The Lafayette Student Council plays an important role in shaping our school community at Lafayette. As the student body’s voice, the council advocates for students and serves as a bridge between students and the administration. To gain insight into the responsibilities of this role, the student council president for sophomores, Charlie Reed, was interviewed.

Reed offers an honest and inspiring perspective for students interested in leadership.”It’s hard work and depends on how people know you and how they see you,” she admitted. She believes the experience of running is fun, despite winning or losing. “It’s a lot of fun, and even if you don’t win, it’s a good time.” Charlie and her sister, Addison Reed are both on the council, Charlie mentions how they used posters and candy to campaign. Reaching out to others and listening to them voice their ideas ensured they got votes. Charlie shows that student leadership is about more than just positions. It’s about addressing and inspiring others.

For Reed, leadership isn’t just about holding a title. It’s about the impact. She sees student leadership as a rewarding challenge and an opportunity to grow. “I ran because I felt like I’d be a good president, and I felt like it would be a good experience,” she shared. This year, one of her primary goals was to enhance the school’s atmosphere by improving the scenery. They are now working on this project, and the council hopes to make the hallways more inviting, creating a comfortable space for students.

Teamwork is at the heart of Reed’s role. Despite limited meeting opportunities, she and her team collaborate with the administration to address student concerns and find solutions. Listening to others can be a useful skill when in a leadership position. “We always try to hear out the concerns that everybody has and make a change,” she said, acknowledging that the workload can be demanding but ultimately worthwhile.

Reed and her team focus on projects that mix practicality with school spirit. This involves designing affordable hoodies with unique designs for the staff and students and making the visible portion of the school more cozy. Simple things like these unite the school, raising money and school spirit.

The student council’s dedication to addressing student needs shows the importance of strong leadership. They exemplify how our voices can shape a school’s future through collaboration and leadership.