For years, St. Charles High School’s Black Student Union has taken responsibility for managing movies shown to students who are not taking finals. The tradition has served as both a service to the student body and a way for BSU to remain actively involved during finals week. This year, however, that tradition faced uncertainty following the departure of BSU sponsor Ben McElwee.
Without an official sponsor, BSU encountered logistical complications that threatened their ability to continue managing the movies. In response, Student Council sponsors Skye Reichert and Taylor Beye stepped in, offering to sponsor BSU temporarily so that the movies could still take place as planned.
Reichert explained how StuCo was assisting BSU in its efforts by giving them the support they need.
“We held a BSU meeting in my room, giving them a space to still coordinate and determine planning for the movies… making sure an adult was there just in case they were needed,” Reichert said.
While the assistance helped stabilize the situation, the transition created some confusion among students involved. Senior Kennidi Crigler described the experience as somewhat chaotic, but ultimately positive.
“It was kind of confusing at first because nobody really knew what was happening or who was in charge,” Crigler said. “But I do appreciate StuCo stepping in. Without them, it probably wouldn’t have happened at all.”
Senior Cecile Puati echoed that appreciation, while also stressing the importance of BSU retaining authority over the event.
“I’m grateful that StuCo helped us, because we needed it,” Puati said. “But at the end of the day, this is still BSU’s thing. I think it’s important that we have the final say since it’s been our responsibility for years.”
The situation highlighted how dependent many student organizations are on faculty sponsorship, and how quickly traditions can be disrupted when that support disappears. At the same time, it showed cooperation between student groups, with StuCo stepping in to ensure continuity rather than control.
