The Clark County Superintendent Advisory Council is giving students the opportunity to turn leadership into real action through five, student-led projects that impact both the school and community. These projects allow students to apply the leadership skills they have developed by working together, taking responsibility, and creating visible change throughout our town.

“For the first half of the year, we focused on the students developing themselves as leaders,” said Calvary Christian Church Pastor of Leadership and Connections, Mike McCormick. “Now we are shifting into how we work together as a whole to get things done.”

Service beyond the school is further reflected through the Community Recognition Project, an initiative designed to acknowledge and celebrate businesses and organizations that contribute to the school. Recognition will be at games, pep rallies, and various school events.

“The students are really helping to move the school, district, and community forward in exceptional ways,” said McCormick. “Their leadership and collaboration continue to create positive change and strengthen connections throughout the community.”

Students are not just participating but active leaders who help create meaningful change, showing that student leadership can have a real and lasting impact on both the school and the community. Through the Student Culture Project, students work to improve the school environment by recognizing peers who show positive behavior and strong character, helping build a more welcoming and supportive school climate.

“They help represent the student perspective and highlight the behaviors we want to see more of in our school,” said assistant principal Chad Luhman. “Their involvement helps promote positive role models and encourages a stronger, more supportive school culture.”

The student voice becomes meaningful when it is taken seriously and turned into action, with leadership developing through small, everyday choices that shape the overall culture of the school. The Staff Culture Project focuses on appreciating teachers and staff by building strong relationships through gratitude and respect, as students help plan Teacher Appreciation Week, breakfasts, and gift card giveaways that strengthen the entire school community.

“A lot of times it is administrators who plan appreciation events,” said assistant principal Chelsey Highley. “Bringing students into these events positively influences the dynamic and engagement.”

Students gain meaningful leadership opportunities and learn that appreciation can create a positive impact through projects like the Portrait of a Learner, which recognizes students who represent the six pillars of the Clark County Portrait of a Leaner: Empowered Leader, Resilient Learner, Effective Communicator, Innovative Thinker, Engaged Citizen, and Community Collaborator. Teachers nominate students who demonstrate leadership, perseverance, communication, creativity, community involvement, and teamwork, making these qualities more visible and encouraging others to follow their example.

“The whole idea was to highlight one student each month who fits one of the Portrait of a Learner competencies,” said assistant principal Emily Cook. “We want to ensure these students receive recognition for their positive contributions and behavior.”

Leading by example and taking pride in one’s actions encourages confidence and supports leadership growth among peers. The Display Shelves Project showcases GRC programs, clubs, and achievements through student-decorated displays placed in local businesses and public spaces, strengthening the connection between the school and the community while highlighting student accomplishments.

“We wanted to showcase everything we have at GRC,” said assistant principal Diana Cline. “It’s a great opportunity to let the community see what our students are capable of.”

A sense of pride in the school and its values is strengthened while deeper connections are built between the school and the surrounding community. All five projects are guided by the Superintendent Advisory Council, which provides meaningful responsibility and leadership opportunities as projects are organized and carried out, helping develop responsibility, teamwork, and confidence in leadership abilities.

“Heidi Castle and Paxton Hammonds really help connect everyone and make sure we stay focused and organized,” said principal Justin Arms. “The council gives our students real responsibility and not just a seat at the table.”

Students are trusted with meaningful responsibilities and important decision making roles, allowing them to take ownership of their leadership. Their involvement reflects a strong ability to create meaningful and lasting change within both the school and the wider community..

“What we are really giving students is the opportunity to practice leadership and put it into action,” said superintendent Dustin Howard. “ Not just for our school but the betterment of the Clark County community.”

Student leadership becomes real through action, not just discussion. It brings the school and community together in meaningful and lasting ways.

“This work truly connects the district and the community as one to grow greatness in all of our students,” said Mr Howard. “Go Cards!”