Student Council Convention Rocks Timberland

The large poster at the back of the cafeteria said it all:

If you want to view Paradise
Simply turn around and view it
Anything you want to do, do it
Want to change the world?
There's nothing to it . . .

With the energy generated by more than 1,200 student leaders bouncing off Timberland's walls Saturday, those last two lines from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory were more promise than poetry.

The Gateway Student Council Convention of the Missouri Association of Student Councils provided a day of inspirational speakers, skits and discussion groups for the students and their advisors.

As president of the association and the hosting school, Timberland's student council chose the Willy Wonka theme and decorated their halls with candy cut-outs and lines from the movie.

The day kicked off with opening ceremonies and welcomes from Superintendent Dr. Terry Adams and Mayor Paul Lambi.

Schools competing for offices in the association performed skits in the gym. The crowd then broke into smaller groups to attend discussions on topics ranging from "Homecoming on a Budget" to "How to Run a Meeting" to "Underwear Wars."

The Gateway District is open to all middle, junior and senior high schools in St. Louis County, St. Louis City, St. Charles County and Jefferson County.

Middle schools participating in Saturday's event included: Atonia Middle School, Bernard Middle School, Buerkle Middle School, Fanning Midddle School, Parkway NE Middle School, Ridgewood Middle School, Sperreng Middle School, Truman Middle School and Wydown Middle School.

Participating High Schools

• Barat Academy
• Bayless High School
• Fox High School
• Hancock Place High School
• Hazelwood East High School
• Hillsboro High School
• Lutheran High School of St. Charles
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• North West High School
• Ritenour High School
• Rockwood Summit High School
• Seckman High School
• Valle Catholic High School
• Windsor High School