“High schools serve a variety of important purposes,” Mr. Michael Hoover, one of the faculty advisers, noted at the meeting’s commencement, “but the single most important purpose is for academics . . . for students to achieve intellectually and scholastically.” With this in mind, SCA representatives as well as teachers nominated a body of students to serve on the council. From the many students nominated, four students each from the sophomore, junior and senior classes, were selected to serve on the Council. While numerous students were nominated, the faculty advisers aimed to create a group that represented constituencies from a variety of academic programs. The 12 selected students represent fellow classmates from College Preparatory, English as a Second Language, International Baccalaureate as well as Arlington Career Center classes.

These students are the members of the inaugural group of sophomores, juniors, and seniors who comprise the first-ever Student Academic Council.

The goal of the Council is to be entirely student run as its members exclusively address concerns related to academics. Furthermore, the council will attempt to reach compromises and solutions amenable to the student body, administrators and teachers, in order to improve academic life at George Mason.

In their first meeting, the present faculty and student members led an open discussion to determine the objectives of the Council. To facilitate dialogue, various issues, some more controversial than others, were raised regarding classes. One member from the junior class, Soorya Namboodiri, expressed concern about the combination of levels in Spanish and French classes, which led to a heated debate on similar topics related to language classes. Sophomore, Nick Settje, noted there seemed to be little direction and motivation in such classes.

Students continued the conversation mentioning various problems such as the gap between CP and IB courses, the lack of stimulation in certain classes and the pressure on students to follow the IB route. Other students offered ideas for possible solutions, including senior, Cynthia Campero, who voiced that there should be more hands-on activities to involve students during class. Assistant Principal, Ms. Mary McDowell, mentioned the prospect of teachers visiting other teachers’ classes to emulate effective teaching styles.

While members of the Student Academic Council are still in the process of deciding how they plan to organize, facilitate meetings and implement ideas, this first meeting did bring to light the necessity for such a Council. Mr. Hoover said that the faculty has high hopes for the new committee. Through animated discussion, student members, too, all showed interest and dedication in the success of this new Council and the improvement of George Mason High School as a whole. 

The members of the Student Academic Council encourage their fellow classmates to communicate their own issues regarding academics in order for those matters to be addressed at future meetings.

Student Academic Council Members:

Sophomores:
Jack Cashin, Elise Krachman, Yesenia Quevedo, Nick Settje.

Juniors:
Oliver Douglas, Adam Gann, Soorya Namboodiri, Christian Trasmonte

Seniors:
Cynthia Campero, Anna Duning, Will Marshall, Hannah Nystrom

Faculty: Mr. Bob Snee, Ms. Mary McDowell, Mr. Bill Daughtridge, Mr. Michael McNamara, Ms. Amy Kurjanowicz, Mr. Michael Hoover