KHS is the home of many different clubs, one of the larger ones includes the leadership group, student council. While not the only leadership focused organization at our school, this is certainly an important one. Student council has been a staple at our school for years. Setting up different events, with its largest being the Homecoming Dance. This group continues to work hard each year to try and improve the high school experience for students at KHS, however this group often finds itself struggling to garner interest and participation.

Mrs. Amanda Curtis, student council advisor, explains, “I do agree that it is very hard to get participation. Across-the-board we do get a fair amount of participants who want to help with things, but generally, it’s the same people over and over again.” This sentiment is mirrored by student members as well. When asked, Ava Salem, 12, vice president of student council, remarked, “typically the people who participate tend to be the same group of people every time. Rarely does there seem to be an expansion in the group of people who get involved. When you look at the students who participate in leadership type activities, it is typically the same group for everything with little change.” This has been an ongoing issue for as long as the club has existed. A small group of students becomes invested within the leadership aspect of school and do all that they can, taking every opportunity. While this commitment and hard work is greatly appreciated, it also sets up a precedent that’s hard to break as the years go on. Those who are involved often remain doing so, and many of their peers become used to not having to participate with the expectation that those who always do will be able to handle it. 

Even so, hope remains as council members are determined to continue doing their best to gather more people while maintaining the current active members. Salem talks about their personal effort to bring people in, “For me personally, I am one of those students who participate in a majority of leadership and volunteer activities. I try to push out information to as many people as I can, as early as I can, to try and expand the group of those who assist.” Mrs. Curtis continues as well, “I would like to be in a situation where we have too many volunteers that way more people get involved. How do you achieve this? Make it more convenient for them to sign up to participate, and make what they’re signing up for more fun. Even making it a competition.” The student council advisor and executive board remains dedicated to ensuring the council’s focus continues to be serving the school and community by providing a safe place for students to grow their leadership skills and assist others. Hopefully this group only grows as the council continues to reach out, but either way they’ll remain a constant within Kearsley High School. 

Student council as a leadership group is one of many who struggle to gain traction or assistance when trying to assist their community, but it’s never too late to make your personal impact and help out them reach their goal! Whether it’s reposting an informational post about an upcoming event, or playing a direct role in setting that event up, reach out a helping hand to your local leadership organizations. They’ll certainly appreciate it!