For at least 15 years, Student Council has been running the basketball concessions, but starting this school year, StuCo no longer controls concessions. The district food service does. As if losing the concession responsibilities is not enough, the dances also have seen a large decline in numbers, resulting in a loss of income for StuCo.

   Though this long-time tradition has been taken out of StuCo’s responsibilities, members still need to gain a source of income and should continue to represent the school, sponsor service projects, add zest to the school days with their morning announcements and get the student body involved in service projects. They have done an excellent job so far. 

   In the past, the basketball game concessions have brought in a profit of around $2,000 a year. This year, StuCo has had to come up with new ways to raise money, such as “Hot Dog Thursdays,” and selling candy and snacks. Not only has the Student Council lost a source of income, but students have also lost the experience of representing LHS, planning, stocking and purchasing for the concessions.

   Though StuCo has lost the ability to represent LHS through the selling of concessions, they can still represent the school through community service projects.

   This year, StuCo has sponsored many service projects, such as the H2O Project, Haiti Relief Fund and the Mini Dance Marathon.

   The H2O Project was a success; many students donated and wore blue wrist bands, showing their participation in the program. They raised about $1,500. Also, Haiti Relief Fund tables were set up at the Lawrence High-Free State basketball games to collect money. StuCo is still able to gain the participation of the student body in service projects by keeping them involved with these fund raisers and advertising them with posters and announcements.

   However, StuCo is still in need of income and has only vague plans as to how to raise their money. Doing service projects is a good thing, but then again, they do not raise money. StuCo must find money-solutions.

   Coming about money is hard in this economy, but so far, the organization has coped pretty well. With Hot Dog Thursdays and candy selling, along with some left over money, Student Council should be OK in the short term. Students should keep participating in service projects and keep staying involved, especially since StuCo has a very limited budget.