The Legislative Branch (Legi) is a branch of our high school’s student government (the other being the Activities Branch – responsible for, as its name suggests, activities). Students campaign and five representatives per grade are elected by the DFHS Student Body each year.
In the first meeting, the twenty members vote on a President and Vice President to represent the entire government, as well as a Secretary and Parliamentarian. My job as Secretary is to keep track of meeting topics, organize bills, help with editing, etc. I took a second to speak with the other members of our leadership team – our President (Alexandra Attwell), Vice President (Kaavya Mishra), and Parliamentarian (Ella Moon) – about their roles and why they’ve kept campaigning for the club over the years.
Why did you decide to join Legi?
Alexandra– I was in student government in middle school and wanted to continue because I liked being a leader and being able to change things.
Kaavya– Sometimes I find myself questioning the reason for many school activities, and I’d like to make changes to them that reflect the wants and needs of the student body.
Ella– I decided to run because I think there are a lot of issues in the school that aren’t as apparent to me but could be relevant to other people. Advocating for everyone is something that’s important to me.
We all look forward to meeting every week and bringing new ideas to the table. What is your favorite thing about Legi?
A– The camaraderie of it. Meeting every week and laughing together, coming up with bills.
K– Nobody’s there just to be there. We all want changes in the school, and all are quite willing to work together.
E– I like meeting with Dr. Falino because I like hearing the process of actually implementing a bill and seeing all of the steps and different people that we have to go through that we don’t normally see. They make the school run.
Many students, especially freshmen, may be new to this branch of student government. How does Legi work?
A– We’re put into three different groups: pleasantries, school policy, and a group to revive unfinished bills. During a meeting, we come up with bill ideas, present them to the club members for a vote, and if they’re passed they’re presented at our monthly meeting with Dr. Falino.
What is your role in the club, now that you’re elected to a position?
A– I take care of meetings with Dr. Falino. Generally, I’m in charge of everyone’s roles and make sure the club’s functioning.
K– As vice president, I work with the president and other leadership in the club to create bills, prioritize bills, and contact Dr. Falino to negotiate and enforce bills. We schedule biweekly or monthly meetings with him.
E– I’m the parliamentarian, which means I know everyone’s names, and I call on them individually to vote on every bill that is presented.
We’re all seniors, and very excited for one last year in the club. What are you looking forward to accomplishing this year?
A– Passing all the bills we haven’t passed, like feminine products, outdoor seating, and the salad day one.
K– A lot of things! eSchool grades on student portal- the bill was very close to being passed last year and a lot of students want it. Also, senior traditions like a Senior Sunrise, more seating outside for lunch, more events like field trips and dances, and a high school salad day.
E– I think we should be able to get back averages on eSchool. I also want graduation and the last week of school to be a more personal experience for seniors.
Finally, how can students get in touch with you if they have issues they really care about?
A– Legi Instagram account, email, or talk to me in the hallway.
K– you can always talk to me in the hallway, reach out to the Legi Instagram account (@dfhs.legi), or email me.
E– Just say hi in the hallway!
Awesome. Okay, one more question. Who’s your favorite US President or other leader?
A– Obama. I pay $4 a month to get texts from him. K– Ulysses S. Grant. He was the key Union general in the Civil War and also supported women’s rights.
E– I think Obama, because Obamacare is different from a lot of policies in American history and I think it’s important for citizens to get access to healthcare.
If you have questions about the Legislative Branch or want positive changes made in the school, you can always contact your grade representative, or send a message to @dfhs.legi on Instagram.
