Not just anyone can be a member of Horicon High School’s Student Council. It takes creativity to come up with new ways to make HHS more exciting. It takes a good heart to persevere through fund-raisers for the benefit of the surrounding community. And yes, it takes discipline to be at school to pick up garbage for those seven a.m. Campus Clean-ups. “We are a group of students who support school activities,” advisor Mr. Brault stated, “We help with dances, lunch pass checking, and community service, among other things.”

Throughout the month of November, the council had several activities going on. On November 2nd, students collected money for the United Nation’s International Children’s Emergency Fund (or UNICEF). In several hours, they were able to collect $546.97 while walking door-to-door all over the streets of Horicon. These funds will go towards aid for women and children in developing countries around the world. Junior Jason Bennett reflected on the positive experience, “I really enjoyed helping out UNICEF. It made me feel good inside.”

On November 16, a portion of the council traveled to UW Madison for the annual Region V Fall Conference. The day started off with speaker Bob Tryanski, who demonstrated how everyone is different, yet can still get along. Students then could choose from a variety of sectionals (smaller group sessions) to attend. Eva Dietz picked one such session on Me to We. “It’s a really cool organization I found inspiring,” the sophomore explained, “They raise money for less fortunate people in other countries.” Junior Mikaela Higgins’ favorite was the hip-hop dance session, “It was all about meeting new people and being yourself. At first dancing was uncomfortable, but by the end everyone was having fun.” Speaker Jackie Millar rounded out events. She shared her touching story of learning how to forgive the very assailant who shot her in the head, nearly killing her.

The Secret Santa gift exchange is coming up in December. Each student will choose a teacher and leave several anonymous gifts for them over the last week of school before Christmas break. Teachers find out who their “Secret Santa” is at an after-school Christmas party.