Rochambeau Middle School Student Council Members

Work to Raise Funds and Awareness

SOUTHBURY – At Rochambeau Middle School (RMS), members of the school’s Student Council recently presented Sandy Saren, Director of Southbury Social Services with a donation in the amount of $1,300 for the Southbury Fuel Bank.

            Aware of rising fuel costs and the increased pressure needy families are under, the club’s Recording Secretary, Dana Munzner suggested all proceeds from this year’s spring dance be donated to the Fuel Bank. 

            Under the guidance of Faculty Advisor, Steve Vastola, an algebra teacher at the school, the RMS Student Council is a co-curricular activity that represents the entire student body.       

            According to Mr. Vastola, the Student Council seeks the suggestions and assistance of the student body in planning yearly activities such as dances, spirit days, talent show, fundraising and community awareness. 

            “Student Council members also work with administration and teachers in carrying out special projects and in improving the school climate,” he said.

            Mr. Vastola credits dance Committee Chairperson, Hannah Theriault with the success of this year’s dances.  “Hannah is the best I have ever had at delegating work and holding people

accountable for getting it done,” he said.  “She is strongly supported by our officers and a great group of students.”

            In addition to Ms. Munzer, Student Council Officers include:  Allie Valenti (President), Lisa Kirk (Vice President), Eli Saleeby (Treasurer) and Alyssa Damiani (Corresponding Secretary).

            “We have worked hard making improvements to Student Council this year,” said Ms. Valenti. 

            “We are much more organized and have started appointing Committee Chairs to oversee event planning activities.  We keep notes on what was done so we can pass them on to next year’s Chairperson.  The experience with Student Council really helps build leadership skills,” she said.

            In addition to their contribution to the Fuel Bank, this year student council members held a canned foods drive for the Southbury Food Bank and raised funds for victims of Hurricane Katrina, Relay for Life and ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. 

            Each month the Student Council sends financial support to a young girl from the Republic of Panama.  Sponsorship provides the child with such things as health care, education and food.  The community she lives in also benefits from access to clean water, agricultural assistance, medical care and more.

            Membership in student council is open to all students.  Officers of the club are elected by the student body.  Meetings take place during the school day, once every 6 day cycle.

         From the coasts of international countries in need, to the borders of U.S. states affected by disasters, to the town they call home, RMS Student Council members work together to help residents of the world around them.