Monday, September 18th
In the Freshman Council office, I sat in my seat, my fingers tapping lightly against the edge of the table as I tried to contain the excitement bubbling inside me. Zoey Myers, our Class President, who sat in the President's seat, stood up, her voice calm but commanding as she began the meeting.
"As discussed in our first official Freshman Council meeting last Friday," she said, "today we'll be holding a meeting that including all class representatives and our Student Council Freshman liaison to form an organizing committee for the upcoming Freshman Academic Competition scheduled for October."
She continued. "The Freshman Athletic Cup, which will be held in November, will be organized by a separate committee consisting of the same members once the Academic Competition concluded.'
.
I glanced around at the other members. Altogether, twenty-one member- the Freshman Council officers, all class representatives, and a Student Council Freshman liaison- have gathered in the council room to plan the event.
She gestured toward Jessie Robinson, our Class Secratary, who immediately began writing details about the committee on the whiteboard.
Freshman Academic Competition Committee- Class of 2028
Committee Members:
Class President: Zoey Myers
Class Vice President: Xavier Vega
Class Secretary: Jessie Robinson
Class Treasurer: Emilia Stevens
Class- Representatives and Vice Representatives:
Class A: Wyatt Burton, Raegan Larson
Class B: Lucy Barnes, Caleb Thompson
Class C: Trent Fields, Clyde Nash
Class D: Lisa Carter, Cole Becker
Class E: Melanie Carr, Keira Fowler
Class F: Alex Lloyd, Yvette Newman
Class G: Peyton Atkins, Paxton Cortez
Class H: Tessa Briggs, Selena Cruz
Student Council Freshman Liaison: Ezra Miller
"Let's begin the discussion," Zoey Myers said, turning toward the members of the committee with a focused expression.
Ezra Miller- our top scorer in the entrance exam and our Student Council liaison, stood to speak. His tone was calm and assured, the kind that immediately commanded attention.
He began by outlining the Student Council's requirments for the committee. "Since midterm exams are coming in the third week of October," he said, 'the Student Council has requested that the Freshman Acedamic Competition be held during the first week of October to ensure students have enough time to prepare for the exams."
He continued. "This competition is a long-standing tradition at our school. It's designed to help freshmen understand how the school's academic system differs from the curriculum we experienced in middle school- and help us to adjust to the expectations for the next four years."
He then explained the structure next. "All questions for the competition will be prepared by the teachers and kept under strict supervision. On the day of the event, only the assigned sophomore coordinators will have the access to the test materials, which will be handed to them directly by the teachers before each section begins."
He paused, glancedound the committee members. "As for our role," he added, "we have the freedom to suggest topics or subject areas for the competition. However, the final approval will rest with the teachers, who may also make their own recommendations. Andi one more thing-students will compete in groups, just like in previous years. It's a tradition that fosters teamwork and class sprit."
As he finished m, quietl murmurs filled the room. A few representatives exchanged thoughtful glances.
Zoey Myers nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Ezra Miller. That gives us a clear outline to start with."
She turned her gaze toward the rest of us. "Now, before we decide on anything specific, I want everyone's input. Let's start brainstorming ideas for subjects or activities that could be part of the competition."
Xavier Bega, our Vice President, leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table. "Maybe we can divide it into three main categories," he suggested. "Like Math, Science, and English- ssince those are the core subjects."
Jessie Robinson, still standing by the whiteboard, nodded as he wrote it down. "We can also add a General Knowledge round," he said. "Something fun but still educational- like trivia about history or world facts."
Wyatt Burton from Class A suggested. "What about teamwork rounds?" he asked. "Something that requires cooperation, not just individual answers. It might help freshmen bond more."
Zoey Myers smiled, clearly pleased. "That's a great point. The goal isn't just testing knowledge- it's also about teamwork."
As the discussion went on, ideas started to flow more freely. Each class representative contributed something- a subject idea, a format suggestion, or even a small changes from how things were done in previous years.
Across the room, Lucy Barnes from Class B spoke up. "Maybe we could include a small creative section," she suggested. "Like essay writing or short presentations. It would give students who aren't strong in tests a chance to shine, too."
Jessie scribbled again, the whiteboard now filled with colorful lists and underlined notes.
Meanwhile, I sat quietly, listening and observing- since my main role was to prepare the competition's budget proposal for the Student Council.
The energy in the room was bright and alive- so different from how I used to imagine meetings like this. Zoey Myers was focused but approachable, keeping the conversation flowing effortlessly. Xavier Vega backed her up with logical suggestions, Jessie Robinson organized everything with calm precision, and Ezra Miller occasionally stepped in with clarifications from the Student Council's side.
Sitting there, I realized, that this was what teamwork actually felt like- everyone working toward something bigger than themselves.
By the clock ticked past five. Zoey Myers finally stood again. "Alright, I think we have a solid list m of ideas," she said, glancing around at everyone. "Thank you all for your input today. We'll meet again next week to finalize the categories and competition structure. In the meantime, if you have any new ideas or questions , feel free to stop by the Freshman Councill office."
Her tone softened. "And remember- this isn't just about a competition. It's about making our first freshman event something everyone can enjoy."
The meeting ended soon after, and as everyone began packing up, the chatter in the room shifted from formal discussion to friendly conversation.
Ezra Miller handed Zoey Myers a few documents before heading out, followed by most of the class representatives.
I stayed back for a moment, watching the fading sunlight spill through the council room windows. The whiteboard, still covered in ideas, seemed to reflect something new- not just plans, but possibility.
Maybe this year- things would be different.
Once only the Council officers remained, I gathered my things and stepped out of the room, heading toward the library to meet Madison.