Student in-class activities can be amazing, even more, different than students may think., Junior advanced English teacher Renee Mckinney started a project where, she handed out chips for each student in the class and had them watch over each other, following a set list of rules This project represented the novel 1984 by George Orwell. 

1984 is a novel about the government controlling the thoughts of people, views on history, and information in general. The novel gives the idea that “Big Brother” is always watching, Junior Jess Burkhart, who participated in the event explains what the activity was like.

“We had a blue-chip on our desk. We want[ed] to talk like everyone else does in class, but we can’t.” Burkhart says, “People thought we were weird. Some students in this activity complained, saying they felt attacked, some not even participating in the activity.” These student activities are being used in the classroom to get students more involved in class instead of just doing homework and writing down notes. Teachers hope that the extra involvement adds a more exciting factor to school. Leadership teacher Brenda Vanderzanden plans a field trip every November, taking her leadership class to an Oregon Associated Student Council conference hosted in Seaside. 

The conference involves her students, learning how to make the school better for students using interactive workshops and brainstorming. These activities allow students from many other schools and adults in leadership to work together to create ideas on how to improve each school. Whether it is aesthetically, environmentally, or just making events for more student participation and school spirit. 

 Vanderzanden talks about her hopes while involving students in leadership events. 

“Hopefully, they’re mindful about being better community members while they’re out doing events. I think it gives them a sense of service,” says Vanderzanden. “When we’re giving back to the community like face painting at Derby Days in Yamhill or even going to classes and learning more on how to help people, (especially during teacher appreciation week) I’m hoping that they are having some sense of worth and that it will follow them after school.” Vanderzanden’s wishes are that more students feel comfortable to be leaders and participate in clubs, (or the activities around the school), even if they are intimidated, saying we need more than just leaders in the front, but also leaders supporting the background of everything they want to stand for.