Mound Westonka H.S. Student Senate Hits the Ground Running

Dozens of American flags lining the driveway and sidewalks greeted Mound Westonka High School students and staff when they arrived at school on Sept. 11. The memorial to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on our country was organized by the MWHS Student Senate, with flags donated by the American Legion.

Even though the new school year started just a couple of weeks ago, members of the Student Senate are already hard at work to promote spirit and participation within the school.

This year’s Senate is led by President Alexandra Riffle, Vice President Mackenzie Strehle, Secretary Willie Maahs and Public Relations Chair Abe Thaler.

"MWHS Student Senate has a tradition of electing outstanding student leaders as their officers and this year is no exception,” said Advisor Lynne Chance Peterson. “All of our senior officers have been members since eighth-grade and have chaired numerous committees over the years. We have a very good core membership this year, with a nice balance between returning students and those that are new to the job.”

The Student Senate meets every Friday morning at 7 a.m., to plan and promote school events. The Senate also serves as a liaison to the community. With Homecoming just three weeks away, Senate members are busy gathering community support for those events. Look for an expanded tailgating party and more family activities following the parade on Friday.

Student Senate plans all of the pep fests, the dances, the Spirit Weeks leading up to dances, the coronations, the prom, the Homecoming parade, the Staff Appreciation Week and the end of the year bonfire.

Student Senate elections are held at the end of the school year each year for six spots per grade. Any student can choose to run for Student Senate. Students in each grade vote for the candidates in their grade only, and the six with the most votes for each grade are elected.

“We have a lot of dedication and energy in this group and I expect another successful year of event planning and service work under the leadership of our officers,” said Peterson. “It should be another fun, busy year at the high school!"

Peterson and Mark Lee serve as advisors to Student Senate.