At Floyd Elementary School, leadership begins early. Through its dedicated Student Council program, fifth-grade students are given a platform to build confidence, promote school spirit, and discover the value of community service. Guided by second-grade teacher Robert Hull and fifth-grade teacher Lauren Koenig, this year’s student council officers—President Emma Tallent, Vice President Callie Johnson, Secretary Ireland Meads, and Treasurer McKenna Nye—have taken their roles seriously, working alongside representatives Kimber Ostrenger and Harrison Long-Yanez to support both their school and community in meaningful ways.
The mission of Floyd’s Student Council is centered on three core goals: promoting school spirit, fostering student leadership, and teaching the importance of service to others. While the officer positions are reserved for fifth-grade students elected by their peers, the council also includes representatives. Eventually, it will expand to include third- and fourth-grade representatives as well, selected by their teachers. For now, this year’s team has focused on setting the standard for what a successful and impactful student council can be.
The election process at Floyd is designed to be both educational and empowering. Each candidate prepared a short speech that was recorded in their classroom, sharing their name, the office they were running for, and why they believed they were a good fit for the role. These speeches, filmed by Ms. Koenig, were broadcast to the entire student body during the morning announcements. Fifth-grade students then voted for their chosen candidates, simulating a real election experience. For many of the candidates, including Callie Johnson, the experience was nerve-wracking. “It was pretty hard because you had to pick a good reason why people would choose you,” she shared. Despite the nerves, the process gave the students an early and valuable lesson in public speaking, confidence, and decision-making.
Once elected, the student council wasted no time getting involved. Their responsibilities include making announcements, assisting with school events, creating posters to promote activities, and leading various fundraisers. “All of us student council members set up fundraisers for the school,” said Ireland Meads. “We make posters and help create fun activities for everyone.” Through these efforts, the council not only helps keep the student body engaged but also strengthens the sense of unity on campus.
Their impact, however, extends far beyond Floyd’s hallways. In November, the student council organized a school-wide food drive to benefit VFW Post 10054. The response was overwhelming, with more than 2,300 food items collected to help restock the local veterans’ pantry. In December, the council partnered with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program and collected over 200 toys to bring joy to children in need during the holidays. These events have left a lasting impression on the students and taught them the value of giving back.
February brought the group’s biggest fundraiser of the year—Valentine Grams. With over 900 sold, the campaign raised more than $1,300. These funds support the Floyd Scholarship Award, an initiative that awards two $500 scholarships to graduating Pahrump Valley High School seniors who once attended Floyd Elementary. Student council officers read the anonymous applications and select the recipients themselves, taking their responsibility seriously. They even present the awards during the high school’s scholarship night, calling the winners to the stage and personally handing them their checks. “It’s a really neat deal,” said Mr. Hull, noting that the moment helps build students’ public speaking skills and gives them a sense of pride in giving back.
While the students were proud of what they accomplished, they also found joy in the journey. When asked about their favorite parts of serving on the council, their answers reflected the diverse rewards of leadership. Callie said she learned to be helpful around school. Emma shared how exciting it was to help with school events and be actively involved in the fun. Harrison said making friends and interacting with classmates was the best part. McKenna admitted she didn’t expect it to be as enjoyable as it turned out to be. Ireland highlighted the fundraisers and the chance to be creative, while Kimber said she especially loved the friendships she formed and the recognition she received from her peers as a result of her service.
Mr. Hull and Ms. Koenig have emphasized the importance of community service in all aspects of the program. Plans are already in place to expand the council’s reach next year with the addition of a nationally recognized fundraiser—Pennies for Patients, which supports childhood leukemia research. “We try to stress community leadership and service,” Hull explained. “Not just at Floyd, but for the wider community and even national causes.”
The students’ efforts didn’t go unnoticed by school and district leadership. In December, they presented the results of their food and toy drives to the Nye County School Board, impressing board members with their initiative and poise. Hull shared that events like these are an opportunity for students to practice public speaking and to develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be involved citizens.
Even in day-to-day school life, the student council members are recognized as role models. Thanks to bright vests provided by Mr. Bailey, the students stand out and are easily identified as leaders. Emma shared how much she enjoys when younger students recognize her and come up to say hello. “It’s really exciting,” she said. “I get to lead the little ones and show them how things are done.”
Although student council opportunities won’t be available again until seventh grade, most of the current members said they hope to continue their involvement in leadership in middle school and beyond. As this year’s group prepares to move on, they leave behind more than just posters and fundraisers—they leave behind a legacy of spirit, service, and example for future students to follow.
