Tech High School is known for its tradition of excellence whether it’s through academics, activities or athletics. In addition is student commitment to the community. For example, Tech’s National Honor Society (NHS) created a think tank over the summer months to generate new ideas for engaging Tech and the St. Cloud greater community.
NHS President Ashley Tarrolly and Vice President Spencer Gustin have taken a new approach in their leadership of the group. They’ve created a coalition with Tech’s Student Council and other group leaders. They call it the Leadership Council under the advisement of language arts teacher Beth Fenstad.
“The kids this year leading National Honor Society are just amazing!” says Fenstad. “They’ve really come up with a lot of ideas.”
“At Tech, it’s always been Student Council does their own thing and National Honor Society does their own thing,” says Gustin. “For some reason, these student-led groups, they don’t really communicate or work together. They’re both trying to do fundraisers at the same time, or they’re both trying to do a clothing drive. What we wanted to emphasize this summer was ‘How can we work with the other student groups to cover what really needs to get covered?’”
With the help of the new administrative team at Tech, the Leadership Council crafted some directives. One of the projects was a student-produced health and safety protocol video.
“We looked at what admin wants us to work on and what we wanted to work on,” shares Gustin. “This year, with all the mask requirements and social distancing, the last thing the average kid wants to do is listen to their admin team.”
Tarrolly, who is also on Student Council, adds, “We [Leadership Council] collectively decided to work together. When we had this video idea, we asked other students to get involved … We asked Student Council and HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). It’s really helpful to have that leadership team. It’s where we meet and put all of our ideas together.”
The video includes students from each group. HOSA filmed how to properly wear a mask, hand sanitize and follow other health protocols. NHS focused on social distancing and being conscious of others, while Student Council focused on the in-person learning and distance learning aspects of school.
“There is some humor in there [the video],” laughs Tarrolly. “We are trying to keep the attention of students. We’re trying to keep it really interactive. The video turned out cool! We are super excited to show it to the ninth-graders on orientation day. Then we can also show it to the whole school.”
Tarrolly has a document listing all the things she’s wanted to start at Tech. Now, with the collaboration between these student groups, she sees the Leadership Council as a way for her to-do list to become reality. One of those ideas is Random Acts of Kindness (RAK). She views this idea as a way to “lighten the mood” at Tech. Tarrolly wants groups to take initiative and surprise students in school with acts of kindness. She admits she doesn’t know exactly what it will look like yet.
Gustin and Tarrolly have a few other ideas up their sleeves that they’re not willing to share quite yet.
“We meet once to twice a month right now,” says Tarrolly. “Both Spencer and I are dedicated to this school. We’re just doing as much as we can, and that’s why it’s helpful to have the leadership team because we’re always in contact with admin. Whatever request they do, we’re on it. We really want this year to be a fun year. It’s going to be what we make it. COVID or no COVID, we really want to bring the energy level up and bring that sense of community back. We miss it.”
NHS still plans on annual events such as their blood drive and clothing drive or walks to fundraise for non-profits and charities. Students also annually volunteer for United Way, Tri-County Humane Society and the American Red Cross. They are currently writing cards for Meals on Wheels recipients to help brighten their day and create meaningful connections. As school approaches, NHS wants to find more community service or volunteer opportunities–all with health and safety protocols in mind.
“We’re struggling to find community fundraisers [due to COVID],” says Gustin. “The emphasis with NHS is that you always want to help in your community. Last year we had a tutor center. But this year, it’s more ‘How do we have a bigger impact?’”
Tarrolly and Gustin aim to establish the Leadership Council as a permanent team for Tech. They hope the sense of community they create this year will continue to grow in years to come, all the while adding community service as a pillar to Tech’s tradition of excellence.
As Gustin so aptly puts it, “We just want to make a difference.”
If you are a community organization who is looking for volunteers, Tech’s National Honor Society would love to hear from you! Contact Beth Fenstad at beth.fenstad@isd742.org.
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