Sofia Boccaccio, Story Editor
Featured Image by Jordan Alexander
On a rainy Monday afternoon in April, senior members of Student Coalition gathered in Mr. LeDuc’s science classroom to finalize details for prom. Seniors Emma Grzymski and Molly Schimmeck led the conversation as they reviewed student input for seating arrangements and finalized food options, like deciding whether or not the duck spring roll would be included in the sushi station.
After months of planning, every decision was finally coming together, proving that prom doesn’t just happen. Behind the tuxedos and dresses are countless hours of unglamorous work happening behind the scenes.
With May elections now complete, many students ran for positions that would put them in charge of organizing future events like this. However, students did not just apply for a leadership title. They competed for the experience that could change them as people.
Photo by Sofia Boccaccio
Natalia Cota, Class of 2026 President, described her first impression and how she thought the organization would be much more intimidating. “I definitely thought it would be more intense, but when I came, everyone was so welcoming,” she said, showing how the environment is more supportive than students initially assume it will be.
Other members described how they became more comfortable with participating over time. While StuCo may start off feeling unfamiliar, it becomes natural as students take on more responsibility and contribute to the organization. Molly Schimmeck, Class of 2026 Political Board President, explained this change clearly. “I definitely feel more comfortable participating now than I did as a sophomore,” she said. For her, that shift came from consistently being part of meetings and gradually learning how decisions are made.
As students become more involved, they also start to see the impact of their work more clearly. Natalia described this transition in a simple but meaningful way. “I feel like I am actually making a difference instead of being a cheerleader on the sidelines,” she said. Her experience shows how StuCo offers students the opportunity to shape school life, rather than just observing it.
A major part of that involvement comes from planning school events, especially months in advance. Molly pointed out how surprised she was by how much preparation actually goes into events. “I also think just planning ahead was something that I did not really realize would be as important,” she said.
Through StuCo, Molly also volunteered monthly at Building One Community and coordinated bingo nights with the Waveny Care Center. These were experiences she said she did not originally expect when joining the organization.
Even with these responsibilities, StuCo members emphasize how the work is enjoyable because of the relationships they build with teachers, peers and the community. “Month after month, the residents of Waveny Care Center would recognize our faces. We got to build relationships and combat some of the isolation that they often experience in those living centers,” Molly said.
Jordan Alexander, Class President of StuCo, also explained how leadership roles help develop communication skills. “As student body president, leading meetings has helped me work on my public speaking,” he said. Since StuCo consists of large group settings, it is essential for leaders to be organized and engaged, especially since multiple ideas are always being shared at once.
Beyond meetings and planning, students also talked about how StuCo connects them to the community outside of school. Jordan described service work as one of the most memorable parts of his experience. “The work with Waveny Care Center was really meaningful. You develop connections with the residents, and it can be a bright spot in their day,” he said. These projects help students see the impacts of their efforts beyond the classroom and campus.
StuCo stands out as a program where students are given real responsibility and opportunities to grow. From organizing events like homecoming and prom to working with immigrant children, StuCo members are making a lasting impact on our community, while building relationships with teachers and peers. As Ms. Schulz and Ms. Astacio, advisors of StuCo, said, “Student leadership is important at New Canaan High School because it gives students a real voice in shaping their school experience. Instead of decisions coming only from administrators and teachers, student leaders help represent their peers’ ideas, concerns, and needs.”
