The second week of the new year at St. Margaret Mary School in Harrisburg ushered in new leadership on September 4 in the form of Student Council officers and class representatives who were inducted during a ceremony after morning Mass.
In front of a gathering of peers, teachers and family members, six officers and ten representatives received their Student Council pins and made promises to serve with faith and integrity, notably within the theme of this school year: act justly, love mercy and walk humbly.
During the induction ceremony, eighth-grade teacher Mary Jo Pronio encouraged all students to support the council members as they lead by example.
“Our purpose is to make St. Margaret Mary School the best it can be. We must continue to build on the good work already in our Church and community by setting examples of our faith and following the examples that Jesus Christ has set for us,” she said.
Student Council officers – Mason, president; Brynlee, vice president; Sheyle, secretary; Novalee, treasurer; Madison, commissioner for religious activities; and Emerson, commissioner for school spirit – spoke with The Witness about their responsibilities, their desire to serve the community at St. Margaret Mary, and their gratitude for attending a Catholic school.
Mason, a former class representative, set his sights on Student Council president at the urging of family members and teachers who “encouraged me to step into leadership because they thought I had the dedication and abilities to do so.”
Sheyle said her prior experience as a classroom representative fostered her talents to serve as secretary. “I saw our previous secretary working, writing and distributing information, and that inspired me to do the same.”
For council officers, it’s ultimately about giving back and inspiring others to live as disciples.
One of the avenues where discipleship is evident is in support of the less fortunate. Last year, St. Margaret Mary School was third among diocesan schools in contributing funds to the missions. Students also contribute to diaper drives, collect food for a local pantry, and donate snack packs for hospital workers.
As treasurer, Novalee wants to increase that sense of stewardship among her fellow students.
“I’m inspired to see how everyone is so willing to help out. Every class always does their best to donate money to the school and to collections. It’s the same with the PTO and the parents who help out a lot,” said Novalee, who is responsible for encouraging monetary donations for the missions and classroom participation in penny wars for support of pro-life efforts.
As president, Mason hopes to see classrooms become more competitive in donations to further their support of the missions.
In her role of promoting school spirit, Emerson is tasked with generating ideas for student participation and making everyone feel welcome.
“I really love my school and the teachers because they are so supportive and kind, so I thought this position would be perfect for me because of my experience here,” she said.
In a homily during the celebration of Mass, Father Leo Goodman, pastor, told students they are all called to different roles and ministries. As such, “we should build one another up. That is the way a family should be. We should nurture one another, care for one another, encourage one another in our service to the Lord.”
Student Council members are living that example.
Madison said the school has sparked her confidence to serve, and that has translated into her second year as religious activities commissioner. In this role, she fosters student participation in prayer by assisting with the liturgy, leading daily prayer and coordinating religious awards to recognize students for living out the virtues.
“My favorite part about St. Margaret Mary School is my teachers because they always seem like they’re helping me. It’s just a really great experience and I want to give that to others,” she said.
“This school is such an amazing place,” Emerson said. “I’m just ready to have a great year here, spend as much time as I can with my teachers and friends, and inspire younger students to lead next.”
Brynlee concurred. “I feel like I can be a really good role model for the school, and I have a desire to help other students, especially to serve those who are younger than me, so we can make this school the best it can be,” she said. “I’ve been at St. Margaret Mary since kindergarten, so I want to leave an imprint on this school and help make it better for everyone.”
(Photos by Jen Reed, The Catholic Witness.)
By Jen Reed, The Catholic Witness
