Students Council-ed at State Convention

Bridger Gordon, staff

Thirteen SBHS Student Council members attended the State Student Council Convention in Sioux Falls, S.D., this April. The State Student Council Convention is the annual highlight for Student Council members; students attended workshops and speakers to develop their leadership skills.

The theme for the Convention was Unlimited Student Achievement, USA. 969 Student Council members from across the state came to Sioux Falls during the three-day convention.

Besides motivational speakers and workshops, the State Student Council Convention is when the State and Regional Student Council Officers are selected for the upcoming year.

Jacob West (10) was elected the State Student Council President; Bridger Gordon (10) and Holly Gerberding (11) were chosen as the Rushmore Regional Student Council President and Vice President, respectively.

They will work to plan and run the State and Regional Student Council Conventions for next year, including selecting speakers and workshop topics.

Students also discussed different events put on in schools across the state. These ideas from other schools can be taken back to schools and add new activities and events, including fundraisers, talent shows and school-wide competitions.

SBHS Student Council members are considering potential activities shared at the State Student Council Convention for implementation at SBHS.

“I enjoyed meeting new people and learning about other schools. I learned how to make our council more effective and to communicate ideas,” Gerberding said.

“I really enjoyed meeting people from across the state because of everything you can learn from them,” West said. “I learned that for one to be a leader, you first have to become one that you will lead by talking and connecting with them. I want to see more people join the student council, not to just be put to work, but to bring the best to the school and state. The more people that join, the better it will become. As the 2017 S.D. Student Council President, I hope to see everyone at the 2017 State Convention in March.”

Students are encouraged to join Student Council, be active in the organization and attend the State Student Council Convention to develop their leadership skills and run for leadership positions.