STUCO Initiatives at St. Agnes

When some people think of student council, they think of planning parties and organizing events, but the St. Agnes Student council has taken this a step further. The St. Agnes student council (aka STUCO) has taken initiative by trying to lead the St. Agnes community to be healthier in body and mind by promoting healthy eating habits and positivity between students by planning events such as Fresh Fruit Friday and Affirmation Notes. 

STUCO knew this would be a hit because no one can say no to fresh fruit. Though the delicious cafeteria food is extremely tempting for all students, the prospect of free food overrides that desire. The fresh fruit table is right outside the St. Agnes cafeteria, which is easily accessible to all students. However, one may wonder… where does all of this fruit come from?

The sweet goodness is donated by STUCO members so that the entire school may benefit. Once a week, a sign-up for volunteers is emailed to all STUCO members to keep this fun Friday activity alive. Students love the opportunity to be involved in bringing joy and healthy eating habits to the entire community and, as a plus, they earn points for every tray of fruit that they bring. Hopefully, the SAA STUCO has not only started many healthy habits within the school, but also a healthy tradition that will remain for many years.

Remember those days in elementary school where you would trade valentines’ cards in your class? Well, SAA STUCO decided to bring that back, but schoolwide! During the week leading up to Valentine's day, a table with four large plastic boxes was set up in the school commons with all the materials needed to write notes to your friends. The rules were simple: positive messages only!

If I were to write a note for a friend, I would simply label it with their name, write my message, and stick it in one of the four grade boxes. These notes slowly became a hit, especially with the freshman class. As the 9th grade’s box got more stuffed with notes, STUCO members had more and more work. The STUCO members acted as a school mail service. I, along with some friends that were also in STUCO ,sorted through the notes and delivered them to the correct locker leaving little surprises for a friend. The school was bustling with energy as everyone discovered notes from their friends wishing them a good day or complimenting them. Everyone was brought back to the kindergarten days where friendships overrode stress and school. Valentine’s Day turned to Galentine's day as the school remembered the importance of friendship amidst the hustle of school. 

The St. Agnes student council has been doing great work for our student body by being the start of constructive habits. These last two initiatives are only the start of what STUCO strives to do. Great things will happen in the future, and we have both the St. Agnes student council and our amazing sponsors to thank for that.