Izabelle Jones, RHHS student

“When we entered the school, there was nothing on the walls. We lost our sense of community when we moved to a new building,” said Senior Class President Bruno Waga-Okada.

For the past forty years, Richmond Hill High School students attended the same campus. Now, as the school adjusts to a new building that has more than doubled in size, questions about student connection and unity have surfaced. When speaking to Waga-Okada, one concern stood out: how can students feel united in a school that suddenly feels so much larger?

The answer points back to Richmond Hill High School’s Student Council.

Student Council, commonly known as STUCO, is composed of four to six elected officers from each grade level and is led by Senior Class President Bruno Waga-Okada. Members are elected by their respective classes during elections held in early May and serve as a link between students and school leadership. Together, these students serve as the bridge between the student body and school administration.

Before the school year begins, STUCO works to keep student engagement and morale amid rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and demanding extracurricular schedules. One of the first ways STUCO encourages student participation is by hosting opportunities for students to share their voices. At the beginning of the year, STUCO hosted an Ice Cream Social, followed by a Hot Chocolate Social in the first semester. These events provided a relaxed setting where students could discuss concerns and ideas directly with their peers and student leaders.

In addition to promoting civic engagement, STUCO plays a central role in organizing schoolwide traditions. Homecoming remains one of the council’s most anticipated events. For the 2025–26 school year, the theme was “Level Up,” reflecting the school’s new address, symbolizing a fresh start and an upgrade for students.

Once the theme is established, grade-level spirit takes center stage. Throughout the five-day Spirit Week, students participate in themed dress-up days and activities, from Duo Day, where students coordinate costumes inspired by 1980s arcade games like Pac-Man or Late Night Gaming Sesh with lunchtime competitions such as Mario Kart. Classes compete throughout the week, each hoping to place first by demonstrating the most school spirit. In addition to boosting school spirit, the games also support community service efforts.

And as part of Homecoming activities, students raised money for United Way through friendly grade-level competitions, including a “pie-in-the-face” fundraiser. By combining entertainment with community service, STUCO’s goal of building school spirit while encouraging students to give back to their community was achieved.

Beyond school events, STUCO also focuses on student well-being through its participation in Work to Be Well (W2BW), a national initiative centered on teen mental health and wellness in cooperation with the Georgia Student Council Association. Through W2BW, STUCO creates monthly projects that address stress management, academic pressure, and emotional health within Richmond Hill High School.

Ahead of semester finals, STUCO produced a short advisory video offering study strategies and workload management tips, which was shown during advisement periods. During finals week, members also distributed Smarties candy to students, reminding them that they were “smart” and offering encouragement during a stressful time. In another initiative, STUCO created a stress-reduction video and distributed wristbands with positive messages, helping students feel supported and connected.

In a time of change, Richmond Hill High School’s Student Council continues to play a vital role in rebuilding the community. One event, one conversation, and one connection at a time.

Izabelle Jones is a senior at Richmond Hill High School.