Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning before school, you might see groups of girls gathered in the Assembly Hall with their eyes half-open and Starbucks in hand. Even though these Royals may be tired from getting to school at 7 a.m., they are dedicated members of ASB and PAL and carry out their responsibilities as student leaders during zero period (ASB meets Mondays and Wednesdays, and PAL meets on Fridays).
Ms. La Bonte ’09 and Mrs. Huerta ’94 recently sent emails to the student body about joining ASB and PAL next school year. What exactly do these programs do, though?
ASB members are divided into three groups: executive, class, and cabinet officers. Executive and class officers are elected after speeches and voting, but cabinet members are interviewed and appointed.
As a class officer in ASB, I can definitely say ASB is different than I thought it would be (in a good way). ASB is a class, so we get graded on completing all our responsibilities each month as well as on assignments about leadership.
ASB doesn’t require much time outside of school aside from attending the Freshman Picnic, a couple of dances, and Open House or Back to School Night. However, we do sometimes have to miss class or lunch to set up or clean up for events like the Halloween haunted house, Masses, rallies, and more.
While planning is a necessary part of ASB, we also do creative activities: we get to make Halloween decorations, perform the theme reveal skit at Red and Gold Kickoff, design flyers for school events, and make posters for rallies and football games.
If you’re willing to be at school an hour early twice a week and pass on being a Red and Gold captain, ASB could be a great extracurricular for you. Statements of intent for executive and class officers are due tomorrow, March 22, and statements of intent for cabinet positions are due April 9. Elections and interviews take place after spring break.
Many ASB members are also involved in PAL, which is only open to incoming juniors and seniors.
PAL secretary Mia Kennedy ‘24 explains the inner workings of PAL: “It focuses on anti-bullying and mental health on campus. We host events such as Red Ribbon Week and Blue the School and ultimately try to spread positivity and kindness on campus. I enjoy doing PAL because I’ve learned a lot of useful life skills as well as more about myself and what it means to be a better person. As a PAL officer, I’m able to further represent the school and our program and be a good role model on campus.”
Senior and PAL-Campus Ministry liaison Lea Monroy adds, “Some of the things PAL does that I enjoy doing are leading conflict mediations, where we help Royals come to solutions for peer conflicts they have, as well as learning more about significant dangers in the world like addiction, substance abuse, and relationship issues. Plus, you get to hang out with your friends, and it looks great on college apps. I highly recommend applying for PAL!” Applications are due April 17 to room 8.
If you are hoping to be part of ASB or PAL, check the emails from Ms. La Bonte and Mrs. Huerta for more detailed application instructions. Good luck to everyone running or applying for a position!
