By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Jose Arias, Student Family Advocate at Lincoln Elementary School in Great Bend, was charged with revitalizing the grade school’s student council (STUCO).
At Wednesday’s USD 428 Board of Education luncheon, Arias mentioned he
wanted to find ways to put the students into positions to build and
recognize their leadership abilities.
"The practice starts now with them," said Arias. "I think if they're able to use their communication skills better and feel comfortable doing it, it allows them to feel really comfortable in their own skin. I want them to feel good out in public, with an adult, representing Lincoln."
Lincoln’s STUCO consists of 20 students from 5th and 6th
grade. Arias noted there were 45 applicants that were interested in the club this year.
Lincoln Principal Misty Straub said Arias has worked hard to find events and
opportunities to showcase the students' leadership skills.
"It's something beyond just this is STUCO, and we raise money to have fun things," said Straub. "It's beyond that. It gets into community service and developing leadership skills. It grows them into readiness skills that will place them in a good position once they get into middle school and high school."
Students interested in being a part of STUCO had to fill out an application, get
two teacher recommendations and perform well in a three-person roundtable
interview.