Student Voice and Agency

The student council at TASIS Dorado, a private school in Dorado, Puerto Rico, has a tradition of celebrating National Student Leadership Week (NSLW) to honor students who might not get the recognition they deserve as student leaders.

I’ve spent most of my career as an educator at Rogers Park Middle School in Danbury, CT, including the last seven years as principal. A big thing I’ve always believed in, as a teacher and an administrator, is student voice.

For some people, inclusivity is just a buzzword. For my family, it means so much more. My younger brother Patrick was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. I was five at the time and didn’t realize that Patrick would eventually have relationships that would look different than mine.

The National Association of Student Councils (NASC) is proud to recognize this year’s inaugural NASC Scholarship recipients. These exceptional high school juniors and seniors have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to student leadership, service, voice, and engagement.

Every Friday morning during the school year, almost 100 students gather at Lambert High School in Suwanee, GA, to fill backpacks full of food for students throughout the county who need food assistance. National Honor Society (NHS) officers arrive at 7 a.m. to prepare for more than 100 volunteers who pack 530 individual bags of food for families experiencing food insecurity. 

NASSP announced the recipients of its first-ever Student Service Grants, which are part of a new national initiative to empower student leaders to create and lead service projects that address community needs.

Stacey Behrensmeyer, a math teacher and National Honor Society (NHS) adviser at Highlands High School in Fort Thomas, KY, brought her five officers to the recent NHS Conference in Chicago.

Each year, students at John A. Carusi Middle School in Cherry Hill, NJ, participate in the Carusi CARES Martin Luther King Jr. Week of Service. It brings together our students in grades six through eight for a series of events aimed at helping the less fortunate in the local community.

Last month, the National Student Council (NSC) offered its recommendations on gun violence prevention and safety to White House and federal officials. In a December 17 letter, NSC President Anjali Verma writing on behalf of the NSC gave feedback on active shooter drills, mental health, and safe firearm storage.

Seven years ago, my family brought home a fluffy Siberian Husky named Rustam. At first, I didn’t feel connected to him. He was energetic, unpredictable, and honestly, a bit intimidating. I was unsure how to handle his wild personality and felt frustrated by his constant need for attention.

My guess is, if you’re a student reading this post, you’re on your phone. Nevertheless, however you found your way here, welcome.  

A year ago, I decided to apply for the NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award because I have always strived to excel in all areas of my life, including academics, leadership, and service.

Michael Flynn is the youth services coordinator for Estill County Middle School in Irvine, KY, and a longtime adviser for the school’s student council. He’ll be bringing 23 student council members to the National Student Council Conference happening January 31–February 2 in Chicago.

Veterans Day holds a special place in my heart, both as a school leader and as the proud son of a Vietnam Veteran. My father served honorably and later dedicated himself to community service through our local VFW post.