Since her freshman year in student council, Claira Paul, Appointed Junior Representative, has strived to bring music to South’s hallways. After receiving positive reactions to the music during Homecoming Week, she wanted to make it a routine occurrence. Finally, this year, music will be played every Friday during passing periods, Paul said.

Mark Maranto, Assistant Principal of Student Activities, collaborated with Paul to make the decision after receiving
recommendations from the Principal Advisory Council and Student Council. With the sound system finally fixed, they
were able to implement the music this year, Maranto added.

“The new sound system did not have the capability [to play music in the halls] at first, [but] now [it is] operational
again,” Maranto said.

Paul hopes that the music will make Friday a happier day for students.

“Music does so much for mental health,” Paul said. “I want the music to be a pick-me-up for students.”

Students will be able to recommend non-explicit songs to Paul, Maranto said. Student Council will formalize a system
in the coming weeks, he added.

The music will also correspond with the holidays, Paul said. Currently, for Hispanic Heritage Month, Maranto is
playing Latin Music. Principal Dr. Barbara Georges believes that having music in the halls will bring students together.

“Playing [a variety of] music [in the halls] allows us to showcase the many cultures at [South],” Georges said.