Editor’s Note: This column was written by a Hermon High School student. Her adviser is Vincent Marzilli.

As we sat in the auditorium last May, we listened attentively to compelling campaign promises that, in the candidates’ minds, would swing our pens to their names on the ballot. They spoke with the pride and dignity of kings and queens. Born leaders with intuitive natures, they meant to lead our class through the jungle storm we call high school. We voters would be placing our futures in their hands. Consequently, we set the bar high in the hope our class council would exceed our expectations.

Most of the people involved with class councils see the meetings and activities as just another responsibility requiring 100 percent effort, in addition to the many other activities with which they are involved. As a result, all the work that must be done is divided equally among a core group of approximately 20 council members. Duties are distributed to make sure things are accomplished.

“The only thing that I would have done differently, if president,” said Josh Kane, junior class vice president, “I would have pushed for more participation. We need people to step up.”

Why is there such a lack of participation in the junior class?

“I think that it just is easier for kids to stand back and watch rather than to get involved,” said Margie Deabay, junior class adviser.

Jason Tarr, junior class president, said that he, along with the class, needs to set priorities. Tarr hopes to bring about big changes himself as well as in his role as president.

“I want to try and push for more of a variety of fund-raisers,” he said.

Things need to change. We cannot rely on others to spoon-feed us a profitable year if the students don’t get involved with fund-raising opportunities. Fund-raisers in the past have been small successes. With more participation, they could generate many more dollars.

Last year, the sophomore class put on a dinner at Oriental Jade restaurant in Bangor. The students posed as waiters and waitresses. The night was fun for all who attended. Class members were asked to participate, but declined when the time arrived. The evening brought in about $300, but with more participation the night could have been more profitable. The junior class would like to make its senior year a remarkable one – but with the lack of gumption, the year might turn out to be less than expected.

Each homeroom is asked to select a few of its peers to serve as class representatives who make up the class council. The council is responsible for the main activities in which the class as a whole participates. The junior class has proved during Spirit Week 2002 and 2003 that it can work as one to achieve a desired goal.

The indomitable class of ’05 rose to the challenge of the other classes, demonstrated it is a worthy opponent in the race for the most spirit, and had more than the rest. When the challenge was brought forth again in last year’s Winter Carnival, the class failed to retain that title. With little participation from the entire class, the challenge proved to be more than the core 20 council members could handle.

The days spent in high school are days never forgotten. Let’s remember these days as the best days we ever had, not the days we could have made better. The next time the ballot comes around, and your pen is eager to mark it, check the box next to the name of a council member you are willing to work with to make the year the best it can be. Also, let it be known, the junior class is setting out the challenge for Winter Carnival 2004. The juniors once again will be triumphant.

Sarah Pelletier is a member of the Class of 2005