2014 Borough Student Government Leadership Conference

More than 120 high school student leaders met September 23, 2014, for a day of learning, elections, and collaboration at the annual borough-wide Student Council Meeting. Student body presidents spoke about issues and highlights at their respective schools, which included a digital initiative focus for Nikolaevsk School, increased student involvement in student council at Nikiski Middle-High and Homer High School, transitions at Soldotna High School in the first year of two local high schools combining into one school, integration of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) at Ninilchik School, and a focus on volunteering and service at Kenai Central High School, among others.

Keynote speaker, borough mayor Mike Navarre, spoke about leadership styles and lessons that he learned through public service explaining, “Over time you can grow into being a good leader. With leadership comes responsibility.” Thanking the students for responding yes to be involved, he said, “You’ve got a lot on your plate. There are an incredible amount of challenges that you can help with, and a lot of issues that are going to be facing us in the next several years. Politics are a little dysfunctional now and polarized. We ought to be looking at working together, doing what’s best for our country and our community.” He concluded, reiterating, “Be sincere, admit and correct your mistakes when you make them, apply lessons learned, share credit, and say thank you.”

Workshops included Volunteering and Leadership Skills with Sal Matero; Get Involved—Making Community a Better Place with Pat Porter, Kenai mayor; Homelessness on the Kenai with Kelly King, KPBSD Students In Transition Program coordinator; and a President’s Meeting. The day concluded with elections for district committees. Congratulations to all the qualified and excellent nominees, and these students who will serve in the 2014-2015 school year:

Elected positions

  • Budget Review Committee: Ali Dusek [Soldotna High School]
  • Calendar Committee: Faeena Martushoff [Voznesenka School]
  • Health Curriculum Committee: Allison Steinbeck [Kenai Central High School] and Taylor Gilmore [Soldotna High School]
  • Instructional Materials Committee: Chloe Kincaid [Soldotna High School]
  • School Board Advisory Representative: Maria Kulikov [Voznesenka School]
  • Wellness Advisory Committee: Olivia Hutchings [Soldotna High School]

“All of us at KPBSD salute our student government leaders who volunteer their time to make their schools a better place,” said Dr. Steve Atwater, superintendent. “The students’ introduction to leadership is invaluable and deserves our continued support.” 

Hosted by Kenai Central High School, event organizers Jesse Settlemyer and Kyla Whannell said, “We are so thankful for our speakers and everyone that helped us make this event happen. We hope the workshops gave students ideas on how they can make their community a better place and how to get more involved.”






















 
 
KPBSD Facebook Logo 2013 SML