Student Council Installation at Sam Houston Elementary

Judge Mike Trejo Conducts Ceremony

Last week the fourth-graders at Sam Houston Elementary School got a real lesson in civics and how government business is handled. This year was special for the students because Judge Mike Trejo conducted the installation of the 2016 Student Council.

The program is very popular with the kids and has been a feature of the school for ten years. Assistant Principal Nora Lamas has been the sponsor since is inception. She explained, “The student council teaches the students about leadership, citizenship and responsibility, along with a heightened school spirit emphasizing team work.“

At Sam Houston Elementary School, the program begins in the first grade and continues through the fourth grade. The elected officers on the council are chosen from third and fourth graders.

Lamas explained that they learn to follow the guidelines of Roberts Rules of Order. The members learn proper parliamentary procedures. They learn to make motions and amendments to motions from the floor during their meetings.”

As part of their training, the individuals take part in community service. “For example,” she said, “September was National Child Obesity month. They gave out apples to fellow students to help them recognize healthy eating habits. October was National Breast Cancer month and the students collected money for medical research. All the money went to the National Cancer Society. During the month of November, the students will be collecting cans of food for needy families in the area. The La Feria Lion’s Club will pick up the donated cans and disperse them to people who need them..“

Lamas added that the Council is theirs. “It’s their council and their meeting, I just supervise, and really, I’m there just to recommend, assist, explain, and guide. The students themselves choose the project for each month.

She added that she is honored to work with the officers and members of the 2016 Sam Houston Elementary Student Council. The officers are: Cierra Garcia, President; Eva Garcia, Vice President; Dora Mendez, Secretary; and Alliana Briones, Treasurer.

Judge Mike Trejo was chosen to conduct the installation ceremony of the Student Council this year. The judge said, “I am truly honored to participate in the swearing-in ceremony of the 2016 Student Council.”

During the ceremony, Judge Trejo stressed the value of a good education to the fourth grade students. “He said, “I congratulate all of you on your accomplishments. They will play a very important roll in your future,” adding, “Learn to lead by example and be a roll model for the other students. Respect your teachers and encourage the other students to do the same.