ASB Gives Students A Voice Through Legislative Process

Student government gives students a seat at the table that decides policy. That's what Overlake’s newly elected ASB executives did in their first meeting in advancing an agenda for next year that progressively increases student voices.

ASB President Eddie B. (’19) explains that while this year’s ASB leaders set the course for policy change, he and his colleagues plan to put many proposals into action. “Utilizing what we already have in place is going to bring about a unified community,” explains Eddie who served as Vice President. “This year we gave students the power to change rules through the legislative process. We’re going to polish that.” This year that came in Parliament meetings with policy changes including a senior off-campus lunch opportunity.

He adds that while he and his fellow executives may differ in opinions and approach, they are all on the same page to giving power to Overlake student voices but with accountability. 

Dean of Students, Meghan Waddle, is ASB’s advisor and says that the organization gives students greater accessibility to voice and make positive change. “This year the ASB was restructured to be a legislative body that works with the adults in the community," says Waddle. " That included working with the administration to improve senior lunch, which was a major test. They also took on social activism with help in Coaches Versus Cancer, Walk for Water, hurricane relief, and the backpack brigade."

Now that the ASB executive election is over, it’s time to fill many class representative and committee openings. Students are encouraged to get involved in areas they find interests. 

Even if students aren’t involved in ASB groups, Eddie hopes that students bring concerns and proposals to him. He says a student’s idea of a Gaga Pit is becoming a reality because the idea went through the legislative process. “If we approve a proposal that means we commit to making it happen. We have got to make it happen," says Eddie. “I think there’s a sense of responsibility that each of us has that I believe will allow us to take care of things.”