Casey Council Creates a Sense of Community

In 2006, grade 10 student Jennifer Smulders noticed that that there wasn’t a lot of school spirit taking place at Bishop Carroll High School, so she decided to do something about it.

She created the Casey Council, with the sponsorship of teacher (and her mother) Mrs. M. Smulders. The council started out with only seven members, and was named after the school’s mascot, Casey the Cardinal. Together, these founding members started the Casey Council tradition of providing scorekeepers, linesmen, a chain gang and a concession at all Cardinal home games as well as getting members to attend away games to support Cardinal athletes.

This self-funded council is dedicated to promoting school spirit. At all sports games, fan bleacher seats, pom-poms and door prizes are given out. Every person who works at the games as linesmen, scorekeepers or in the chain gang earns $10, but every member of Casey Council has agreed to donate that money right back into the council. That money is used to pay for the bleacher seats they give out, the programs and the cost of materials for the Casey Council sweaters, among many other Casey Council-related events.

Kate, a grade 10 member of the council says, “I like helping the school... if you can't be an athlete, be athletic support.” Meanwhile, Michelle, a grade 12 student says, “It's fun helping out our athletes!”

Aside from supporting Cardinal athletics, the Casey Council also helps with the blood donor clinic, organizes pep-rallies, and last year organized the first successful school dance in 12 years. The new president of Casey Council, grade 12 student Kaleigh Jamieson says, “I am an active member of this school through Casey Council and I love making a difference at the school I attend.”

Bishop Carroll now has a strong school community that is proud and eager to support its school. Members of Casey Council acquire the tools needed to become leaders of today and tomorrow.

Founder and former president of Casey Council Jennifer Smulders, now a returning graduate, says, “Casey Council has made my high-school experience worthwhile. I am proud to be a Cardinal... cooking those hot dogs, putting up the last of the decorations, or wearing that Casey Council sweater [personally knitted by Mrs. Smulders] makes a difference to everyone at Bishop Carroll.”
This year, there are over 60 members in the Casey Council and even more Cardinals in the stands actually supporting their school on the field. This is a council that makes a difference to the school.