On any given week at Cardinal Gibbons, there’s always something happening, pep rallies, families filling the football field for Family Football Night or students dressed up for the snowball. Behind every one of those moments is a group of students working quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) to make it all happen, Student Council.

But contrary to what some might think, the student council at Cardinal Gibbons isn’t about passing rules or acting as a mini government.

“We are not making laws for the school or passing bills,” said council moderator Rogosich. “We aren’t the typical school governments. Community engagement, that is our main focus.”

Opportunity

Student Council is structured differently than it used to be. Years ago, there were only four students per grade, the president, vice president, secretary and treasurer as well as elections were based purely on popularity and speeches.

“Kids would give speeches, bring donuts and bribe people,” Rogosich said. “So we transitioned.”

Now, students apply and go through interviews with both adult moderators and student leaders. Around 40 to 50 students apply each year, but only 10 to 12 spots are available per grade. Every grade has officers as well, if a student is an officer all for years they can be interviewed to become an exec their senior year. There are four executives every year, one for freshmen, one for sophomores, and two for juniors due to the larger junior class.

The shift to interviews has opened the door for more voices and more involvement. Instead of four students representing an entire grade, up to 12 now have the chance to serve.

Building Skills That Last

Beyond planning events, Student Council shapes students in many lasting ways.

When asked what skills are gained from Student Council, Senior Execs pointed to growth that goes far beyond organizing school functions. 

“Definitely communication skills. We spend a lot of time talking to people, talking to adults,” said Tyler Guy.

From coordinating with administrators to organizing classmates and outside vendors, members quickly learn that clear communication is essential.

“Consideration is a skill gained… there’s a lot of moving parts,” added Senior Exec Sam Romanelli. “You need to know what’s going on in multiple different fields, not just your own.”

While Rogosich believes those experiences translate directly into life after school.

“I also think it gives you real life experiences… I can’t tell you how many kids have come back and said like, hey what I’m doing in marketing is the most similar thing to student council”

For sophomore Exec Peter Hoffman, the growth has been personal.

“Confidence. Since my freshman year, I was probably one of the most scared and reserved people.. and student council really helped me break out and be able to talk to adults and just talk to really anyone.”

That confidence, learning not just how to communicate or speak up, but how to be heard, is one of the biggest takeaways Student Council members carry with them.

The Events Everyone Sees

While much of the Council’s work happens behind the scenes, their impact is visible all year long.

Student Council moderators and runs major school events including:

Family Football Night: organizing activities and vendors like the sailor fishing game, obstacle courses, balloon making, fairy hair and face painting.

Snowball: Selling tickets, decorating, coordinating volunteers and cleaning up after the dance. This year, a group of freshmen even designed the Snowball t-shirts for juniors and seniors volunteering.

Spring Fling: Including the long-standing tradition of seeing the opening the musical ad afterward

Pep Rally:Coordinating performances, logistics and crowd engagement.

Alumni Events: Like Toddler Takeover

Every year, the council also chooses a theme word. This year’s word is “Lettuce” standing for “Let Us.” It represents unity and the idea that leadership starts with inviting others in.

A Team Without Hierarchy

One of the most unique aspects of Student Council is how it brings students together across grade levels.

“Something that’s really unique about student council is seniors get to know freshman and freshman get to know juniors… there’s not any sort of hierarchy in the room,” Rogosich said.

Freshman work alongside seniors. Juniors collaborate with sophomores. Leadership is based on contribution, not class year.

“I’d say Rogo is really good at he doesn’t think there’s one job and it’s too big for a freshman or there’s a job too small for a senior,” said freshman exec Claire Carothers. “He gives everyone a chance to improve and do their own thing.”

“We are good at giving everyone the opportunity to shine,” Carothers added.

That blend of talents and personalities shows most clearly at the Pep Rally.

“You had some drama kids come on and were stage managers then we had football boys being security guards and spiritual life kids running the house flags everywhere…” Carothers said. “Everybody has their niche and they are all a part of the student council so they each get to bring their talent, high school music style.”

From athletes to performers to spiritual life leaders, every member brings something different, every role matters.

More Than a Club

For many students, Student Council becomes more than just another club. 

“It’s my favorite part of high school so far. This is the highest each year,” said Carothers.

“I think it’s definitely one of those things in my life that’s formed me the most in a positive way,” Romanelli added.

Student Council at Cardinal Gibbons isn’t about the titles or the recognition. Its foundation is its service, growth and community engagement. It’s about creating moments that students will remember and cherish, even if most people never see that work that made it possible.

And as long as there are pep rallies to run, dances to decorate and families to welcome, there will be a group of students ready to step up and say, “Let Us.”