Do you ever think MHS could use updates and changes? What about making changes specifically to the Media Center?

If you’ve asked these questions, then the Peer Advisory Council might be for you.

Two years ago, the Media Center and Literacy Center staff established the Peer Advisory Council, which is made up of students who offer advice on how to improve the learning environment in the Literacy Center and the Media Center.

“[PAC] strives to find better ways to provide supports for students and to be responsive to requests/needs,” said Hope Babowice, Literacy Center instructional assistant and council adviser.

Specifically, the goal of the Peer Advisory Council is to draw more students in more often to the Media Center, which also houses the Literacy Center.

“More students should participate in the Peer Advisory Council because it is a way to make change happen,” said junior Sydnie Mathews, the president of PAC. “If you see something that you want to change or improve, you can voice your opinion through the Peer Advisory Council.”

Currently, about 6-8 students make up the council with Librarian Rebecca Plaza and Babowice advising.

“The best thing about the peer advisers is letting students have their voices heard,” said Plaza.

Last year, for example, the peer advisers participated in a book drive to get more students into the Media Center while also seeking ideas for new books to add to the library selection.

“The benefits are having students give opinions and ideas about what students would like to have, see, do in that space,” said Plaza.

The Peer Advisory Council welcomes any interested student.

“I would suggest the club to anybody who wants to get involved in MHS and the surrounding community– a love of literacy does not hurt either,” said Mathews.

Although suggesting improvements to the Media Center is a large focus of the club, it’s not the only focus.  The group also finds ways to help the local community.

“Any student who would like to make improvements to the Media Center or Literacy Center – here’s your chance! Last year we held a book drive and collected books for an elementary school in Chicago,” said Babowice.

The council will run as long as there are observant students who want to help make the Media Center the best it can possibly be.

Said Plaza, “The peer advisers shall continue to identify needs in the school and act on them.”