Gettysburg Area student leaders describe spirit initiatives and peer-welcoming program

Mr. Lusk introduced a high‑school presentation at the Gettysburg Area School District board meeting, thanking outgoing board members and introducing school leaders before turning the floor over to student leaders and family navigators.

Student‑council co‑presidents Maylani Johnson and Lily Morris described efforts to boost school spirit through weekly football themes, senior sunrise and homecoming events, and expanded online ticketing. They said student council helped with freshman orientation and parent‑teacher events to ease navigation for families and to increase student engagement.

Student leaders also reported operational initiatives: a second grab‑and‑go breakfast location that is ‘‘selling out almost every morning’’ and a food‑menu Instagram to publish daily breakfast and lunch menus; partnerships with clubs such as Mini‑THON; and two blood drives this year with a scholarship attached to the organizer role.

Family navigators Tara Zimmerman and Rachel Hasty introduced the Warrior Ambassadors, a volunteer student group created to welcome new students, provide tours, assign lunch buddies and support attendance and belonging. Zimmerman said the program developed to supplement counseling capacity and that ambassadors meet roughly one to two times per month to run ‘‘Wellness Wednesdays’’ and other activities intended to spread kindness and ease transitions for newcomers.

Student officers gave operational details: the program assigns multiple ambassadors per new student (tour, lunch, ARC/support) and uses visible lanyards so students in need can find help. A recently recruited student testified that the program eased their transition into Gettysburg Area High School by providing tours, introductions and social connections.

The presentation concluded with thanks from district staff and a note that students will return to update the board on future initiatives.