Clarke Central High School Student Government Association Senior Class President Laila Bolton poses alongside Ian Gantt in Billy Henderson Stadium on Sept. 19 after being named Homecoming Royalty. Bolton went into her SGA role with a plan for engaging events for the senior class. “I think my favorite part (of the SGA) is being in (a) leadership position where I am helping run things and making decisions,” Bolton said. “Right now, we’re trying to do an event) where the seniors go to Rush. So, doing stuff like that is my favorite part.” Photo by Iliana Tejada
CCHS Student Government Association Senior Class President Laila Bolton discusses the events and goals of the program.
Viewpoints Staffer Sylvia Robinson: What is the Student Government Association at Clarke Central High School?
SGA Senior Class President Laila Bolton: (The SGA is) the government for the students. It’s not as serious as (an actual) government. Obviously, it’s just to feel like we’re running something and (to have) an input (on) the school community.
SR: What made you decide to join the SGA as a freshman?
LB: I’ve been called a leader all my life. I always lead the classrooms, always take charge of stuff. I’ve always been called bossy. So, when I got to high school, I was like, ‘Oh, let me just see what (SGA) is about.’ Ever since then, I just kept running for (the program).
SR: Why do you enjoy being a part of the program?
LB: I think it’s the organizing of things, (making) decisions that help (students) and how (the students) can all have fun. I feel like that’s really why I like it, because I’m taking part in helping the (Class of 2026’s) senior year be great and memorable.
SR: What does the role of Senior Class President mean for you?
LB: Being organized, communicating (with members), exploring different (opportunities), hearing people out. Being president, you have to take other’s opinions in, and some people get mad because their opinions weren’t thought out. You can’t do everything everybody wants to do. You have to just take what people say and do the best you can. It (helps) you be more mature and more prepared for after high school, (helps you learn) leadership and the workplace.
I really want everybody when they leave high school (to be) like, ‘Dang, I had so much fun my senior year.’
SR: Could you explain why your role is important for the program?
LB: With (the) SGA, I help plan the meetings (and) the meeting times. Every role is different for the grades. Since seniors (are) more important, you do more stuff, but you have to organize more. So, my job is really just organizing events so (us seniors) can all come together and have fun and make sure we’re bonding because it is our last year. (We) might never see these people ever again, so it’s good to bring us together (with) pep rallies and (other events). I have to talk to my peers to get their input on what they think we should do, nothing too serious, but just to have fun.
SR: How does your role as the Senior Class President play a larger part in the whole SGA?
LB: I have to make sure everything is running smoothly. Everything has to get run through me. (I’m in charge of) making sure everybody’s on the same page, making sure meetings are happening when they’re supposed to happen, making sure (other officers) are getting caught up when they’re not there.
Clarke Central High School Senior Class President Laila Bolton is crowned Homecoming Royalty in Billy Henderson Stadium on Sept. 19. Bolton emphasized the consequences of bad behavior of CCHS students. “(We were) supposed to have a (fall sports) pep rally, but behavior has not been very (good), so that was canceled because bad behavior does not get rewarded. (Then) there’s the people that didn’t do anything (who are punished just) because we have a few bad apples,” Bolton said. “I have to talk to the class, I’m like, ‘Hey, let’s calm down.’ We can’t have fun if we’re acting crazy. Crazy equals no fun.” Photo by Iliana Tejada
SR: How do you put your opinions and students’ voices into effect?
LB: When making plans, (I) try to make it as clear as possible what (I) want to do with the plans. If it’s something for just us (seniors), like (going to) Rush, (our team has) to bring it to (CCHS Principal’s Secretary Latoya) Hill. We talk to her and get permission from (CCHS) Principal (Dr. Swade Huff). At meetings, anybody can come. You don’t have to be a part of (the) SGA if you want to have an input of what the themes are for the pep rallies (or) for Homecoming. (We hear) everybody out the meeting. We write the ideas down, vote on it, and whatever gets the most votes is what we’ll do.
SR: What differences have you experienced in each of your years in the SGA?
LB: The difference is in the grades. (In ninth grade), you’re really just there to listen to (other officers) talk about senior year. 10th grade, you’re just talking about Homecoming. (11th grade), that’s when you’re preparing (and) talking about things you want to do (for) senior (year), (like) how we did Senior Sunrise. 12th grade is crazy. (You start) talking about Decision Day, (Senior) Brunch, all at (once). It’s the most important year to actually participate in SGA, (so) if you want a say in how senior (year) goes, you should definitely come to the meetings. I’m always open to people texting me and saying, ‘Hey, I think this is a good idea,’ and then I’ll bring it to my Vice President (Anthony Lonon Jr.) and (Ms. Hill and) we’ll talk about it.
A gallery of the Clarke Central Senior Sunrise held on Aug. 8 in Billy Henderson is shown. Senior Sunrise was a new event for the 2025-26 school year, as Student Government Association Senior Class President Laila Bolton wanted to pursue more senior celebrations for her class. “I want to have as many events as possible,” Bolton said. “Even if it’s crocheting blankets for the homeless, (just) something that’s not too expensive (and that) we’re able to achieve.” Photos by Miriam Silk and Maypop Wren
SR: What have been some challenges that you’ve faced in the program, and how have you overcome them?
LB: I’d say right now, (we were) supposed to have a (Fall Sports) pep rally, but behavior has not been very (good), so that was canceled because bad behavior does not get rewarded.. And there’s the people that didn’t do anything (who are punished just) because we have a few bad apples. I have to talk to the class, I’m like, ‘Hey, let’s calm down.’ We can’t have fun if we’re acting crazy. Crazy equals no fun.
SR: Do you want to hold events just for seniors or for all grades?
LB: Some events could be for (all grades, but) that’s really on their presidents. If it’s for the whole school, that’s different. But right now, my main focus is on the seniors, just because I know the other classes have pretty active presidents. I feel like if they did want to get together and (create events for other grades), that’s something they could do. But I know most of (the SGA officers) are (doing) senior stuff because (there are) a lot of (seniors), and that’s a lot of mixing around (different grades).
SR: What are some goals that you want the program to accomplish before you graduate?
LB: I want us to help the (Athens) community in some way, because I know we haven’t really done that in the past years. Even if it’s crocheting blankets for the homeless, (just) something that’s not too expensive (and that) we’re able to achieve. I (also) want to have as many events as possible. I really want everybody when they leave high school (to be) like, ‘Dang, I had so much fun my senior year.’ That’s (what) I want people to think about. Like, ‘Layla, she did a good job.’ That’s what I want it to be like.
