South Portland High School has a wide variety of extracurricular activities. From the Spanish club to swimming and everything in between, there is an activity that can spark almost anyone’s interest. However, there is one club in particular that has made quite a big impression on the high school community. The Student Senate, also known as the Student Voice, enables students to have a voice in the school experience and has become a key part of the day-to-day high school life.

Though the club was originally started in 1875 when the school first opened, the past 10 years has been crucial for the Student Senate, and the influence it has on the student body.

Richard Romanow, a history teacher at the high school, has been the club’s adviser for more than 10 years.

“The Student Senate has become a vehicle for student voice and the decision-making process here at the high school. The members of the faculty believe student insight is extremely valuable,” he said. That valuable insight and decision-making influence can be seen every day at the high school.

One of the biggest victories achieved by the Student Senate was the installment of the Honor Code in 2007. With the persistence of the Senate over a two-year period, the honor codes were put in place and completely change the daily operations within the high school walls. In the proposed code, students are now able to wear hats in the building, listen to music when permitted, have a fair mutual respect between students and teachers, and be able to go places within the building without needing a pass. Though some were wary of the relaxed standards, discussion and compromise declared the new honor code, which was officially put into effect. Seven years later the honor code is still alive and strong. Though, there are still staff members who question the motives and effectiveness of the honor code, the Senate needs to work with the faculty and students to ensure the code is respected and managed.

By far, the honor code has had the biggest impact to the student body. However, there are also many other smaller projects that make the Senate’s presence known not only in the school but in the community. For example, the Senate is able to send a student to the hiring committee when interviewing a new teacher or principal. Also, every year two students are now able to run for the school board, and have a non-voting seat at all the meetings. “I’ve heard so much about what the past members of Senate have done and how much they have accomplished, and to me that is really motivating and makes me want to do a lot during my time,” said Molly Skeffington, a first-year member of the Student Senate.

Though it is quite obvious that past Senate councils have been successful, today’s members are still working hard to discuss issues that are relevant and impact the student body. One event that the Senate is working on is Diversity Week, during which students and faculty come together to celebrate the differences in diversity.

Each year the Senate tries to get speakers to come to the library and share their story about their experiences with diversity. A very popular part of the week is when students can pin what country they are from. By the end of the week, it’s amazing to how many countries are represented in the school. New this year is a mandatory assembly with a few different speakers that hopefully get all the students thinking about diversity.

“I’m really excited for this year’s Diversity Week!” said Amelia Papi, a member of the Student Senate. “We have come up with some really great ideas that I think will get everyone interested, and I can’t wait to see how the week turns out.”

The Student Senate will continue to work hard to ensure that the students have an active voice that fosters best practices that will create a positive environment for the students, staff and faculty alike.

Hope Garrison is a senior at South Portland High School.