Changes in the air for SAB

The Student Activities Board for the 2009-10 school year.

A lot of changes are happening at University High School this spring. Two University High teachers have retired: Sra. Franco and Mr. Roberts, and the entire campus was shaken by the news of a possible move to Palo Verde. The Student Activities Board is no exception to this dramatic change. Both teacher sponsors Suellen Roediger, the Club Sponsor, and Sarah Stuart, the Senior Club Sponsor, have chosen not return as sponsors next year.  Out of Ms. Roediger’s eight years at UHS, she has spent six of them sponsoring the Student Activities Board. In addition, Ms. Roediger says, “I was in Site Council for one year.” However, Ms. Roediger says, “I didn’t like working on Site Council because I didn’t get to work one on one [with the students].” Ms. Stuart has been working for SAB “for the last three years” as a Senior Sponsor. She praises the students, who are both “well-behaved” and “self-directed”. Ms. Roediger says that the “students are awesome” and “each student group brought something new.”

So why are these two leaving SAB?  “I decided I’ve kind of had my run. Three years is a good amount of time to commit to something,” says Ms. Stuart. Ms. Roediger explains that, “Responsibilities are very demanding and are getting more demanding.” These responsibilities come from the growing number of incoming students. As University High’s student body grows, so does the amount of work to grade. This is challenging to both Ms. Stuart and Ms. Roediger. “Most teachers only have 2 preps [classes to prepare for] so it’s been quite a challenge,” admits Ms. Roediger. Currently, Ms. Roediger teaches three different courses: Western Civilization, AP Art History and AP Studio Art.  Ms. Stuart teaches Western Civilization, along with Ms. Roediger, and AP United States History with Dr. Hosmer, which are some of the largest classes UHS offers. Put simply, Ms. Stuart would “rather dedicate her time to the classroom.” Both teachers agree that district restrictions and rule changes added the most stress to their experience as SAB sponsors. Ms. Stuart emphasizes the seniors’ situation. “Now more than ever it’s important the [senior] classes have more guidance and money,” she says. “The senior class pays for certain graduation expenses, contribute to honors night and fully funds the proms,” explains Mrs. Stuart. Because University High holds graduation in Centennial Hall, there’s an added expense. Stuart adds that, “With the District cuts the Senior Class may have to share in the future even more of the burden.”

Future SAB President Katie Marascio is hopeful about SAB’s future. However, she says that both Ms. Roediger and Ms. Stuart, “have been doing such a wonderful job,” and admits that, “it’s going to be a challenge to adjust to being President,” as well as adjusting to a new advisor. She says she has learned to “get things done on time” and “listen” from both Ms. Roediger and Ms. Stuart. Despite the changes, Marascio emphasizes that, “it’s going to be by no means less exciting or fun.” When asked what her favorite event was to plan, Marascio looks to the future and says, “I think Prom will be my favorite thing to do.” In addition to being the most fun event to plan, Marascio believes it will also be the most challenging because, “it has that significance, it has that hype. It’s that special something for all the seniors who are leaving.” There is talk about next year’s venue, but that information is top-secret for now. Marascio does not believe there will be a significant difference in leadership from the current President, Aubrie Brewster. She says, “I think Aubrie did a really good job because she was really flexible. There was a good balance between helping teachers and doing community service. I like the amount we’re doing.” Marascio also adds that, “As the years happen [SAB] gets more fun and casual. We’re more of a closer-knit bunch and a family.” Although changes are happening, Marascio says that members may have to “put in a little more” and “pick up the slack,” but “it will be the same level of awesome.” Also if anyone has a younger sibling who’s an incoming freshman, Marascio encourages them to run for an SAB position in BOOST.

Ms. Roediger reveals that Ms. Patrick will take her place as the sponsor. Of Ms. Patrick, Ms. Roediger says, “she’s already gained experience given her time here.” Also, “she’s young and can provide a new insight.” Only time will tell the direction that SAB heads in. However, both Ms. Roediger and Ms. Stuart look back on their time as SAB sponsors fondly. “It’s a lot of fun,” says Ms. Stuart. When asked what her favorite memory of SAB was, Ms. Roediger had a hard time picking just one. “Every year was a good one,” she says. Finally, she decided that her favorite part was, “working with a different elected body of students each year.” “What I love most,” says Ms. Stuart “is when it all comes together. When the Prom is successful or when a fundraiser raises more money than expected. I’ve been to three more Senior Proms than I ever thought I would.”