Serving as Student Council President has been a tremendous honor and one of my most cherished experiences from high school. 

I recently heard a quote: “The point of life is to experience, not win.” From my four very fast years here at Strath Haven High School, I know that the only thing guaranteed is change, and that it comes very quickly and very unexpectedly. But life gets way lighter when you stop treating everything like it’s permanent. People, places, and things are meant to shape you, not always stay with you. 

So embrace change and lean into the uncertainty! Welcome it as an opportunity to grow, to feel, and to encounter and enjoy new things.

This year, I feel like Student Council was able to make some real impact. We had record-high numbers of Homecoming ticket sales (898!), and we were able to convince the administration to let us have a student DJ for the first time, at least in my time here at Strath Haven (thank you, Logan!) 

Of course, we still did everything we’ve done in the past, including our signature pep rallies, our toy and blood drives, and our spirit days. We introduced Money Wars (inspired by Interact Club), surpassing our goal of $500 to raise money for MLK Day, and held a very successful Spring Fling, although it was cut a bit short by rain…

I can’t wait to see what the next council will do, and watch them continue to build this amazing school community that we have here at Haven. Passing the torch has made me sentimental about the special time I’ve spent here, and I know that they will fill our shoes just fine.

Reflecting on my time here at Strath Haven, I know I will miss this school. A smile from a peer in the hallway on a particularly hard day, our beloved teachers coming together to do fun dances at pep rallies, students advocating for changes they believe in, clubs running fun events for everyone to enjoy — these are the things that make Strath Haven a beautiful place. I love seeing the way that the people here create a positive impact on their community and the rest of the world. 

To the seniors—I’m grateful to have spent my youth with you all, and I can’t wait to see all the things you will do!

To the rest of you—keep making Strath Haven a better place! And don’t forget to have fun on the way 🙂 

I will miss you all immensely, and it has been such a privilege to know you, serve you, and represent you.

With love, 

Minori Saito ’26