TASC, also known as the Texas Association of Student Councils, is one of the most exciting events for high school student council members to attend. This year’s theme at the Leadership Conference was “Able to Lead”, which focused on imparting courage and confidence to lead your school while making a meaningful difference.
“The students brought back a lot of ideas for projects we can implement here at FHS,” said Student Council Sponsor, Rebekka Berryhill. “It was a jam-packed weekend where students learned how to lead and serve. The theme of the conference was "Able to Lead" so the students were encouraged to look at the world around them and see the need and then implement a plan of action to address that need.”
During the conference TASC also celebrates accomplishments, elects officers, hosts leadership sessions, and works through student council issues. This year, the Frenship High School Student Council was recognized for achieving sweepstakes in all project areas for TASC.
Not only did Frenship receive recognition, but the students also played a role in helping elect the State Student Council Officers.
“To elect a new set of state officers, the schools wishing to run must be formally nominated, develop a platform to run on, perform a skit and campaign. Our students got to talk to representatives from all the schools running and then discuss as a council which would be best to represent the entire state. Then five student delegates get to vote for those schools,” said Berryhill.
The Frenship Student Council teamed up with the Plainview Student Council to perform a skit and formally nominate Plainview as one of the state officers.
“A fellow TASC district 5 school, Plainview High, ran for the state office of Secretary with a platform that was against Teenage Drinking and Driving. Plainview allowed our students to be in their skit that was performed in front of the 3,300+ students in attendance. It was very touching to watch our students give up their free time when they could be shopping or hanging out to rehearse the skit and give PHS the encouragement they needed. FHS Student Council President Mia De Los Santos also formally nominated Plainview High School for the office of Secretary which meant she gave a speech in front of all in attendance,” said Berryhill.
The FHS Student Council group participated in table talks where they had the opportunity to hear from other schools and gather ideas for the upcoming school year.
“The students attended table talks where they learned how to host various projects: Our students went to sessions over "Energizing Earth Week," "StuCo Socials," "Energy & Environment Projects," "Senior Activities," "Spartan Games," "Blood Drive Success," "Food Fest - food collection," "Holiday Competitions," "Teddy Bear Picnics," "School Spirit Tournaments," "Husky Thrifting," and "Kindness Week,” said Berryhill.
Student Council Sponsor Michal Morelos shares that the leadership skills that students gain from conferences like these can leave a lasting impact on their lives and futures.
“It is important for students to gain leadership skills because they are truly the leaders of this school. They are the ones that are participating in every event we have,” said Morelos. “They represent this school to our community, and they need to have those leadership skills to do that the best they can. I also believe that leadership skills they gain today will be applicable to them in their future, whether that be in their careers or at home with their family.”
Berryhill echoes that message by explaining how these students are the ones that can make the change in our school and community.
“They have a different viewpoint on what needs are for teens today. My hope is that they learn the skills to positively impact the world and lives of those around them,” said Berryhill.
One of Berryhill’s favorite parts was watching the students interact with other student council groups from Plainview High and Lubbock-Cooper High.
“With Plainview, our students wanted to be their biggest support system and see their dream come to fruition. I think that is a good sign of a leader who will work to see success in someone else. With Lubbock-Cooper constantly being touted as the "cross-town rival,” it was so lovely to see those students' bond over shared experiences and come up with new ideas and ways to serve our district,” said Berryhill. “I was also incredibly lucky to have a new co-sponsor, Michal Morelos, who in our downtime wanted to play leadership games with our council and foster their sense of community more. It was great to see how the whole council interacted together.”
Morelos most enjoyed forming deeper relationships with the FHS Student Council. Having recently stepped up as co-sponsor, he led ice-breaker bonding activities to bring the team closer together.
“We had some downtime in between events, and I chose to have us play some different games. They ended up loving the game called "Electricity.” This allowed me to get to know more of the students and see them be outgoing,” said Morelos.
While at the conference the students had the opportunity to experience the solar eclipse in the 100% line of totality, a memory that they will never forget.
“The conference was held in Arlington, Texas, which was in the 100% viewing line of totality for the Eclipse, so the students got to experience the full blackout on top of the parking garage along with students from Plainview High and Lubbock-Cooper High,” said Berryhill.
The Frenship Student Council group is looking forward to implementing their new ideas and events this upcoming school year.