“People can look to us for help, and we’re there for them,” shared Karson Lane, a 6th grade Pride Pack member at Discovery Intermediate School. Students at Discovery are surrounded by positive influence and leadership each day. From Mr. Funk, their Principal, leading morning announcements, to their teachers guiding them through lessons and activities, 5th and 6th graders alike get to see leadership in action daily. One way the student population can participate is through their student council (STUCO), affectionately known as the “Pride Pack” at Discovery.
This group of student leaders is composed of both 5th and 6th grade students, and they do all kinds of activities to help their school. “It feels like a community,” said Londyn Biering, another Pride Pack member. Whether it’s leading the pledge of allegiance at Board of Education meetings, hosting breakfast events honoring veterans and first responders, or awarding students at Discovery with the ‘Difference Maker’ award, these school ambassadors are always showing up with smiles and a ‘service over self’ mentality.
“My favorite part is watching everyone, staff and students, come together to help,” explained Pride Pack member Liliana Martens. The group reflected on some events that they’ve helped plan, and everyone agreed that getting together and helping others was what made it the most rewarding. The Pride Pack works hard to make ideas a reality, host events and encourage those around them to contribute to the positive culture of their school. Martens added with a smile, “It provides structure and brings out the best in everyone.”
Erin Sweetwood (Reading Specialist) and Heather Allen (6th Grade Teacher) are Discovery’s staff sponsors for Pride Pack. Sweetwood expressed her admiration and appreciation for the students involved, “From learning to leading. They always come in ready to work and serve others. Watching all the amazing things that they do, applying skills and action to the lessons they’ve learned here at Discovery, it’s inspiring.”