As some of you might know, my name is Luke Carlson. I am your ASB president here at Wenatchee High School. I have generously been asked to write a column in our school’s newspaper, The Apple Leaf. I hope to convey through this unique opportunity my intentions for the 2014–2015 school year.

In the past, our ASB did not always prove that they were willing to do what needed to be done for the improvement of WHS. That raises the question, does something need to be done? And if something does, what would it be? Is there something actually wrong with our high school? Well, look around, ask yourself and ask your classmates. I sure have. I doubt many would argue with me when I say that there is a problem. Wherever students feel alone and unwanted lies a problem.

Last year when I transferred to WHS I didn’t know a whole lot of people. I spent the first couple weeks engaging in small talk with random students in my classes and at lunch. Being the social butterfly that I am, soon enough I had gained a strange assortment of friends and buddies. One particular fellow I was privileged to meet had recently moved to Wenatchee from a different state. He did not know one person from the state of Washington. As our relationship grew and I learned more about him I realized how gentle, thoughtful and humble he was. At first glance you might have been startled by his long dark hair and the sad expression on his face, but in reality his appearance was everything that he was not.

Getting to know someone is as simple as asking them how they are doing with a genuine smile on your face. I challenge the students of WHS to learn the name of a person you don’t know every week. I challenge the WHS student body to care for their fellow students. Students need this simple act of love more than we could ever know. Through acts of genuine kindness we can make a positive impact on the atmosphere in our school. I know ASB’s official job is to put on events and plan dances, but as student leaders we have the influence to impact our surroundings and our classmates with positivity and kindness. I, along with the whole ASB team, will not squander this opportunity to help those in need. Come alongside us and make the conscious decision to bring positivity and kindness to school every day.