MOUNT VERNON — The student council at Twin Oak Elementary is 42 members strong, and, under the leadership of advisor Theresa Kouba, gives up recess time and works hard to support the school, classmates and the community.
Service projects include Food for the Hungry, Pennies for Patients, Pop Tabs for Damion, and fundraisers for Children’s Hospital and St. Jude’s Hospital. The News visited the student council as members were painting signs to announce a Red Cross blood drive.
Brandon Pauley, grade three, is a first-year council member. He said he wanted to be in student council because he knew there was going to be a Red Cross Blood Drive Week. “I kind of wanted to help,” he said. He also likes being able to participate in the other council activities such as recycling two tons of paper each month and helping escort kindergarten pupils to class.
This is the second student council term for third-grader Katelyn McKinley. She also served on student council when she was in first grade. “To be in student council this year [rather than a classroom election as in the past],” she said, “I had to fill out a form and have an interview. I had to say I was willing to give up recess and if Mrs. K liked what I said I could be on council.
“I felt like I wanted to help the school in a way,” said Katelyn. “And I am willing to give up my recess. I like to take new kids and their families around the school on a tour. I like helping other kids. And we will show other people where to go when they come in for the blood drive.”
Besides the meet and greet activities, Katelyn liked painting the blood drive signs and enjoys helping out in the student council store selling pencils, erasers and other school-related items at or near cost.
The blood drive will be Wednesday from 1 to 7 p.m.
