Every year, Harriton students elect who they believe will be the best student council president for the upcoming school year. Though this process remains the same, each year a new student council president, each with unique ideas, goals, and perspectives, is able to better student experiences through planning, collaboration, and creativity. As a result, each president brings their own edge to the role, and it is exciting to see how this is reflected in their initiatives. For the 2024-25 school year, senior Audrey Mariani will serve as Harriton’s student council president, and after already successfully serving as last year’s co-treasurer, we can expect her to do an excellent job again this year! The Harriton Banner had the privilege of interviewing her, and has received some intel on her goals for the year and experiences as a leader in student council.
The Harriton Banner: What are your three biggest goals for Harriton this year as president?
Audrey Mariani: As president this year I think that my three main goals are to get students more involved with events and initiatives at Harriton, help clubs collaborate more on activities to expand their communities, and of course I want to improve school spirit/pride.
THB: What do you think are the best ways for students to get involved with Student Council?
AM: I think that this year we have tried to make it a lot easier for students to be involved, we created committees for specific tasks that give all members some sort of role in the club rather than just being ‘general council’ members. Because of this I think being a dedicated member of at least one of the committees will allow for students to do a lot more for the club and in turn this will give them that sense of community that many people are looking for.
THB: What have you learned from being an active part of Student Council the past four years?
AM: By being such an active member the last 4 years I have learned alot about the culture of Harriton. I think many people have given up on the school spirit and, although clique, what it means to be a ram. By being a part of student council I get to see all the people who truly do care about the school and care about not only making change but being a part of our school community. Because of this I am very committed to making this year a year where we can increase that sense of community and belonging.
THB: What are you most excited for this year as student council president?
AM: I am most excited to be behind the scenes of all the events and activities that we do. I think that by being the person running all of our events such as homecoming, spirit week, Dr. Harriton, the hink and so many others, everything feels much more rewarding. Also being a senior this year means that I get to make it the best last year for everyone in my grade which is very exciting.
THB: What is the biggest challenge of this role?
AM: I think that my biggest challenge is people doubting that I can handle it. I know that being president is a large responsibility, but I have proven that I can handle it throughout the past few years and I think it’s important that people understand that.
THB: What traits of yours will be especially useful to best serve as president?
AM: The reason that I think I will be successful in this role is because I have a lot of experience being both a leader and a teammate and being in student council means having that balance.
We have appreciated this great insight on one of Harriton’s most crucial organizations: student council. Audrey has clearly proven that she has a passion for improving the Harriton community, and we can’t wait to see her do great things this year as she takes on this role!
