Schools celebrate student chiefs and councils

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Student chief and council members from four Strathmore and area schools were honoured in an inauguration ceremony featuring municipal, county and band leaders.
On March 5 at the Strathmore Civic Centre, Golden Hills School Division (GHSD) and Siksika Nation presented student chiefs and councils from Wheatland Elementary School, Wheatland Crossing School, Crowther Memorial Junior High School and Strathmore High School. The students were honoured in an inauguration ceremony featuring an opening prayer, a welcoming address by community partners and a shared meal.
Involvement in education is a stepping-stone for students to become the leaders of tomorrow, said Siksika Chief Ouray Crowfoot.
“We need future leaders like you to continue this education; the junior highs, the high schools, those are each stepping-stones,” he said. “You have to always be growing. Looking around this room, it’s a good feeling to see a packed house because it shows how serious we take education at Siksika, and how much we will support our future leaders.”
The program helps builds relationships within and between communities, said Jeff Grimsdale, GHSD director of learning.
“We’re always trying to be an inclusive school and school system, and these students are phenomenal leaders in school,” he said. “You will see the pride they have for their culture, and they help bridge that gap between us and our neighbours.”
Students involved in the program today could prove to be the leaders of tomorrow, said Laurie Huntley, GHSD board chair.
“I hope that for you, this is just the beginning of your leadership journey, and you will continue to find your purpose and use your voice to help make our schools and our world a better place,” she said.