By Corey Grunberg

Some of the student leaders at Forest Hill were asked four fundamental questions about why they decided to take on their respective positions:

Why did you choose to become a student leader?

What’s your favourite thing about FHCI?

What is your favourite subject at school?

What is one thing you would like to change about the school?

Emma Bogner, Head Prefect:

I chose to become a student leader because I knew it would be a challenge, and I love to challenge myself and try things I normally wouldn’t.

My favourite thing about FHCI is the surplus of clubs, teams and leadership opportunities and the ability to create your own clubs and groups. There really is something for everyone to be a part of.

It’s really hard for me to pick a favourite subject at school because I am interested in a lot of things. If I had to pick a subject I would say over the years I have always loved biology. Also, I just started exercise science and have really been enjoying it!

One thing that I definitely want to work on is school spirit. I don’t understand why a great school like ours has so little spirit, it makes no sense!

We have so much to be spirited about, why don’t we show it?

Mira Rossen, Music Directorate President:

I chose to become a student leader because upon my arrival at the school, I felt a bit alone and wasn’t sure how to make new friends. Once I found the music community, I never looked back. The amazing teachers and students helped me feel at home immediately, and I grew both as a musician and a person.

I wanted to be one of those grade 12s that I had looked up to during those days – the ones who made time to talk to younger students and pass on knowledge and experiences. Now that I’m in grade 12, I’m so happy that I can give back to the music department and run fun events that bring people together.

My favorite thing about FHCI is that it is just small enough to feel like a community – so I can recognize faces in the hall – but also big enough for a variety of clubs, teams and student organizations to come to life.

There are so many ways to get involved and there’s so much to learn, both inside and outside the classroom. Many of the important life lessons I learned within these walls happened after 3:20.

Besides music, biology is definitely my favourite subject. I love learning about living things. If you share this passion, please come say hi to me in the halls. We can be bio buddies!

I hope to change the “too cool for school” attitude that many students have. I truly believe that high school is what you make of it. If you are afraid to do something, do it anyway. Spend your time at FHCI branching out and trying new things. You have four years here so get excited about school events, wear spirit colors and be positive. If not now, when?

Lorena Baston, Music Directorate Vice President:

I chose to become a student leader to make a difference at Forest Hill. Although Music Directorate is thought of as an organization that arranges assemblies or even as a shadow of other student organizations, we want to make this the best year ever, especially for the graduating class.

I have been involved with the Music Directorate ever since I became the Junior VP in grade 9. Although not everyone was aware of it, I decided to work even harder and build my way into becoming one of the presidents of the MD, and so here I am, proud to be a student leader, and especially proud to be representing the music community at FHCI.

My favourite thing about FHCI has and still is the musical productions we have put on. Once I began high school, I was scared to join extra-curricular activities; however, in all the musicals that I have joined, everyone made me feel like I was part of a big family. Without them, I would not have had the knowledge, love of musical theatre, and especially the courage to go up on stage and act or even sing a song in front of an audience.

Although I talk a lot about music and drama, my favourite school subject is actually Physical Education! I have played tennis ever since I was 5 years old, and naturally, I have had the ability to pick up new sports with ease.

Phys. Ed. also gives you the chance to exercise and get in shape, while also learning about taking care of your body. During phys. ed, students are taught the positive and negative effects of certain subjects, such as relationships, healthy eating and safe partying.

The one thing that I would like to change about our school is to have more exciting events.

One of my most desired events is to have at least one school dance.

It would bring much spirit and joy to the school, and a lot of students would be interested in participating! I hope that this will be the year where FHCI finally has a school dance!

Zoe Flores, Student Council President:

I chose to be a school leader because I believe I have something to contribute to the school and to the students. I want to leave this school knowing that I’ve made a positive impact here.

When I was in grade 9, I was shy, quiet and kept to myself. I could have never imagined that I’d be Student Body President in 3 years.

I’m also really good at getting stuff done, which is beneficial as a student leader.

My favourite thing about FHCI is definitely the teachers. All the teachers here are great and really want their students to succeed. They don’t mind staying after school or giving up some time at lunch for extra help.

My favourite subject is chemistry. I love learning about molecules and how chemicals react. I’m also a really big fan of drama!

The wish that our school had more SCHOOL SPIRIT! We have so much potential to improve on our spirit, I believe this is our year. Student Council has so much planned, I can’t wait for you all to see what we’ve got up our sleeves.