Leading by Listening: My Goal as a Student Body President by Reagan

Leading by Listening: My Goal as a Student Body President by Reagan - December 2025 Scholarship Essay

As the current student body president of Richland High School, the number one way I hope to positively impact my school before leaving is by strengthening the sense of community among students. Serving in this role for the past 6 months, which includes the end of last school year, this role has shown me how powerful a connection can be. When students feel they belong, they are more confident, more engaged, and more willing to step into new opportunities. My goal is to build a school environment where every student feels included, supported, and proud to be a part of our royal community.

Because I am already in this position, I have had the chance to hear directly from students and classmates about what they love and what they wish could be improved. One concern I hear often is the lack of school spirit, or students wish they could get involved but don’t know how or where they fit. To directly address this, I want to expand opportunities for meaningful participation by organizing a “Student Connection Week” at the beginning of each semester. We do something similar with our Birdville Center of Technology and Advanced Learning Center; people come from there to show off the different classes you can take. My idea would be something similar, but also very personalized and student-led. We would have booths, demonstrations, and meet-and-greets hosted by clubs, teams, and academic groups, so that students could explore new interests in a welcoming and low-pressure environment. As president, I have seen firsthand how one connection, one club, one event, one moment, can change a student's entire school experience. The event I mentioned previously gave me the opportunity to take classes to learn about the teaching profession. This class changed the course of my high school experience in a very positive way.

Another important part of building community is encouraging open communication between students and leadership. This year, I have worked to make our student council more approachable, but I want to take that a step further. In our next meeting, I want to include a form that students can fill out to share ideas, ask questions, or express concerns. My experience has shown me that sometimes the little things can go unnoticed, and those who might stay back and not speak up need an outlet, which is what this form is for. Students have solutions, creativity, and insight that adults don’t always see, but giving students a consistent way to speak up would build trust and create a stronger, more united campus.

I also believe that small amounts of encouragement can make a big difference. One of my goals is to introduce a “shout out" segment.” My student council creates weekly video announcements that are shown every day to students in their 5th-period class. They watch for updates on sports, senior info, and other important information. They can also listen to birthdays and funny segments put on by members of the council. The shout-out segment could be a place where teachers and students can celebrate acts of kindness, personal achievement, and positive behavior. In my time as president, I have seen how recognition, even something so simple, can boost confidence and inspire others to do the same. A positive school environment can grow fast when we take the time to appreciate the people around us.

Finally, one of the most meaningful parts about being the student body president has been witnessing students step out of their comfort zones. Whether they join the student council, a new club, a sport, volunteer at an event, or even just speak up for the first time, these moments show what our school is capable of when we support each other. My biggest goal is to continue building that supportive environment, so students feel brave enough to grow, try, and lead. I hope to leave my mark on Richland High School, leaving behind students who step up and take on roles I have been given.

In the end, strengthening the sense of community is not just my plan; it is the mission that has guided me through my time as a student body president. By focusing on connection, communication, and kindness, I hope to create a school where every student feels they belong and where everyone has the chance to thrive.