December 15, 2023
LANCASTER, Texas -- The holiday season is here, and the Lancaster High School/Lancaster Early College High School student council (StuCo) is doing its part to spread joy and cheer throughout the community. Council members have been hard at work collecting donations and volunteering to assist those in need.
StuCo has been giving back since late October to prepare for Thanksgiving. The students collected over 1,600 canned goods for the Best Southwest Canned Food Drive, packed meals with the nonprofit organization Feed My Starving Children, and served meals during H-E-B and Central Market's annual Feast of Sharing.
"We wanted to do something to give back to the community during the holiday season," said senior student council member Holy Igwe. "We know that there are families out there who are struggling, and we wanted to do what we could to help. It's important that young people get out in the community so others can know that we care and want to make a difference. It's our community, too."
LHS StuCo advisor Shon Stinson says community service and involvement are crucial to the success of the student council.
"We have a role to play as a student council," said Stinson. "Being involved gives the students a sense of importance and lets them see firsthand how their actions can affect the world. They feel good about themselves when they give back and can see the value in their work."
Ahead of the December winter holidays, StuCo helped the Lancaster ISD Police Department's toy collection efforts. The department is working on collecting 500 toys for pre-K students across the district. Furthermore, the student council will also support the district's Tiger Toy Drive by wrapping more than 1,000 donated gifts. Before winter break, the Communications Department will deliver the toys to the district's Pre-K, kindergarten, and 1st-grade students.
Each year, the City of Lancaster and the Lancaster Lions Club host an annual Christmas parade for the community. This year, the Lions Club contacted StuCo to decorate their parade float. Stinson says the students jumped at the chance to provide support.
"Decorating the float was a great opportunity for the students," said Stinson. "They brainstormed the float design, chose the materials, spent time decorating it, and brought their vision to life. Seeing them work collaboratively in action was a great feeling."
Senior Na'Torian Solomon says being a student council member and volunteering in local and area communities have made a positive difference in his life.
"I've formed some amazing relationships with my fellow student council members and gained mentors," said Solomon. "I've also learned structure and what it means to hold a position and the responsibility that comes with it. I'm the chair of a StuCo subcommittee, and I've learned it's not just a title; I've stepped up to fulfill my duties. I enjoy being a part of StuCo because we push each other to be better."
Igwe shared similar sentiments.
"I've been in student council for four years and remember being so shy when I first started. I've really opened up and made great friends. One of my favorite things about the council is that it allows me to connect with new people and hear their ideas," said Igwe.
The student council encourages everyone in the community to get involved and give back, no matter how small, to make a big difference in someone's life this holiday season. Their efforts and their impact will surely be felt throughout the community.
"I am incredibly proud to be the student council advisor," said Stinson. "Each student has grown so much this semester, and we still have more to do after winter break. This season of giving is just a small testament to their great accomplishments."
