Image provided by: West Linn High School; West Linn, OR
About The amplifier. (West Linn, Oregon) 1921-current | View Entire Issue (May 1, 2008)
2008 5 ASB: is it still popularity contest? A dam H olmes Staff Reporter In April, students gathered in different areas of the school to watch as sophomores and juniors explained why they should be elected to the most prestigious form of student government that exists at our school: Associated Student Body officers, otherwise known as ASB. Just thinking about ASB makes me chuckle, as I flash back to my freshman year and remember the video promotions were quite random. For those who saw it, who can forget Isaac Cohen riding around on his bike in the skate park, or Katie Fogle pushing herself down the stairs in a recycling bin? Most of the election videos didn't feature anything that told what the candidates stood for. Fortunately, the format changed the next year, ensuring candidates actually gave speeches that were related to what the candidates stood for. This was a huge improvement, giving voters information about which candidate is competent enough for the job. Fast forward to this .past April. This year, the candidates improved their speeches and presentations. The students were much more knowledgeable about the issues at hand. For instance, candidate Samantha Hanlin, junior, was not only an excellent speaker, but she highlighted her experience for the leadership role required. She also seemed to understand what issues need to be focused on and what is important to the students. And it wasn't just her, but many of the ASB candidates. However, as another ASB election passes by, I can't help but noticing that once again, this whole process has the same thing in common every year: it's a popularity contest. Don't get me wrong, I felt that a lot of the candidates this year were very qualified for the jobs, specifically that they have taken the Leadership classes and are well-rounded and social individuals. I think these are the most important aspects. However, this year was no different than previous years in that all of the candidates were well-known and quite popular around school. This is the same thing that happens every year; popularity wins. We always have students from the same group run for ASB, and they always have similar backgrounds to the students who ran the previous year. Granted, many of the applicants have experience in student government and overall school participation, but then there are others who simply are voted for because they have a lot of friends, or their speech was the funniest. Not to be cynical, but I think this could be preparing us for the real word in politics. Usually, in the real-world political race, the "average Joe" contender will fall under the pressure from the rich candidates that have deep roots in politics. It's not exactly fair, but the argument against experience is getting old. How does the average American gain experience for a job in the White House? It's the system we have, and if you're not alright with it, than do something about it. Next year, during the ASB elections, encourage students to vote for candidatess who will really show leadership in the school, not just friends or comedians. That's why the ballots don't ask for your name, so you can vote anonymously. Don't stick with the students who have the most recognizable face, go with the students who can get the job done. Then, ASB will function at its highest potential and really work for you. Inconsistent cell phone policies cause conflicts J ennifer S itton turned on during class time. If they are found to be turned on during class they will be confiscated and may be returned only likely say that their phone has never been confiscated Teachers need to be unless it has gone off in class consistent about enforcing or they have been caught cell phone policies. texting during class. Most ■ Inconsistency breeds would probably say frustration. that a parent has Even though never had to come to most teachers clearly I school to retrieve their outline their policies phone. at the beginning This leads one to of the school year, wonder, if teachers much of the time they don't follow the school don't follow their cell phone policy, own policy. There how do they keep is no consistency classroom cell phone between teachers. use under control? Some teachers will Many teachers have immediately take your created their own cell phone away, some phone polices. Some will simply give you j teachers follow the a warning, and some j school cell phone will pretend they policy, confiscating didn't even notice it. cell phones the first mm This needs to , a * time. Sometimes Gary Eppelsheimer, photography teacher, confiscates change. I am not freshman Claire Offer's cell phone in a pre-arranged s^u en s can receive condoning cell phone demonstration. Many teachers take phones if they their cell phones use during classes, are caught with the during class, but policies are not back at the end of the nor am I wishing for consistently enforced. Photo by Calley Lathrop period, while others my phone to be taken must wait until the to a parent/guardian from away; I simply want the end of the day to retrieve a school administrator. policies to be consistent. theirs. Many teachers will WLHS is not responsible Cell phones are clearly give their students one or for a student's personal a distraction when used two warnings to put their electronic device if it is during class. This is phones away. damaged or stolen while addressed in the student I have no problem with here at school. handbook. Under personal teachers that are consistent, Most students would electronic devices (which but when they don't mind say that they have their includes cell phones) it cell phones one day and the phones on during class. states: next they confiscate them, Yes, it is most likely on students are discouraged something needs to change. silent or vibrate, but it from bringing personal is on nonetheless. These electronic devices to school. continued on page 7 same students would most They are forbidden to be Staff Reporter Æ "It makes it easier for kids to select classes. You can click on a link next to the class and see the course description; which makes choosing courses easier." j Î-T " You’re wasting time. It would be twice as fast if you could just mark the classes on a piece of paper." —Angie Hammond, IT Specialist p* m t* —Darryl Montpart, freshman
