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Kearney Junior High students present council work, highlight inclusion and fundraising
Summary
Student officers at Kearney Junior High described events and initiatives they led this year, saying their goal was to make the school more inclusive and provide leadership experience.
John Gooden, principal at Kearney Junior High School, introduced student council officers at the Kearney School District Board of Education meeting on May 21, 2025.
“We have several great programs,” Gooden said, adding he was in his second year as principal and that the presentation would showcase student activities. Student council president Zoe Pillar told the board the group’s mission is “to make the junior high a more inclusive space for the students here,” and outlined events the council organized, including spirit days, a canned food drive, Winterfest and a “PJs and Popcorn” movie night.
Eighth-grade vice president Henry West described activities used to increase student participation — a spirit-stick competition, a pie-the-teacher fundraiser and other assemblies. Secretary Avery Pickering and eighth-grade secretary Avery Weirich described additional efforts such as expanded library and PE equipment and using the school’s announcement system and band/vocal performances to publicize events.
Eighth-grade president Sophie said student council provides “real world” learning in budgeting, leadership and the application/interview process for officer positions. Samantha Rothfuss, who led the student council officers’ presentation, said officer candidates interview with her and the building principals to explain their qualifications.
The student officers asked for and received the board’s thanks; the presentation closed with the board expressing appreciation for the program and student leadership.
Why it matters: Student council leaders said their activities were intended to increase inclusion, build leadership skills and raise funds for school programs. The presentation served as the board’s regular “school spotlight” item, offering the board and public a chance to hear students’ direct perspectives on extracurricular and civic learning within the district.
