Montgomery County Regional (MCR) Student Government Association stands as a beacon of student leadership, advocating for the diverse needs of Montgomery County’s high school students.
MCR’s student leadership is characterized by its commitment to inclusivity and representation. Students from diverse backgrounds come together to collaborate on initiatives that address the needs and concerns of the student body. One of the remarkable aspects of MCR student leadership is its focus on advocacy. Students actively engage with local policymakers, advocating for changes that positively impact the education system and the broader community. Through organized campaigns, they address issues ranging from mental health support in schools to environmental sustainability. These initiatives showcase the proactive approach of MCR student leaders in effecting meaningful change.
In a series of interviews with MCR treasurer Nico D’orazio, finance coordinator Emma Yuan, and school communications deputy Ashi Stanislaus, Common Sense delves into the dynamic and impactful role MCR plays in shaping the educational landscape and community engagement.
Senior Nico D’Orazio, MCR treasurer, highlights the association’s overarching mission, stating, “We advocate for all high school students in MCPS from every high school and we represent them to the Maryland General Assembly and the county Board of Education, the County Council, and also on a nationwide level, we’re also going to Congress.”
Emma Yuan, a junior and finance coordinator, sheds light on the practical aspects of their roles, stating, “I am a finance coordinator, and we help the MCR treasurer Nico with running the MCR grant program as well as fundraising in general.”
D’Orazio’s role involves not only handling finances but also contributing to the MCR grant program. He said, “Aside from just handling finances and making fundraisers, I also help out with the MCR grant program where we offer small grants to clubs across the county to help them kickstart their projects.”
D’Orazio unveils an exciting upcoming event hosted by this school, the MCR General Assembly (MCR-GA)., “We’re going to have students from every MCPS high school come to our auditorium and they’re going to learn about different things that MCR is doing. We’re going to talk about different policies and have a bunch of fine stuff lined up, so it’s a great mix of both,” D’Orazio said.
Yuan emphasizes the significance of monthly executive board meetings, stating, “At a monthly executive board meeting, MCR members get advocacy and opportunity updates, as well as socialize with peers.”
D’orazio also touches upon the middle school counterpart of MCR – the Montgomery County Junior Councils (MCJC). He said, “The middle school version of MCR is called MCJC, which is Montgomery County Junior Councils, so MCJC. And essentially, they work on the middle school level with all the middle schoolers.”
School communications deputy, junior Ashi Stanislaus said, “MCR strives for student representation in all schools in MCPS so we have the upcoming school visit to also encourage more people to join MCR.”
MCR student leadership highlights the passion, dedication and collaborative spirit of young leaders actively shaping Montgomery County’s present and future. Their efforts in advocating for positive change, fostering inclusivity, and engaging with the community bring to light the transformative impact of student leadership within the MCR.
