Maya, the Student Body President

Maya Reyes walked down the bustling hallway of Franklin High with a clipboard in hand and purpose in her stride. It was Club Inspection Week, one of the busiest times of the year for the student government, and as Student Body President, Maya took it very seriously.

She was hard to miss—tall, with a lean athletic build from years on the swim team and varsity soccer. Her dark curly hair was pulled into a neat high bun, and she wore a navy blazer over her school uniform, a small enamel pin on her lapel: “PRESIDENT.” It sparkled under the fluorescent lights. Her glasses gave her a sharp, observant look, and her confident, quick smile could settle most disagreements before they started.

Maya wasn’t the kind of president who only showed up for photos or dances. She was known for being meticulous, fair, and just a little intimidating—though never unkind. Her friends called her a perfectionist. Her opponents called her relentless. Both were right.

Club Inspection Week was when each school club had to present their work: activities, member engagement, community service, and plans for the rest of the year. It determined their funding and continued approval by the school. Maya saw it as a chance to keep things honest and encourage student excellence. Others saw it as high-stakes drama.

She stepped into the Art Club room, where canvases leaned against desks and half-finished posters cluttered the tables. "Good morning," she said, her tone polite but brisk. "I’m here for your inspection."

The club president, a shy sophomore named Juno, fumbled to gather her notes. Maya waited patiently, scanning the room, jotting down notes with her signature purple pen. She asked clear questions—What community events have you supported? How many members are active? What’s your club mission this semester?—but her tone was never condescending.

By the end of the inspection, Juno looked relieved. Maya gave her a small, genuine smile. “Your projects are thoughtful. I’d love to see more student involvement next month. Maybe host an open studio night?”

“That's actually… a really cool idea,” Juno said, surprised.

Maya nodded, turned on her heel, and headed to the next room.

The Robotics Club was up next, their leader Max greeting her with a firm handshake. Maya admired the sleek, assembled bots on the tables, asking pointed questions about their designs and competitions. She offered suggestions for expanding their outreach and membership. Max nodded attentively, taking notes.

Next was Chess Club, a tight-knit group of seniors who always had an air of superiority about them. Maya had to fight the urge to smirk as they launched into a lecture on chess history and strategy. She listened attentively, jotting down their plans for tournaments and inter-school matches. She made a mental note to speak with the faculty advisor about getting them more space in the library.

Maya's stride never faltered as she moved on to the AV Club room. The door was slightly ajar, and she could hear the faint hum of electronics and muffled voices inside. She knocked lightly and pushed the door open.

The room was dimly lit, with a projector screen at the front and a mess of cables and equipment scattered around. A group of students were huddled around a computer, arguing about something. They looked up as Maya entered, their faces falling when they saw who it was.

"Hi, I'm Maya, the Student Body President," she said, her voice calm but firm.

"I'm here for your club inspection."

The group of students looked at each other, their faces still flushed from the argument they were having before Maya walked in. They quickly straightened up and tried to act nonchalant.

"We're just working on our latest project," the club president, a senior named Alex, said, trying to sound casual. "It's not really ready to show yet."

Maya raised an eyebrow. "It's Club Inspection Week, Alex. Your club's funding and approval depend on this inspection. I'm sure you understand the importance of it."

Alex swallowed hard, nodding. "Of course, President Reyes. We've been working on a short film for our latest project. It's not quite finished yet, but we can show you what we have so far."