Seventeen seventh- and eighth-grade students were filled with excitement as the names were read of the new junior high student government officers. Students cheered and waved their hands in celebration of receiving leadership positions. Eighth-graders Zak Kuseske, Derek Orbeck and Christie Nelson were named president, vice president and secretary, respectively. Seventh-grader Andy Mackereth was voted in as treasurer. “It feels pretty good,” Kuseske said about his new title. “I have been involved [in student government] for two years, so I am excited.” Seventh-grader, Mackereth said that he isn’t sure what to expect. “I am new this year,” Mackereth said. Conversely, Nelson is pretty experienced and said that she ran for two positions, president and secretary. She was happy to be chosen. “[As an officer], we have responsibilities and get to interact with our peers,” Nelson said. She mentioned that the officer team is responsible for planning different events throughout the year. The first program they will organize is an activity night Friday, Oct. 3. The event will include movies, games in the gym, volleyball, basketball and karaoke. It is open to all junior high students, seventh- and eighth- graders. “It’s fun because you get to do a lot of neat things and plan for [the events],” Nelson said. Kuseske said that officer positions give students unique opportunities to be role models. “[We] show our personalities, [people see] how we act and how we make decisions.” In addition, student government representatives promote academics and good conduct. For the first time, junior high government will offer incentives to students who promote behavioral skills like having all of their assignments in, and arriving to class on time. Heather Dulas acts as the junior high student government advisor. She said that this is the second year Kimball Area High School has had representation for the younger grades. Last year, the junior high governing body planned Christmastime activities with Santa and candy canes. They also put together a dance and helped with the food drive. She said the experience teaches students leadership skills. “[Student representatives] learn compromise, responsibility and better communication skills with adults and peers,” Dulas said. Student government also promotes camaraderie in the high school. “We get together with some friends and we work with both schools (junior and senior high), we meet the older students and get to know them,” Orbeck said. The students shared that officers also gain respect of other students and teachers for their leadership and service. “Be a leader, not a follower,” Kuseske said.
