As the last week of high school for Greeley West High School’s students continues, the end of an era begins for the Student Council President and Vice President, Makai Mireles and Madison Vella.
As these two each become closer to graduating, they also find themselves reminiscing and thinking about the last four years of student council and how many changes are about to take place without it as they move on. Vella said, “I’m feeling a lot of bittersweet emotions, it’s so sad leaving Student Council, all it has been and also West which has been my home for the last four years.”
She went on to say, “I’ve really helped build our Student Council and to leave it behind is so sad because it’s become a part of me. But, feeling those emotions, I don’t regret anything and I’m so proud of all we have done.”
Mireles agreed with Vella saying, “Yeah, I am excited to move forward but I’m also sad to have to leave Student Council and the friends I’ve made throughout it behind.”
Both believe the memories they have made throughout will stick with them for a lifetime and are so grateful for every moment. “My favorite memory will always be hanging snowflakes senior and junior year. It’s really such an interesting process and to be able to do it with my friends, it’s truly such a fun time,” Mireles said.
Vella added on saying, “For me personally my favorite memory would definitely have to be the elections we do for our board, it has always been such a beautiful experience, seeing how positive and uplifting everyone is as they advocate for each other, and the love that’s been fostered is so beautiful alongside hearing all the kind words and the hard work getting highlighted for each individual is just so good to see.”
For Vella, the team building will stick with her. “A more fun memory would be when we played hide and seek and we all were outside hiding and it was such a good bonding experience and will always be such a great memory to look back on every time i think about it,” Vella explained.
Both seniors have worked hard to build a legacy at West and are hopeful that they left a positive impact on the school and community. Vella said, “I want to leave the legacy of bettering the school community and the biggest thing would be my most proud event, Spartan Choice Awards, and being a kind and good representation and voice of our school like a good role model and knowing i had such a positive impact.”
Mireles added, “I want future student council classes to know that I was a part of the system before it became a class and before it grew and changed, I was a huge part of that process.”
Both of these individuals wanted to leave a piece of advice for the upcoming President, Vice President and other representatives. Mireles said, “Go out into the school and change what people want changed, but also, keep true to the school traditions and student council traditions. Lastly, do not be afraid to upset some people, it’s gonna end up happening and even if it sucks, in the end, you’ll still make those needed changes in a good way.
Vella added onto his advice saying, “Put yourself out there and take the risk, no matter what you’re thinking or feeling. If you live scared, it will be hard to accomplish anything, and you have so many supportive people around you so you just should dive in and give your all, have confidence and do whatever you do, to your best.
