NEWS: Law’s New Student Congress Passes First Bills

(Photo by Adarsh Senthilnathan)

By Adarsh Senthilnathan – Staff Reporter

The Student Congress at Jonathan Law High School has been very busy this year, with over 30 members, it has introduced over eight bills and most recently passed a bill on recycling bins in the cafeteria. 

The Student Congress, run by history teacher Mr. Zuraw, consists of a House of Advisories and a Class Embassy. This is a similar structure to the United States Congress, which consists of a House of Representatives and a Senate. 

Students debate on significant topics, such as change in the school’s policies and guidelines, and also discuss about the best ways to foster change in the school.

Zuraw created the organization to give more students a chance to have their voices and opinions heard. 

He has noticed that not only do the students often have a better idea of the problems or issues happening in school, but they also sometimes have better ideas for solutions. 

“My hopes for the Congress are to get it filled so every advisory and every grade level has representation,” said Zuraw. “They just did recently pass their first bill and it was approved by Mr. Thompson so stay tuned for that announcement in the coming weeks.” 

The Student Congress is mostly affecting the students since it is debating issues such as dress code and cafeteria changes. 

The organization helps students learn about political strategies and put them in action while debating certain bills and widely talked-about issues. 

Senior Ruhail Akhtar is proud that all of the members of the Student Congress really care about the school and want to make it better. 

“Being in the Embassy, really helps you see things from the inside and it’s really great to hear so many ideas and voices from everyone on how to better the school,” said Akhtar.

The Student Congress teaches students about the government of the United States and how it runs on a day-to-day basis. 

Junior Edward Platonov said that, as a Representative, he is most proud of the fact that the Student Congress helps students learn about the nation’s government. 

“Student Congress will impact Law greatly because it allows students from all over each grade to debate together on things that would improve Law,” said Platonov. “It also replicates our real government so it’s a great way to implement real life into our school which allows students to participate in roles that might be prevalent in the future.”

Many students have joined the Student Congress because of its popular debates and the ability to change the school in a beneficial way.

Junior Hans Saludar said that he can easily connect with others in the organization because they are all into debating and politics. Saludar feels that many ideas that students want are not implemented in the school, however the Student Congress is currently fixing that.

“I wanted to join Student Congress first and foremost to help the students and being in the organization helps people voice their own ideas along with their peers’ ideas,” Saludar said. “At first I didn’t want to join, but I’ve always been into debating and politics, so I decided to go for it.” 

The bill passed by the House and Embassy regarding the recycling bins in the cafeteria was a very positive change and has helped keep the world a safer place.

Sophomore Julien Roy was very happy to hear about the ongoing process of implementing the recycling bins in the cafeteria. 

“The Student Congress shows a genuine passion and concern for our learning environment which presents positivity for the student body,” said Roy. “Most recently their ongoing implementation if recycling bins in the cafeteria displays concern for our worldly living space.” 

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