Behind the Scenes with Student Gov

As Homecoming week rolls around each year, many wonder how Student Government is able to develop each element of the dance, Field Day, and various events in between. 

There has been a lot of talk about the Homecoming dance being held at Bowlero this year, because it is the first time it hasnt been held at ThunderRidge.

“We wanted to change it up a bit, one of the biggest things we hear is that kids want to do something other than dance so bowlero is a great place to dance and then have other fun activities to participate in,” says Student Government Representative Connor Ryan

“Our biggest motive was to get upperclassmen to go to the dance. At bowlero you can not only dance but play unlimited arcade games, bowling, laser tag, and there is an ice cream bar. We want more entertainment so more people enjoy it,” adds Senior Student Government Representative Jacy Wobido.

The planning process behind the Homecoming dance and determining themes for Field Day is a big responsibility for members of Student Government, because their main goal is to get students involved in activities throughout the week.

“It gets harder to choose a theme every year, because every year is one more idea that’s already been done. We want the theme to be original and unique for Field Day, but Field Day has been a thing for a long time and they have already chosen all of the basic themes of four, like elements (earth, wind, fire, air),” Senior Class Vice President Max Whalen said. 

Senior Stu Gov members feel an added sense of pressure, because it is their last year planning for Field Day and Homecoming. They want to ensure that their graduating class feels like they went out with a bang and set a positive example for the incoming classes. The reputation of the members of Student Government are at stake, so these circumstances can either produce a year to remember or an absolute fail. 

“I wanted it to be the best theme yet, but also make the other classes feel special. I think that  everyone feels included and happy with their theme this year,” Wobido says. 

Members of Student Government don't just choose a theme that they think their classmates will enjoy, but one they are able to incorporate what they have enjoyed from past years into the theme in order to ensure they enjoy the theme as well.

“My favorite theme so far for my grade has been Pop, my sophomore year, but my personal favorite overall theme was the Battle of Time, not counting this year,” says Senior Student Body President Eddie Stassi. 

From organizing Homecoming committees to deciding on the overall theme for Field Day, Student Government works day in and day out to make those important decisions in order to create a strong foundation for Homecoming week.

Wobido states, “We chose our Homecoming week committees at the end of last year that gave us summer to start preparing. We really started to begin planning at our summer retreat. We chose the themes there and we have been working in our Homecoming committees from the start of the school year till now.”

Compared to past years, this year seems to be creating the most excitement among students of ThunderRidge. Student Government put loads of hard work and dedication into making this year’s Homecoming and Field Day special, not only for graduating seniors, but for the entire school.