This year was the first year for the high school to participate in National Student Leadership Week. The goals of the week were to recognize student leaders for all that they do for South Western, encourage other students to step up and take initiative, and help the students and faculty of the high school realize the impact student leadership can have.
To accomplish all of these goals Allyssa Rommel, a senior of South Western, decided to organize a type of spirit week. The week began with a breakfast for all of the officers and advisors of the different service organizations of the high school. A total of 48 students and 17 advisors were present at the breakfast where they had the opportunity to hear from Mr. Kyle Kauffman, high school Student Council advisor, and from Mr. John Quashnoc, former high school principal. These two very inspiring individuals, both with a strong passion for student leadership, left the students with words of wisdom focusing on the importance of student leadership in today’s world. Mr. Quashnoc also spoke about the legacy we will leave behind on South Western after we all graduate. The students were then presented with certificates commending them for their hard work and dedication.
The remainder of the week focused on encouraging others to get involved. Information on ways for students to get involved was displayed on all lunch tables. This material ranged from taking part in a walk in Washington D.C. for breast cancer awareness to becoming a volunteer for the Red Cross. Allyssa wanted to allow as much choice as possible for the students to decide how they wanted to give back.
Wednesday of that week, the social studies department put together a civic engagement activity for all of the students to take part in. This activity focused on the upcoming election and focused on promoting active citizen involvement.
To bring student leadership to life, Mr. Graves offered a forum on Thursday for the student leaders to attend and discuss areas of concern they had about the high school. It turned out to be a big success and was a positive experience for all who attended.
Finally, on Friday, a video was displayed for the entire school to view. This video captured student leaders expressing what leadership means to them. It was a nice culminating activity displaying just what the week was all about, student leaders taking initiative and letting their voices be heard.
Allyssa hopes that celebrating National Student Leadership the Week will become part of her legacy as a mustang, and be carried on as part of a South Western tradition for the years to come so that students will continue to embrace the importance of leadership.
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