Sitting at the dining room table, I drew the prototype of what would become my 150 backpack tags, ready to hand out during Student Council campaign week. I had no clue what I was getting into my freshman year when I ran for StuCo. In the following months, my lunches were spent painting banners for the school to see, advertising the latest events like kickball tournaments or hot chocolate sales. I went to Fall Retreat for the first time, breaking out of my scared-freshman comfort zone, performing skits, and having deep talks on the floor of a cabin with my new committee. I both strengthened previous friendships, sharing twizzlers on bunk beds, and made new friends, trading encouragrams at the end of the 36 hour trip. When they explained the ins and outs of Charity Ball, I was instantly passionate to hit that 175K goal for last year’s beneficiary. Feeling the shared excitement in that room, I knew we would hit our goal and I wanted to contribute all I could.
My sophomore year, raising money for Neighbor to Neighbor and being back in the thick of the Charity Ball season, I’m only reminded of the passion that was sparked in me last year. There’s a sense of community that comes with Charity Ball, and I’ve made some of my best friends while working on ECB. I’m so grateful to be part of this community — to be a part of Enloe Student Council, everyone that Neighbor to Neighbor reaches, and Raleigh as a whole.
Evie Hammer