Mia Guidolin
Every year, the graduating class of Lee’s Summit West gifts something to the rest of the school as a way of leaving their mark. This year, the senior class through efforts of Student Senate is gifting a memorial bench in the courtyard to create a space for students to remember and reflect on anyone important in their life whom they have lost.
The idea started when former LSW Titan, Keaghan McDaniel passed away in June of 2021. The plan was expanded on with the passing of senior Landon Gregory this January. Ashley Jones, sponsor of Student Senate said that “there is still work to be done in terms of beautification of the area but that will come in time.” Engraved on the bench is the quote: “Missed beyond measure, loved beyond words.”
Freshman Ally Cross said she thinks that the bench “will leave a lasting memory” on the student body, and that Titans will “add their own memories to it.”
In her involvement with Student Senate, Cross said her favorite memory so far was handing out drinks and snacks on the morning of teacher appreciation week. “I am excited to keep helping out with the opportunities of community and involvement to come,” Cross said. She also said she would love to “see more people get involved and feel like they can help out our school.”
In terms of moving forward with next year, recently elected Student Senate Vice President Regan Oehrke said she has some exciting ideas she is looking forward to for next year, such as changing Courtwarming. “We are not sure what we want to do yet. It’s just up in the air,” Oehrke said.
Additionally, Oehrke said that Senate wants to increase school spirit by getting students involved in spirit days and other school pride activities. “As an assembly, we just want to get more hype for the school,” she said. Oehrke said that in her position as Vice President, she hopes to make school a more fun environment, and get the students excited to participate in school events.
