In the recent Student Leadership Election for the 24-25 school year at AHS, the 8th graders elected for positions were Trace LeVerne as Class President, Ellia McClain as Vice President, Izzy Doughtery as Media Chair, Presley Tanner as Secretary, and Brantlee Beard, Mac Floyd, Harper Dixon, and Eva Holsomback as Class Representatives. These candidates were elected because of their mutual goals of wanting to make this year more enjoyable for others. Eva Holsomback said, “I want to have a positive influence on the school environment and on my peers so that they are able to have fun this year.” It was a tough election, so all of the new 8th grade leaders said that they are eager to begin participating in leadership activities.
In the election, many people ran for various positions, but only few were chosen, making it a very tight race. Posters were the main campaign method many candidates used, telling the position the candidate is running for, as well as what they hope to accomplish if they get elected. Izzy Doughtery’s posters had the popular actor, Glen Powell, on them which attracted the attention of the other students. However, some candidates used different campaign methods, like Trace LeVerne, who said, “I gave my friends pieces of candy and told them to vote for me.”Along with Trace, Ellia McClain gave out candy to her peers and hung up posters around the school. Aside from campaigning, the candidates’ plans and goals for the 8th grade class had a large impact on whether they were successful or not. As Secretary, Presley Tanner said, “I ran for a leadership position so I can increase school pride and spirit.” She plans to accomplish this by going to school activities, like football games, and participating in spirit weeks in order to create a better school environment.
Communication is a very important quality for leadership, along with many others. Mac Floyd said, “I think I am very mature and respectful in the way I act towards others and I am able to work well with my peers and classmates.” Being a part of the leadership team means they need to have certain social qualities that allow them to communicate and connect with the other students. Mrs. Burns agrees that all of the 8th grade student leaders are developing skills which will benefit them in the activities that they participate in.
Starting off the year, the 8th grade members attended the first leadership meeting. In the meeting, Ellia McClain said, “Mr. Pethel talked to us about what it means to be a leader and how we need to act towards others, as well as discussing an overview of the events going on this year.” The meeting was able to give them an outline of any upcoming events or important projects they could participate in. They also discussed what is expected of them, including attending meetings and acting as a role model towards other students. Additionally, Brantlee Beard said, “We went over ideas for Homecoming Week in our first meeting, and I liked that we were able to help contribute to the themes for Spirit Week.” Aside from the discussion of leadership activities and roles, the new members were welcomed with a Chick-Fil-A breakfast, which Mac Floyd said he enjoyed. They were also given a schedule of some upcoming events they could participate in, like Homecoming week projects.
The first activity the 8th graders had the opportunity to participate in was making posters for the Homecoming game and spirit week. Izzy Doughtery said, “I enjoyed being able to make these posters and bonding with the other leadership members.” Presley Tanner, Eva Holsomback, Harper Dixon, and Trace LeVerne also participated in creating Homecoming posters, which helped strengthen the bonds between the 8th grade leaders. Eva Holsomback enjoyed being able to work together with the other students to design the posters, which displayed the dress-up days and examples of outfits, and pick out pictures. Aside from Homecoming Week, these 8th graders participated in the October 17th 6th-8th grade dance and the upcoming canned food drive. Harper Dixon said, “I am really looking forward to the canned food drive and being able to spend time helping people.” These students are focused on creating a better environment for the 8th grade class, which brings new ideas to benefit everyone.
