Special to The Leader

Texas teens across the state gained skills in goal setting, team building, problem solving, and project planning though interactive methods at Texas Association of Student Council (TASC) Leadership Workshops.

Sarah Gonzalez, Krystal Lester, John Michael Gonzalez, Payton Bickham, Nicolas Wilson, and Jennifer Ellis represented Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School as delegates to the workshop at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas July 11-15.    During five days of rigorous training and project based learning, they gained the tools and knowledge necessary to improve student council effectiveness in their local school.

“I attended this workshop because I wanted practice my leadership skills while networking with students across the state, and I am excited to be able to be Student Council President this year,” said Payton Bickham.

The workshop theme of “Create, Build, Connect,” encouraged student leaders to work collectively to improve their schools and their communities.

“One of the most important things I learned at workshop is problem solving and conflict management, and I will use these skills at LCM High School,” said Jennifer Ellis.  “I appreciate LCM’s principal, Dr. Terri Estes, allowing us to attend this workshop.  We intend to make full use of everything we learned.

“Our student council members are amazing,” said advisor Stacey Smith.  “They worked hard throughout the workshop and represented LCM extremely well as they worked with student leaders from across the state of Texas.”

TASC is a non-profit serving high school and middle level student councils in Texas. Sponsored by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, its purposes are to develop leadership abilities in students, promote democracy as a way of life, and establish and uphold high standards for local councils.  With over 1,250 member schools, it is the largest student leadership organization in the United States.