By Morgan Hill ’16

The Montgomery County Region (MCR) of the Maryland Association Student Council has been increasing in popularity among Sherwood students this school year. Sherwood hosted the first general assembly of the 2014-2015 school year on October 14. At these general assemblies, the MCR board members share their work with the students in attendance and give updates on projects that they may be working on.

Junior Ketki Chauhan is serving as the MCR secretary for this school year and is the first Sherwood student to hold a leadership position in MCR. “I have really enjoyed my position as secretary this year and I’ve learned a lot from it.” Chauhan said. “I’m ready to take on new responsibilities and continue making a difference in this county.” In accordance with her job as secretary, Chauhan oversees the special functions department, which is responsible for planning general assemblies, among other events hosted by MCR.

MCR is the countywide student government for high school students in Montgomery County. MCR holds six general assemblies each year, which are hosted by a different MCPS high school each time and are open to any students that wish to attend.

Guest speakers often make appearances at the general assemblies, including former superintendent Joshua Starr and County Executive Ike Leggett. MCR also administers annual awards, including the Advisor of the Year award for which Sherwood advisors Catina Wist and Christine McKeldin were nominated.

MCR is only a small portion in a hierarchy of student governments. At the bottom are the school-wide student governments, with MCR just above that, then finally the statewide student government, known as the Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC). MASC holds yearly conferences around the state, in which students attend workshops that exist to direct students onto the right path for life after high school. Another organization, called the SMOB Advisory council (SAC), works with MCR but is led by SMOB Dahlia Huh. The main goal of the SAC is to improve Montgomery County schools from within.

Junior Michelle Lim, who also serves a position in MCR as a deputy in the legislative department is an active member of the SAC. “Being involved in organizations like SAC and MCR is really important.” Lim said. “It’s an easy way to get connected and involved with not only the school but also the county.”

Next year, Sherwood expects to send more students to the meetings. Any student with an interest in student advocacy should consider attending the assemblies.