Student Council candidates wait patiently before presenting their speeches on August 24.
In the front row L-R, students Tucker Gosa, Alyssa Mack, Posey McWaters, Savannah Osborn, and Emily Scroggins.
In the back row, L-R, students Bobby Patel, Kate Worden, Kathryn Boxmeyer, Noelle Douglas, and Desiree Williams.
Picture courtesy of Lavanda Wagenheim
As the new year takes shape, TMSM student council wants to take your ideas to the next level.
By: Catharine Li
Volume 1, Issue 1: October 2018
On August 24, Tuscaloosa Magnet gathered in the gym to watch prospective Student Council candidates present their speeches for the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, Public Relations Director, Treasurer, and Historian, during the annual election. After a period of campaigning and preparation, they were ready to face the audience and outline their ideas for the new school year. Students were reminded of the many events they had to look forward to from previous years, memories of the Masquerade Ball, Fall Festival, Talent Show and even Field Day all returned.
The presence of a Student Council in schools is no new topic, playing a significant role in the decision making carried out throughout the year. Individuals selected to represent the school are given a chance to develop leadership skills by organizing activities, fundraisers, events, and happenings that contribute to increasing school spirit and morale, creating a fun, lively atmosphere for all.
As a collective group, the organization of students understands the value of their voices in the community, using their platforms to positively connect and bring change for the community. Every student has a voice that deserves to be heard, a voice expressing the numerous ideas, thoughts, interests, and concerns that matter.
Mrs. Yolanda Stockdale, 6th grade ELA and Social Studies teacher and adviser of the TMSM student council, expresses her thoughts about the importance of the presence of student involvement.
“It is important to develop leadership skills, but first we must realize that leaders are here to serve the students. We need strong leaders to make the students' ideas and thoughts become reality,” she said. “You cannot lead someone if you cannot put yourself in their shoes and humble yourself. The Student Council should be able to listen, communicate, be trustworthy, and stand up for what is right.”
Being apart of a student organization of any kind requires collaboration, working on a team to successfully amplify an idea, taking it to the next level. Some new changes are being noted this year. Student Council is preparing to “listen to ideas from the student body and plan on a month-by-month basis” instead of adhering to past procedures where they would plan events in accordance to the entire year. Student council is more than just an organization, it is an opportunity, to take a stand, make things happen, and as Mrs. Stockdale concludes, “Being a good leader is a skill that will carry into adulthood, as well as your career.”
Candidates prepare their speeches for the annual Student Council elections on August 24, 2018.
Picture: Lavanda Wagenheim
