Student Senate makes a big impression on City Council

By Barbara Taormina

At their last City Council meeting, city councillors heard a presentation from members of the Revere High School Senate, a group of 40 student reps who “fight for all things students.” Student Senate Chair Matthew Terrell gave councillors an overview of the type of initiatives and projects student reps have been working on.

Terrell explained the Student Senate’s subcommittees and the work they’ve taken on, and the councillors were very impressed. A Student Engagement Subcommittee was created to elevate student voices and to make the building a better and more inclusive space for all students. The School Scheduling Subcommittee is collaborating with administrators on the best way to relaunch an honors program at Revere High School. The Student Communications Subcommittee works through various channels, such as social media and Patriot Voice, the school newspaper, to ensure the Revere High community has any and all relevant information on issues that affect students, including municipal candidates and elections. The Mental Health Subcommittee provides mental health information and resources for students and teachers looking for support with mental health issues. A fifth Subcommittee, Student Representatives, works with other student groups throughout the region on broader community issues, such as reducing vaping among young people, providing CPR training and financial literacy for young people.

“I’m so intrigued with everything you’re doing,” Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky told Terrell – he was particularly impressed with the creation of an American Sign Language Club. Novoselsky said he had been trying for years to include a sign language interpreter for council meetings.

“It’s amazing you’re so involved at such a young age,” said Novoselsky. Other councillors were equally impressed.

Councillor-at-Large Juan Pablo Jaramillo said the Student Senate reps had laid a foundation for the future and were truly inspiring.

City Council President Anthony Cogliandro and Councillor-at-Large Marc Silvestri said they were discussing creating a City Council student internship so students could learn the process of local government and so the council could understand more about the needs and aspirations of Revere students. “As a teacher, I look forward to learning from you,” said Cogliandro.