Because of new school regulations to combat the spread of COVID-19, student council must find new, creative ways to make the school year run as smoothly as possible, while also adapting to a new adviser.

“I think our central role deals with creating a good environment,” adviser Chrissy Boydstun said. “This year, more than any other, our job is to still make students feel seen and valued. They are not faceless people wandering through the halls; they are our Tiger family, and they need to know we see them, we’re excited they are here and we want to make them feel like they have a part of every decision we make.”

Boydstun said she took over as StuCo adviser because she loves the school and wants to continue to be more involved.

“I have enjoyed working with the senior class so much the last few years that when the opportunity presented itself, I was eager to jump into a larger role in shaping our school’s environment and events,” she said. “I think my role as faculty adviser is meant to guide them, help them find their voice and learn how to plan and execute events, but more than anything, I want to empower student leaders and help our school reflect all our students.”

Though council members were used to their previous adviser, Ryan Golden, Student Body President Emma Mayes said the members appreciate Boydstun’s leadership.

“We have been able to get a fresh perspective on our council,” she said. “Mrs. Boydstun has had great plans and ideas for the council to be able to reinvent the way it looks.”

StuCo met virtually over the summer and worked in small groups to start the year, then transitioned to working during their sixth-period class. However, there have still been various struggles in making plans, Boydstun said.

“Hosting events within the current health guidelines so that school still feels warm and inviting has been our biggest hurdle,” she said. “A big part of the fun we work on behind-the-scenes includes pep rallies. We are working hard to figure out a way to have pep and showcase all our great student groups without being allowed to gather; we are approaching everything through the lens of thinking ‘outside the box.’”

Junior Austin Hull said StuCo is important to keep the school running, so they are working diligently to find new solutions.

“We are figuring out things as we go with the current regulations and to make sure the school is still enjoyable,” he said. “StuCo really helps the school and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

As president, Mayes said she hopes that even if students return to online learning, they will still feel like they are a part of the school community.

“I am hoping that our events will happen to provide our students with a somewhat normal school life,” she said. “Also, with this year of improbability, our council will hopefully be a constant source of help and kindness toward the students.”

Though this year will look different, Boydstun said StuCo will be at the heart of it all to give students a home at the school.

“I think StuCo is the heartbeat of our school,” she said. “We have amazing, dedicated student leaders who are all engaged in other groups as well. Because of this, they bring a unique perspective of our student body as a whole. I want, more than anything, for students to have a sense of belonging. I want an organization that more members of our student body want to be part of. And I want student voices to be heard.”