SGA 2002-2003 Year In Review
June 2003

SGA General Assemblies
Delegates from all classes met together eight times during the school year to discuss a variety of issues. Delegates engaged in conversations with Mr. Domergue, provided input on school scheduling and other topics, presented ideas for events, and were informed of county and state level SGA activities.

Meetings with Administration
SGA representatives met with the principal and other administrators throughout the school year. The SGA provided input on the revised discipline policy, character education efforts, school climate and environment, and other issues.

School Event Participation
SGA delegates were present at many events throughout the school year. These included: School Improvement Team meetings, PTSA meetings, Back to School Night, Board of Education cluster meeting, Drug & Alcohol Contract parent meetings, SCAT meetings, and Heritage Night.

June Incoming Freshmen Visit
The SGA served as greeters at the June incoming freshmen visit. SGA representatives spoke to students during the assembly.

August Freshmen Orientation
The SGA organized a successful dinner and dance for incoming freshmen the week before school started. 9th graders and their parents ate dinner, met club representatives, and socialized with friends. Parents met with school representatives while students enjoyed a dance. SGA representatives also helped freshmen find their classes during the morning orientation.

September 11th Remembrance
SGA delegates created and distributed ribbons to students and staff on September 11th, 2002. SGA officers participated in a flag-raising ceremony broadcast live to students via closed-circuit TV. The senior class SGA purchased a memorial wreath.

Homecoming
Homecoming windows were created at Damascus due to sniper fears. The parade was cancelled, so floats were displayed at the football game. The dance, organized by the junior class, was a success. The SGA organized the Homecoming pep rally. It was described as one of DHS's best pep rallies ever.

Dollars for Dickie
The SGA and Events Planning class joined forces to organize a fundraiser for injured History teacher Mr. Dickie. More than $6,000 was raised.

Holiday Gift Drive
Students donated hundreds of gifts for disadvantaged area children in the SGA-sponsored gift drive. A Jeep was filled with soccer balls, gift cards, stuffed animals, and other gifts.

Winter Wonderland Windows
Classes competed to create colorful windows during the holiday season. The winning grade received money for the class SGA.

Staff Appreciation Week
The SGA recognized the efforts of DHS's staff in February. SGA representatives served snacks in the main office after school several days, including a make-your-own-ice-cream-sundae event. Delegates read "fun faculty facts" on the P.A. announcements and wrote notes to their favorite teachers.

Leadership Speakers & Events
The SGA invited Century Pools CEO Gene Kijowski to speak to delegates on the subject of leadership. 70 delegates attended this event. Additionally, SGA delegates heard from Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Jim Moseley during his visit to Damascus in March. Students were also in attendance when C-SPAN broadcast an event called "Students & Leaders" from the high school.

Music In The Courtyard
Student bands performed in the cafeteria courtyard at lunch on spring Fridays. Hundreds of students enjoyed the array of musicians in the SGA-organized series of events.

Lollipop Fundraiser
Delegates sold lollipops in February/March to raise money for the Student Government.

Academic Recognition
The SGA helped organize the "On A Roll" academic recognition assembly. Delegates handed out programs, hosted the two events, and organized the agenda. Additionally, students provided input on the subject during a breakout session in the fall.

Student Member of the Board Election
The SGA organized Damascus's SMOB election. An increase in the number of voting students was noted.

Voter Registration Drive
More than 200 upperclassmen registered to vote during the SGA's voter drive -- an exponential increase from the years before.

Class Challenge Planning
The SGA planned an event called "Class Challenge." It consisted of competitions, entertainment, food, and more in a high school version of field day. The event was rained out twice.

Blood Drive
Nearly 70 students and staff members donated blood during the SGA's successful April Blood Drive. The Red Cross set up shop in the Dance Studio and was impressed by the steady stream of donations.

Mr. Damascus Pageant
The SGA re-introduced the Mr. Damascus pageant to DHS in May. 500 students were in attendance as eleven young men competed for the title. The event was a superb fundraiser for the organization, and a fun time for all.

Constitution Adoption
The SGA adopted a revised Constitution for the organization. The SGA had been without an official document outlining its structure for many years.

County & State SGA Participation
Students from Damascus attended every MCR General Assembly and Executive Board meeting. Six Damascus students served as MCR staff members, and one student served as an MCR officer. Students also attended several MASC events, including Legislative Session, Legislative Lobbying Day, MASC Convention, and Executive Board meetings. One student served as an MASC staff member.

Board of Education Testimony
Three students from Damascus testified to the Board of Education during the school year.

SGA Elections
Elections for next year's class and school SGA officers took place during the month of May. The position of 2nd Vice President was established for the school SGA.