The official business of the 2016 Class Council began last Sunday afternoon in an open meeting. And a mere four days after, over ten percent of the freshman class have signed up to construct the Class of 2016 Bonfire, exceeding expectations for the council.

The 2016 Class Council members include president Akash Kar ’16, vice president Thomas Wang ’16, secretary Cassidy Ladd ’16 and treasurer William de Chatellus ’16.

“As soon as the news broke, we started blitzing each other, talking about our excitement and ideas, what we can do different, what we can change,” Wang said. “We’re happy to be here, happy to work together, [happy to be] completely unified as a team with no concern about being vocal.”

The 2016 Class Council, elected three weeks ago, has kept themselves under the radar for the previous two weeks while they undergo training and receive guidance from previous classes and the Council on Class Officers. This past week, the council has emerged in a flurry of activity and excitement, ranging from meetings, to emails, to Facebook posts.

Along with Homecoming activities like the bonfire, the freshman class council is also responsible for organizing First Year Family Weekend. The 2016 Class Council also plans on hosting a First Year Formal.

Class councils are tasked with the responsibility of fostering class community and cohesion. However, some might argue that a freshman class council must meet a different set of expectations. As the first class council of its class, this council can play a large role in shaping class identity and promoting class engagement.

Regarding the workload, Wang said, “It’s a big time commitment for sure, but we’ve all adjusted well enough and the classmates I’ve met in the process make it worth it. It’s a really convenient excuse to get to know the rest of my class.”

In terms of involvement, the council has seen other heartening numbers in addition to bonfire participation. More than 30 freshmen took part in the council’s opening meeting, and approximately 15 applications have been received for the position of alumni representative.

Wang said any ’16s with ideas should feel free to blitz him or the Class Council account.