As freshman Alex Balfour hung her last student council poster, she thought about all the aspects of student council she is looking forward to if she were to be elected.

Balfour said she wants to meet new people and make school more enjoyable.

“I want to have a say in fundraisers and share my ideas,” Balfour said.

Many others alongside Balfour from all grades are preparing for grade level elections taking place April 30.

Student council adviser Sarah Lindenberg said the elections this year are different because seven candidates will represent each grade instead of five.

Lindenberg said they made a large effort to recruit new members by making lots of announcements and hanging signs.

“We tried hard to push for high involvement of candidates this year,” Lindenberg said.

Junior Jessica Schmidt will serve as co-president for student council next year. She said larger participation increases the effectiveness of the council.

“By having a larger student council it will broaden the range that we can reach,” Schmidt said. “The more people the better chance we have of reaching a better portion of the student body.”

Student council also wants to increase the amount of student participation at school activities and events, according to Lindenberg.

“A big emphasis that (the co-presidents) want to take this year is increasing school spirit, meeting more frequently and then having extra activities besides the big dance weeks,” Lindenberg said.

Lindenberg said student council would like to expand beyond SnoDaze and Homecoming weeks.

“They’ve talked about other activities that add spice to what we already have,” Lindenberg said.

Schmidt said she is excited for her new position of leadership and the opportunities she will have to interact with others.

“I just really like the idea of student leadership, and being able to work with my peers is something that I really enjoy,” Schmidt said.