At the core of any student council is the opportunity for students to develop leadership skills. Through organizing events, leading meetings, and engaging with peers, students learn to navigate challenges, make decisions, and inspire others. Most recently, the Student Council organized a Food Drive. Led by their advisor, Kathy Wieland, the 23 student council members planned how they could help the Georgia Food Shelf fill their shelves prior to the Holiday season.
Alex Longe, 8th Grade Student Council member
One student council member, Alex Longe, spoke to me about the tasks involved and how they motivated students and the community to help the cause. Alex shared that “We made signs, put boxes in the classrooms and collected and counted the food items every day. We also told kids that whoever (elementary or middle school) collected the most items, that Mr. Emery (Principal) or Mr. St. Peter (8th-grade teacher) would have to wear the opposing football jersey.”
It is well known at GEMS that Mr. Emery is a Steelers fan and Mr. St. Peter is a Eagles fan so the student council thought the competition would help motivate students and staff to support the food drive…and did it ever. The end result was a collection of over 1700 items and $350.00 in monetary donations! And, which group collected the most items? That would be the middle school…by four items.
Student Council members helping Jolly Bates from the Georgia Food Shelf load items.
Steve Emery, Principal & Logan St. Peter, 8th grade teacher
So, Mr. Emery donned an Eagles jersey for a day. Mr. St. Peter later put out a statement of thanks to the Student Council and the Georgia community and said “Regardless of winning or losing, the perspective of the true endgame must be the priority to our community. At this time of Thanksgiving, it is true that the feeling of "giving" is so much more rewarding than the feeling of receiving.”
When asked what he liked most about being a part of Student Council, Alex said “Because there are so many opportunities to get involved and we do things to make our school and community better.” Whether organizing student activities like the school dance, running concessions at school sporting events, or helping at Santa’s breakfast, the Student Council members not only experience the feeling of “giving”, but they help foster the importance of community service in our school community. Kindness, generosity, and collaboration are all qualities to admire in a leader!
GEMS Student Council
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Melissa Fisher
Dean of Students
Georgia Elementary and Middle School