Leadership Opportunities Build Skills and Interesting College Profiles
Many St. Francis High School students develop their leadership abilities by participating in four major Leadership Teams on campus. These groups organize some of the most foundational and popular school functions, events, and fundraisers. There’s real work to be done, and because students earn so much valuable experience, their participation also adds interest to their college applications senior year. Students may participate as member leaders and also apply to be executive leaders within the teams. The size of SFHS allows students to dig deep and discover many facets of their leadership skills and talents. Here is an overview of the four major Leadership Teams at St. Francis High School:
• National Honor Society (NHS): Students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. The selected participants of St. Francis High School’s Chapter participate in school service, peer tutoring, and community service.
Student Coco R., ’24, NHS Officer: “One of the main reasons I wanted to join NHS was due to my interest in the National Honor Society pillars – Service, Character, Scholarship, and Leadership – and I wanted to be proficient in each of the areas. NHS facilitates development in each area not only through required service hours/meetings but also through the standards the moderators and group hold us to at St. Francis. This year, we developed and executed a personal project. I chose to collect dance costumes for young dancers. I liked the opportunity because it leaned into our passions and allowed us to do for others. Another NHS highlight as a leader/officer was the Rise Up Conference for 8th graders. We formed workshops and interacted with the 8th graders. Not only did it hone my leadership skills, but the experience also allowed me to help others to lead.”
• Student Ambassador Leadership Team (SALT): Dedicated to serving and representing St. Francis High School, SALT members serve as school liaisons, spokespersons, and advocates. They develop leadership skills by working with administration, faculty, students, and the Admissions Office to promote the mission of St. Francis High School.
Student Charlotte O., ’24, SALT Executive Board Member: “I joined SALT because I had a good experience when I shadowed. I wanted to be just like the girl that hosted me and make others feel as welcome as I felt. SALT has provided me with skills to help me feel prepared for college and life. It’s improved my social skills, especially how to talk to different people (students, parents, neighbors). I also love how SALT allowed me to form new relationships with prospective families to current students. Also, I feel a lot more confident with public speaking. Plus, I’ve learned skills in how to better relate to others; especially understanding everyone has different interests.”
• Student Government: Plans school functions, fundraisers, popular events, and dances, discusses life at St. Francis High School, and considers ways elected officers can make each year better for the SFHS student body. Students of all interests can develop strong leadership skills through involvement as well as a deeper sense of peer responsibility. In addition, Student Government members are liaisons between the student body and school administration.
Student Eddie C., ’24, Student Government President: “Some of the amazing things about Student Government is planning events and making a positive difference in the school. I like working with people who want to make a difference and building relationships. The great thing about being in Student Government and why people should join is that you get behind-the-scenes experience in event planning and relationships. I’ve met friends and connected with other people all four years in different classes at St. Francis. It’s a great opportunity to get involved!”
•Student Ministry Team (SMT): Student Ministry Team members are committed to walking with Christ and living according to the example of our patron Saint Francis by loving God and loving others. The Student Ministry Team helps to prepare retreats, lead spiritual activities, and provide opportunities for faith growth for the entire student body. SMT members learn skills to help them lead others in their spiritual formation.
Student Ava Babula ‘26: “I had a transformative religious experience in 7th grade with teacher Ms. Lavin, who inspired me to take my Catholic faith seriously and be the person that God had planned for me. I learned to let go of my plan and follow God’s plan. Therefore, was very interested in ministry opportunities at St. Francis. There are three different focuses of SMT – service, retreats, and formation. I wanted to join the service group because I wanted to be the role model that Ms. Lavin was to me. I enjoy helping students fulfill their service hours and foster lifelong service. SMT is a wonderful community to serve and be served with wisdom and love, and spread faith and joy to other people.”
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