Jody Kinder, a 5'3", blue‑eyed, blonde senior, is the current secretary of the Illinois Association of Student Councils. As secretary, Jody takes the minutes at the meetings, types them out, and sends them to all the members. She also takes care of all correspondence.

The Association is a union of all student councils in Illinois. It offers help, suggestions, and ideas to the councils. It also sponsors two workshops and one annual convention.

Besides being secretary of the Illinois Association, Jody participates in Student Council here at Maine. She was previously Organizations Committee chairman and has been a member of Student Council for the past four years. Her other activities include Senior Leaders, Class Council, Pep Club, and V‑Show.

When asked for her opinion concerning Student Council, Jody commented, "Student Council does not have enough power because the administration will not let us. The administration should not be so afraid of allowing us to try out new ideas."

Though her extracurricular activities take up much of her time, Jody finds the time to study. Her courses this year include government, modern history, Steno I, English IV W, and psychology.

Traveling and being with people are just some of Jody's favorite pastimes. She believes the best thing about Maine is the PAR program and allowing the seniors to leave ninth period. This idea grants them more independence but also gives them some responsibilities.

When asked for advice for the students, Jody commented, "Only become involved in activities which you have an interest in.

Never join something just to belong."

Future plans for Jody consist of the University of Illinois where she will major in elementary education.

"The leader program is not merely for the sake of learning gym techniques but for learning about life in general. Leaders has taught me to develop many qualities a leader must have in all walks of life. It teaches qualities such as responsibility, dependability, and honesty. It's made me grow as a person and given me insight into what life is all about." Barb Bednarz is president of the Senior Leader Board and knows what she's talking about when she discusses the leader program.
Barb has majored in science all four years here at Maine. She hopes to continue her education at Stanford or possibly at Northwestern.

"I'd like to combine what I've learned in my science courses with what I've learned through leaders. By combining the two, maybe there's a chance that I can better the world.

"All these things that I've learned have led me to believe there is much room for improvement in today's society. Who knows, maybe I'll even build a hospital in the Congo!"

Her courses this year include Biology II AP, European History AP, English IV AP, and German IV. When Barb isn't busy doing homework, she usually can be found planning activities for the leaders.

Other activities that have kept Barb busy in the past few years are Student Council, Brotherhood Society, Class Council, and Presidents Council. She also received the DAR Good Citizen Award.

"I guess one of the most important things in your high school years is becoming active in those things you really believe in or want to do. Don't just join a lot of things because it will look good, but join because it really interests you. When you do join, whatever it may be, the most important thing to do is retain the knowledge and apply it the rest of your life."