs around campus since November of 2018, Bear River’s Leadership class has introduced the new Student Senate.

Similar to a Student Council, Leadership teacher Matt MacDonald explained what the Senate is.

“The Student Senate is this idea we came up with to bring in people from different groups on campus to find out how we, as a Leadership class, can better support the activities they have going on,” he said. “We are continuously trying to find out ways to get more people involved and bring more people into the process. I feel like we’re always trying to fight that communication gap that happens at all high schools across the country because of social media.”

According to Mr. MacDonald, most of the clubs and the elective classes are included in this group, having “… one representative, no matter how big or small they are.” Maggie O’Callaghan, senior and ASB representative, elaborated that other just classes and clubs are invited into the Senate.

“Whatever sports season is happening right now [is] also in the Senate to let the Leadership class and other students know what games they want us to go to so we can get bigger turnouts for everybody,” she said.

Katelyn Lorenzo, a junior and representative of Agricultural Communications, described what she wished to accomplish as a participant.

“I am hoping to accomplish more school spirit at various events and school in general,” she said. “It will impact Bruin community … by getting more Bruins involved and having the knowledge of different events and opportunities that are happening at Bear River.”

Sophomore and Gay-Straight Alliance Representative, Mateo Batula, described how the Senate would affect his club.

“I’m excited about the recognition, because GSA never really gets opportunities to have posters up, unless we do it ourselves,” he said. “Whenever we have meetings, we don’t really have time, so it’s cool that the [Leadership class] are doing this.”

O’Callaghan described what she was looking forward to about being in this group.

“[I’m excited to] … see all the other clubs and what they’re doing,” she said. “I’m hoping to increase the level of participation within the student body.”

Mr. MacDonald went on to explain what he was most excited for.

“I’m probably most excited to just see how this group continues to grow,” he said. “Also to hear somebody give people an opportunity to talk about some of their programs that they are passionate about. The way this will really grow in my opinion is if students … attend regularly and really take it seriously and try to make sure people are aware of what’s going on in their program.”

Batula elaborated on how this group has the potential to impact the whole Bruin community.

“I think it would help everybody come together a lot more and also be in the know,” he said. “I just know from personal experience that my club, not everybody is able to understand what’s going on, like when we have things coming up. So, I hope this will keep everybody [involved].”

Mr. MacDonald gave a similar answer to Batula.

“I think that it’s going to be a great opportunity to, not only increase communications that are going on, but to increase the support,” he said. “I feel like … our students are interconnected with knowing what’s going on, but then also feeling supported by everybody else.”

Batula provided his final thoughts about being a representative for his club.

“I guess I’m just excited about it,” he said. “When I was told about it, I got really excited.”