As life at SHS continues through the years, more students enroll coming from different regions and cultures around the world. From the increase in new exchange students and people of color at SHS, new ideas, perspectives spring to light while the diversity continues to grow, and that includes diversity in the student council.

Genesis Funez-Almendarez is the freshman class president and hopes to bring representation to the Hispanic population at SHS. She comes from Honduran parents.

 “[Diversity] is very important because you get to know more people,” Funez-Almendarez said. ”You can see what makes them interesting.”

Although Funez-Almendarez is new to SHS, she is determined to make her culture proud by putting up posters and setting up major events. Being a part of the diverse student council, she makes it clear that it is needed and important. 

Many others, such as Annabelle Shrieves, believe diversity in SHS is important. She is senior treasurer for the student council at SHS. She had been working for the student council since she was a freshman but decided to run for treasurer her junior year. 

Now a senior, Shrieves strives to create a better environment for the students at SHS and to keep it a safe place. Involving other people is something she does to make everyone feel included, whether that is asking around to help on a parade float or with hallway decorations.

Throughout Shrieve’s time at SHS, she’s noticed how people of color and of different orientations within the school and the student council itself has helped around the place.

“We try to get a big perspective,” Shrieves said. 

SHS has provided numerous resources, clubs, and translators for students from different backgrounds. Because of this, students at school have more opportunities to get involved by decorating posters, parade floats, joining clubs and even being a part of student publications.

Sam Hanley is an English teacher and the Yearbook adviser for SHS. While being a teacher, he has tried to get more people of color and of any orientation to be a part of the Yearbook.

Hanley keeps a diverse staff to make sure it looks like the student body to represent the needs and wants of everybody.. Being thoughtful of the minorities at school is a big part of what Hanley has in mind when thinking about the members of Yearbook.

Although SHS has provided resources for students with cultural backgrounds, Hanley says it’s up to everyone to do better in being a much more accepting place.

“You have to be intentional about it, you have to think of strategies to make that happen.” Hanley said, “You have to be invitational.”