Sunday, January 12, 2025
During the bustling lunch period at Brandeis Hebrew Academy, in Lawrence, student council members gather to plan events that go beyond typical school activities, focusing on community engagement and charitable giving.
Led by Advisor Zelda Kastin, with nearly a decade of leadership experience, the student council has representatives from grades six to eight, each student elected based on their commitment to school spirit and community service, members said.
“Last year we did many activities, where we raised money,” Kastin said, with proceeds going to the Israel Defense Forces and Make-A-Wish. “We raised over $1,400.”
This year, the club hopes to continue bringing in donations for the organizations they support, using their effective event planning strategies, Kastin said.
The students are actively involved in designing and executing school-wide activities, ranging from sports tournaments to art competitions.
Zahara Sutain, an event planner for the student organization, pointed out the pre-event work that makes these recreational days and nights possible.
“Being an event planner is really fun because it’s very creative,” Sutain said. “You create the posters (for the events), and everyone gets to see them. You feel like you’re literally behind the scenes.”
Other students, who serve as secretary and treasurer collect donations at the events, which are frequently hosted in the evening, and oversee the logistics, including organizing games.
Upcoming events include a volleyball tournament, an art contest and a multi-game activity featuring glow sticks.
The council carefully considers each event’s details, from gym availability to potential rewards and participation. The organization members consider factors like fun, likelihood for involvement, timing and spatial components of the event location.
A proposed reward system for an upcoming event, using Brandeis bucks — a school currency system, used for in-class rewards — sparked significant debate among council members at the meeting on Dec. 6.
Some students suggested using the rewards for homework exemptions and a special lunch, while the advisor expressed reservations about using incentives that might detract from the council’s charitable goals.
The student council’s structure includes two representatives from each grade, two secretaries, two treasurers and two presidents.
Election typically occurs at the end of October, with students running for various positions within their respective classrooms and grade level.
The group typically meets every two weeks.
Makayla Mojica, a council member, highlighted the social benefits of participation.
“It’s fun talking to everybody,” she said, also noting that the role requires working collaboratively and attending school activities, something she may not have participated in otherwise.
After debate, the council decided that their proposed multi-game activity would ensure that no student remains permanently “out” of the game, with short breaks between rounds allowing everyone to participate.
Presidents Tyler Mojica and Shane Obadiah led the discussion on upcoming event, working closely with school staff to secure a location.
Despite the school’s small size, which limits the number of potential clubs, the student council has found a way to make a significant impact, Kastin said.
“Our kids know that if they work, if they attend something, they not only enjoy themselves but contribute to a greater cause,” the Kastin added.
