Senior Lizzie Connolly is taking leaps and bounds as the new Student Council President and plans for growth in school events, spirit and new policies.

The Student Council is like the central government of student politics with equal representation for each grade, responsible for some of Algonquin’s large events as well as issues related to school policy. Connolly is the first Student Council president to follow Class of 2023 graduate and former president Ben Schanzer’s two year run. 

“This year we have an experienced group; [we are] more collaborative and more people are speaking up,” Connolly said. “My goal is to spread [the workload] out more; not only we can get more done, but to set a foundation for the future to continue a cycle.”

Connolly was elected to the Steering Committee her freshman year as a Student Council representative, and has advanced to a higher position in Student Council each year. Social studies teacher and Student Council adviser John Barry helps the group connect with the administration and faculty.

“[The Student Council is] coming out of the high voltage shadow of Ben Schanzer,” Barry said. “What I’m looking forward to this year is to see what they can do to put their own personal stamp on things. They’re going to walk their own path, lead with their chin and stick their neck out to see what happens.”

Connolly looks forward to this year as she works with many student officials such as  Secretary senior Cass Melo, Treasurer junior Amelia Sinclair and Senior Chair senior Renee Gauthier to plan large-scale events.

“I’m hoping to accomplish a lot of fun events; there’s not many restrictions since COVID-19 ended,” Connolly said. “With the new mascot and new field, I want to make it a place people look forward to attending. We’re working towards planning another pep rally, dodgeball tournament, carnival and bringing back the blood drive and the lip dub. [We want to] up the school spirit and student involvement.”

Outside of Student Council, Connolly plays on a club soccer team and the girls’ varsity soccer team. She also participates in the Senior Steering Committee, Best Buddies Club, contributes community service hours and works at Breezy Waters in Douglas in the summertime.

“My passion is having fun,” Connolly said. “I always want to have a good time, whether at soccer or at school with friends. I want to spread the fun, I’m not taking life too seriously.”

Connolly is open to students’ ideas, and says her number one goal is student needs. Whether it’s an event or opportunity, she is ready to listen and act. Interested students can attend Thursday meetings at 7:15 a.m. or reach out to their class representatives through email or in person. The Student Council is also working towards a QR system for sharing thoughts and ideas.