The shirts say it all: "STUCO – We Make It Happen."

For the seventeen or so students who earn their place on Monmouth-Roseville Junior High's student council each year, those words aren't just a catchy slogan—they're a promise that requires hard work, creativity, and dedication to fulfill.

"Just changes in our school to make the school better for everyone," explains seventh-grader Ella Talivaa, describing the council's mission with the straightforward clarity that defines this remarkable group of young leaders.

Getting on student council is no small feat. Candidates must secure a parent signature, teacher recommendations, and thirty student endorsements—all before giving speeches to their entire grade level.

"The teachers are the hard part," admits eighth-grader David Larios Vicente, who arrived at the school just a year ago. His solution? "I started in the bus," he says, passing his petition from front to back. "And then for the teacher recommendations, I just started begging: please!"

His persistence paid off, earning him a spot alongside fellow eighth-graders Andrew Snyder and Henrik Bergren, as well as seventh-graders Ella Talivaa and Mia Anderson. Together, they form part of the council that has transformed school culture under the guidance of science teacher Jona McCance.

"When I got here, there were no locker decorations, no pep assemblies; we changed that," recalls McCance, who has been running student councils for 27 of her 30+ years in education.

Today, council members organize monthly assemblies where they introduce sports teams and create engagement through friendly competitions. They design locker decorations for every athletic season, run concession stands at home games, and coordinate events like the upcoming dance.

"I do it because I love proposing new ideas that we can make school a better place," shares Andrew, who returned to student council after enjoying his seventh-grade experience.

Henrik focuses on execution: "I help run stuff. If we have an assembly, I'll help run it. And just around the school, I'll try to make it a better place."

Perhaps their most inventive contribution is the "T-Store," a student-run shop where peers can spend "T-Bucks" earned through positive behavior on everything from candy and chips to 3D-printed items. Students must present their T-Card for entry—a system that, as David points out, "encourages people to be more accountable through acts of kindness and positive behavior."

The leadership experience comes with both privileges and responsibilities. Council members develop games for holiday celebrations and, every other year, create carnival activities that raise $700-$1,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

However, as Andrew explains, there's also accountability: "Let's say someone goofs off in class. That teacher will go and tell Ms. McCance and you'll get a demerit." The student with the most demerits faces a special consequence—raising the flag outside for ten consecutive days.

Behind these activities lies a self-funding program. The council operates concession stands at home games throughout the year—"41 stands this year," McCance notes proudly, with the students adding that six came during basketball regionals alone. This revenue purchases items for the T-Store, creating a sustainable cycle.

For the students, who balance these responsibilities with academics (some taking algebra at the high school starting at 7:15 a.m.) and the logistics of commuting between Monmouth and Roseville daily, student council provides more than resume-building experience. It offers a chance to make meaningful contributions to their school community.

"I just wanted to help make the school funner and a better place for everybody," says Mia. "I just felt like it was important to me because I wanted to make a difference."

As they gather each Friday for meetings—keeping up with announcements through Google Classroom between sessions—these young leaders continue building on the foundation McCance established. Through their efforts, Monmouth-Roseville Junior High has transformed from a place with little school spirit to one where engagement, recognition, and community thrive.

They wear their STUCO shirts proudly, knowing they truly do "make it happen"—one pep assembly, locker decoration, and T-Buck at a time.