Staring at a computer screen for hours on end has become the norm for all Los Altos High School students, but this has not stopped leadership groups from operating off-campus.

The main leadership groups on campus, ASB and Renaissance, would have assumed great difficulty in fundraising with the pandemic, being structured around in-person interactions and participation.

“Now since we are all working together towards one common goal, in the same circumstance, I would say we are bonded more than ever. I choose to see this as an opportunity to grow as a leader and as a person,” said ASB President senior Anna Maria De la Torre.

There is now more mobility on social media from both groups amidst the switch to distance learning. The virtual classroom has opened up the doors for new ways to make students feel some sense of normalcy.

Renaissance Vice President, senior Noah Gonzalez, said, “I never in a million years imagined my senior year to look like this, especially as Vice President of Renaissance. Coming up with new ideas and new ways so that students and staff can be recognized is definitely difficult, but I know that each week we get used to this system more and more. It’s definitely something new and I’m very happy that we’re adapting.”

The spotlight of student leadership’s work is highlighted on Instagram. Renaissance is posting positivity, promoting events, and has recognized staffulty since the school closed.

Recently, Renaissance worked endlessly to fundraise for the annual Conquer Cancer. ASB has kept students engaged with spirit weeks, and most notably, with their new Diversity and Inclusion branch.

De la Torre said, “I wish to continue our goal of creating memories and uniting the Los Altos community by hosting events every month in order to ensure that school continues to be a place beyond education.”

The work that leadership does off-campus is not just for a grade. It is part of a collective effort to make students feel less pessimistic about this new situation, and adapt more.

“To the students who feel stuck, push through. Try doing something new or something you’ve always wanted to do. Participate in the events that leadership holds. I know it may be difficult to have some fun during this peculiar time, but we can all get through this,” said Gonzalez.