Southmoreland student council pushes for change

Posted on October 19, 2016 by Amelia Buchholz in News // 0 Comments

As the attendance for the dances at Southmoreland has hit an all-time low, senior class president Charles Echard has a solution that he thinks may bring in more participation.

“Bringing the students from Southmoreland High School together has always been my goal,” said Echard.” I believe by increasing the participation at dances, we could do just that.”

Echard has been to all three homecoming dances in the past and would have planned to attend the upcoming dance if the date was hanged. Although Homecoming can be fun, attendance is at an all time low. Echard, along with other student council members believe that this is because of the day of the week the dance takes place.

“Homecoming is a good time, but I’ve always wished it was on a weekend rather than a Wednesday night,” said Echard.

Echard said that by having school dances on weekdays, it is inefficient for students attending may they be from Southmoreland or dates from a separate schools. It is time costly compared to the alternative – dances on a Saturday – because of activities such as practices, studying, homework, or work; whereas on the weekends, time is less limited to the students..

Not only does time factor into the matter, but having a dance on the weekend also requires extra payout to janitorial staff and an extra cafeteria reservation fee, which can cost up to $500. Echard believes that each year it becomes harder and harder to fundraise or collect money from the community to support such clubs. The lack of student council funds and the inability to fundraise keeps the school from being able to pay these extra funds every year.

“I believe that the combined participation of student council, school board representatives, and local community members could make it possible for our dances to be on Saturdays,” Echard said. “This would boost attendance and ultimately our school spirit, bringing the student body together.”