The start of the 2024-25 school year marks an exciting new chapter for student government, with fresh faces, returning legends, and a brand new adviser, Upper School English teacher Lenny Goldman.

Student government leaders have identified their primary goal for the year—reunite the Latin community. Senior and Co-Curricular Prefect Juliette Katz is at the forefront of this effort, working alongside school leaders to address the needs of the community.

“I have worked closely with [Katie Johnson], our awesome new Athletics Director, to plan fun events regarding athletics,” Juliette said. “I am trying to pack all home sports games, increase art show attendance, and generally just bring back the love for our community.”

As Communications Chair, senior Sammy Rubinov is determined to reignite the excitement of gatherings, which had lost considerable momentum after COVID. “Gatherings are [getting] completely revamped, with them more organized and set in place,” Sammy said. “Our goal is to get the student body more involved and to incentivize people to participate in the activities.”

Mr. Goldman has been overseeing these revitalizing changes to student government, and Executive Board members have already noticed his impact. “We have gotten so much done, and much of it is due to Mr. Goldman’s commitment and genuine care about student government,” Juliette said.

“He’s been maybe the best thing that has happened to [the Executive Board],” Sammy said. “He’s setting the tone for this year, and I love it.”

Mr. Goldman plans to start the year by identifying how student government can be improved. “Phase one has been organization, accountability, and consistency with the Executive Board,” he said.

Mr. Goldman spent time coordinating with Senior Prefect Asher Schenk over the summer, discussing the most effective approach for the upcoming school year.

“[Asher has] been involved in student government his whole time at Latin, so [I’m] starting to learn from his experience and what’s been great and where the opportunities for growth are,” Mr. Goldman said.

Promoting independence while supporting the student leaders, Mr. Goldman aims to ensure that he is fueling ideas instead of creating them. “If I’m doing my job well, the vast majority of the student body isn’t thinking this is the Mr. Goldman show,” he said.

With Mr. Goldman’s guidance and the Executive Board’s dedication, this year promises to be one of growth, engagement, and renewed community spirit. “I’m thinking about student leadership, and how I can support our grade reps and our Executive Board so they can go out and do the work they are inspired to do,” Mr. Goldman said.