What makes a student “love” going to school?
I know for me it was seeing my friends and favorite teachers, who were—not surprisingly—the advisers and activity sponsors.
Rashaan Davis reflects on the unique role that student activities have in helping students love their school and feel at home in our feature, “Opening the Door of Opportunity.” In his new role as assistant commissioner of the Colorado High School Activities Association, he sees firsthand how activities—including co-curriculars like NHS and National Student Council—go a long way toward creating an inclusive school community.
I also learned a great deal from the education leaders who contributed to our cover feature, “Recalibrating Community Service,” which examines the importance of a service mindset. Community service provides a fantastic opportunity to lead, but as Scott Ganske of Youth Service America says, it’s not about “chasing hours” or making students look good on a college application. It’s about a passion for volunteerism and providing meaningful support.
Chase Hartman’s passion for volunteerism was made all the more fun with a book collection campaign he began with his best friend in the fifth grade! In “A Conversation With Christopher Luis,” the Distinguished Student Leader credits his teachers, advisers, and friends for helping him acclimate to John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore, NY, after immigrating from Italy. My own NHS adviser in high school was the person who helped me with my college applications when my immigrant parents were overwhelmed by the process.
Thank you, advisers, for making your schools a place where students feel at home. And loved.
Yours in leadership,
Nara Lee
Director, Student Leadership
NASSP