As the new school year begins, returning students reminisce about those who graduated from Mill Valley in years past. Yet when I walk through the hallways, I rarely hear mention of the class of 2012. Why does it seem as if the class of 2012 has already been forgotten? What is it that has caused other senior classes to be more memorable than last year’s seniors?

The class of 2012 had many prominent effects on the way the school operates and how the students can participate in and make an impact upon it. StuCo senior class president Josh Duden led the committee focused on removing the dance policy, removing the document from students enrollment packets. Last year’s NHS president Carly Granato revised the club’s constitution, allowing for them to have more flexibility in the services they could provide for the students, including their financial aid seminars and other information sessions. Senior class president Rachel Mills and the committee she led also rewrote the StuCo bylaws, giving them privileges to host more activities to benefit the school, other than the regular pep rallies.

But I have a question for you: why is it that when a student does something that has a lasting effect on the school, they are rarely recognized for their actions? The change is often not announced to the student body. Their actions have made a huge impact on how the school operates yet no one so much as bats an eye; they deserve so much more than that. They took a risk and should be rewarded for their efforts.

There is no way that anyone can say that the class of 2012 has not left a huge impact on this school. They have done more for Mill Valley students and the school itself than many of the other classes that have graduated in years past. The students of this class cared for the school and did whatever they could to improve it and make it better for future students.

We need more students like this at Mill Valley. We need students who aren’t afraid to step up and take control of a situation, as well as finding a solution for it. We need students who aren’t afraid to fight for what they believe in. We need students who are able to make this school the best it can be for everyone.

That is what I am challenging you to do. This is your school; therefore it is your responsibility to make it the best it can be. I am challenging you to get involved and to make an impact. Do something that will be remembered. Records will be broken, the old champions forgotten in time. But if you do something that affects every person in the entire student body, you will be remembered. Be proactive and be involved. This is your school, so make it the best it can be.