Student government proposed a reproportion of Laude standards for graduation progresses to the school board according to Principal Brian Wunderlich. 

The proposal was presented to Wunderlich in early September by Neenah Student Government Association (SGA) and hopes to give the class of 2024 and beyond an equal opportunity to be recognized for their academic excellence. The Laude system has not been adjusted in nearly 10 years according to the district website and is the current system of recognizing students with academic honor at graduation.The proposal was drafted this summer amid students’ concerns over the loss of advanced math opportunities during the curriculum change, which presented larger difficulty in attaining higher levels of Laude recognition. 

The proposal reached a standstill last week after concluding students receive “comparable opportunity” to previous years said Wunderlich. SGA, however, hopes the topic will be reapproached with greater examination soon. 

Overall, this year’s Student Government Association has been working diligently to address a variety of issues and student needs. Alongside its advisers, Brian Borchardt and Lisa Reimer, the group has augmented its capabilities compared with years prior by beginning preparations in the summer months. 

The SGA Senate began meetings in June to discuss the upcoming school year and anticipate obstacles faced in years past, the senators shared. The restructuring plan set new guidelines to create a more inclusive SGA, enabling more students with the ability to identify and create change in the school. During this time, the Senate also met with Wunderlich to discuss Homecoming plans, dealing with changes and challenges that come with hosting in a new high school.  

Expansions in the Senate have gone underway as a part of the plan, including the welcoming of eight new senate members introduced last week to enrich student voices. Sophomore senators include Nina Bhattacharjee, Rylee Ehlke, Cecilia Mulloy, Aiden Feltz, and freshmen senators include Mariana Oeftger, Samiele Angeli, Evelyn Buss and Zehthan Clough. Additionally, the House expanded to include a House Speaker; a title elected to junior Fiona Hendrickson, who will regulate operations of its monthly meetings.

Looking into the new year, SGA’s members share that with the new platform they have created they hope to establish new connections within the community, create new traditions and build leaders that will leave a lasting legacy on Neenah High.