At St. Bernard School, a group of enthusiastic and determined young minds is proving that age is no barrier to leadership. The Student Council is making waves with its inspiring initiatives, demonstrating that even the youngest voices can drive positive change.
Comprising of bright and motivated students from grades 5-8, the Student Council is not just about organizing fun events but is actively engaged in projects that promote kindness, inclusivity, and community spirit.
To become a member of the Student Council, students had to complete an application at the start of the school year. A team of teachers combed through the applications and selected 28 students to participate. These students are led under the direction of Mrs. Alvarez, the school librarian. They meet bi-weekly on Wednesdays during their lunch hour to create new initiatives for the school.
One of the first accomplishments of the Student Council was the implementation of a buddy system aimed at fostering friendship and support among students. Understanding the challenges of making new friends, especially in the earlier grades, the council paired older classrooms with younger ones, creating a mentorship program. This buddy system was first utilized at the annual Pet Blessing event they sponsored. It has continued throughout the school year with many teachers meeting regularly with their buddy classes.
With a focus on community service, the Student Council has initiated projects that demonstrate the power of compassion. From organizing food drives at Thanksgiving to creating handmade cards for the VA Clinic for Valentine’s Day, these young leaders are making a difference in the lives of those around them.
Student Council has also been successful in creating a positive and vibrant school culture by organizing themed spirit weeks and pep rallies. Their fall sports pep rally was a huge success and they are looking forward to the upcoming winter sports pep rally they have been working diligently to plan. For Catholic Schools Week, Student Council sponsored a Disney trivia game and held a contest that had students decorating their classrooms all in one color. The winning classroom with the best decorations even earned an ice cream party! Their efforts have not only brought smiles to the faces of their fellow students but have also created a sense of unity and pride within the school community.
Finally, Student Council has done a lot of fundraising. Their biggest fundraiser of the year was “Chuck a Duck” which generated over $500. Coming up in the next few weeks, they are having a LEGO Sale. Students will be able to purchase tickets for $2.00 each in the hopes of winning a brand-new LEGO set. Student Council is looking to purchase some new sports equipment for outside, microwaves for the lunchroom, and new books for the library with the money they raise.
“These kids are not just leaders of tomorrow; they are leaders today,” remarks Mrs. Alvarez. “I commend the Student Council for their dedication and innovative approach to fostering positive change. Their initiatives are not only heartwarming but also showcase the potential of young minds to make a meaningful impact.”
The Student Council at St. Bernard is a testament to the idea that leadership and empathy can begin at a young age. It is a program that is only going to continue to grow in the coming years. By empowering students to take an active role in shaping their school environment, the council is sowing the seeds for a future generation of compassionate, responsible, and engaged citizens.
St. Bernard Catholic School is part of the Green Bay Area Catholic Education (GRACE) School System. It is a private Catholic school serving Preschool and Elementary through 8th grade (PK3-8) with open enrollment. St. Bernard’s provides an individualized education in a faith-based environment. Each child is supported not only academically, but spiritually.
