As Thanksgiving break approaches, a wave of anticipation, excitement, and stress washes over the student body. Some students eagerly discuss their plans over break, while others are wary of finals just around the corner.
The students in ASB have been particularly busy preparing to end the semester on a high note.
“The stress is manageable,” said Maria Valle Remond, a member of ASB. “I think it depends heavily on the commission you belong too.”
The Access commission, in particular, has been working on an Advanced Placement (AP) textbook distribution project.
Many families with high school students struggle to make ends meet, let alone pay the high prices of AP test books. Although Carlmont let students borrow class textbooks for free, they have to pay for any additional test books. Additionally, while the College Board continues to fund about one-third of the cost for eligible low-income students, only about half of states offer further financial assistance for their students.
ASB’s AP textbook drive aims to ease these costs. Last week, Carlmont students had the opportunity to donate their old AP textbooks; this week, they were distributed.
On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, students could come to a booth set up in the quad and pick up free AP textbooks.
“We did this for the core purpose of helping those in need because not everyone has the ability to get textbooks, the generosity of other students really helps,” Shannon Aarons said.
The book drive was a success; however, the drive isn’t the only way ASB assists students.
ASB received dozens of generous book donations from students.
ASB is made up of several commissions that work on their own projects while another commission works on something completely different. This allows ASB to work with many different aspects of the student body at the same time.
Sophomore Sadie Boynton said, “In the Recognition commission, we work to acknowledge groups on campus that many disregard. I love to see people’s reactions, even just hearing people say, ‘oh this is cute’ makes me feel really good.”
In other news, Griffin Soelberg, a senior, is gearing up for his annual fundraiser called “The Snowman Project.” With the holiday season approaching, Soelberg works to acknowledge students who don’t usually receive gifts around the holidays.
“I definitely feel a lot closer to Carlmont’s community because of this project. I realized how many people care about supporting everyone,” Soelberg said.
Last but not least, the canned food drive has started, prompting students to bring in donations. The drive lasts until the end of November.
