It's only October but the officers elected by the Class of 2014 are thinking about their last days at Northwestern.

Rather than wait until the 11th hour as some elected officers are wont to do, the four seniors chosen three years ago are moving ahead to assure the seniors will make their final transition from Northwestern a smooth and happy process.

Not surprisingly, money is an important issue for the officers but President Sam Haas is not particularly concerned about finances.

"We're in very good shape," he said. "We're right on pace. We made money on homecoming shirts and the [homecoming] dance [and] we made a good amount."

Homecoming was not only both profitable but "both the game and the dance was a huge success," said Secretary Melissa Smith. "Everyone was pleased with the DJ, who even brought costumes for the boys and the girls."

The officers strive to be financially sound for a few reasons.

"Our goal was to be able to provide free tickets for the prom for all 12th graders attending Northwestern," explained Treasurer Elizabeth Johnson. "Some people just don't have $80 for a ticket. They wouldn't be able to go to the prom."

According to Johnson, the class finances were never in peril.

"We had a big money account going in," she explained. "Senior dues went a long way."

"Each student could choose to pay "$20 per year or $50 for the three years. Most paid the $50," Johnson said.

Vice President Adrienne Dietrich said the recent fundraiser, selling Thompson's hoagies and Little Caesar's pizza, was also profitable for the class.

Dietrich attributes the success of such fundraisers to those who work hard to sell.

"We have a lot of money because of people like Brandon Selig and Emily Remaly," she explained.

The officers are planning another fundraiser for December.

"Candy cane grams are known for being successful," Johnson said.

Smith is also looking forward to a pancake breakfast at Applebee's scheduled for the middle of the month.

Though money is a big concern, the officers have other responsibilities including planning for the senior prom.

"We had to make a list of four or five places for our prom," Haas said. "That took time to get it rolling."

"We visited a handful of places after we submitted a list to Mr. [Jason] Zimmerman. We visited Willow Tree Grove, Brookside Country Club and the Holiday Inn," Johnson said, adding the officers considered "distance, price and reputation."

"We were looking for something spacious. The class [consists of] 200 but we have to [accommodate] 350 kids."

"We really liked Willow Tree [but] we had to debate that choice," Haas said.

In the final analysis, the officers selected the Holiday Inn for the senior prom, which will take place Memorial Day weekend as is the Northwestern tradition.

"It's the only place big enough to hold our class even if it wasn't our first choice," Haas said. "We visited a couple of places in the summer and then we booked it in September."

Haas said serving as senior class president has taught him valuable lessons.

"I've learned people aren't always going to agree with you," he said. "You hear people in the halls saying 'why is the prom being held here' [but] you take it all into account. Generally, the class supports what we do.

"My main interest is to have the best time in our high school."

"It's hard to please the majority of students, but we try our best," Johnson added. "We keep in mind what's worked in the past."

"This year's been hard because I'm only here for half day. It makes it hard to get a lot of stuff done," Haas said adding the officers "all have a good relationship. When it comes down to it, we get our stuff done."

Haas is part of the emerging engineering program which requires he take classes at LCTI and Penn State Lehigh Valley in the afternoon.

Though Haas takes his role as president seriously he said holding the office is "not political.

"I see it more like a social thing," he explained.

In that way, student government is different from the national scene.

"I know everyone in Congress ran for a reason. They're trying the best they can. I understand what they're trying to do.

"Everyone is outraged at the government but they're trying to do their best," he said. "But you can't give up if something didn't go as planned."

Hass admits he is "frustrated at how everyone [in Washington] is closed minded and impossible to please."

The officers realize their main job is to serve the members of the class.

"I've been in student council since fifth grade, so I've always been involved with this class and I think our class is great," explained Smith. "We've won in cross country, boys and girls soccer and [even] golf.

"Football's doing well," she continued, citing the team's win over Northern Lehigh for "the first time in 12 years."

Dietrich explained why she decided to run for office.

"I didn't like how people did things and I wanted a change," Dietrich said. "It might as well [start] with me."

Dietrich said when she ran for the position of vice president she took the "underdog approach appealing to the common man."

Her current role piqued her interest in speaking out.

"Last year, I actually did get involved in politics. Mr. Kerchner asked if anybody was interested in being senator for a day and I was one of four kids who went to Muhlenberg [College] where we were assigned different bills that we would debate and change," Dietrich said, "After we talked about the bills, we met in a big conference room where we debated. I really liked it. I want to do it again this year.

"I actually like the argument. I liked having the chance to voice my opinion."

The officers rely on social media to keep their constituents informed.

"The senior class has a Facebook page. We started it when we first got into office," said Dietrich. "We can see what people feel about the decisions we've made. Facebook is actually going to die but social media is the way to go."

"I always update our class's Facebook page," said Smith. She also checks to see "if there are any questions. Kids also text us with suggestions."

The four officers take their responsibilities seriously.

"Sam and I become the ones who have to follow through with planning class reunions," said Dietrich.

Smith said elected officials should be "leaders who can lead and be respected" but as representatives of the class.

"The title doesn't really mean much because we split the work," Johnson added.