The members of the BBE Student Council went through an extensive application and election process. Along with the application and review of the student handbook, interested students prepare a short speech explaining why they want to join, what leadership qualities they possess, and their ideas on improving their school. Their speeches are recorded and then third through fifth-grade students vote on their student council members. 

According to their sponsor, Melissa Putnam, “Throughout the year, our student council members take part in many projects that help make Burden a better place.  They lead the recycling program, mentor younger students, assist with Kindergarten Rodeo Day and Field Day events, and participate in reading activities with younger students.” Last month, they focused on anti-bullying videos and selling boo-grams; blow pops wrapped in tissue to resemble ghosts, as a fundraiser.

During the holiday season, they become “Christmas Elves,” helping teachers with various classroom tasks during that busy time of year. In addition, they help organize and run the BBE annual Blanket Drive—collecting, tallying, and delivering donations to Operation Liberty Hill and Hope House.

Let’s meet a few of these impressive council members:

President, Berkeley Parsons

Berkley is a fifth grader who moved to Liberty Hill during kindergarten. She loves that everyone at Burden treats each other the same and loves being part of the safety patrol. She joined the BBE Student Council to be more involved in her school as a helper and a leader. She is most excited to work on the anti-bullying video and teach kids how to handle bullies. She loves her science class and Chick-fil-A.

Vice-President, Zoey Base

Zoey is also in fifth grade and has spent all six years at BBE. She loves her school because the teachers are nice and they are fair. She wanted to be part of the student council to make sure kids are safe. She loves helping with the little kids and wants to be a good friend to all. She said, “Even when we are struggling, we can still be nice.” Math is her favorite subject and she’s a big fan of mac and cheese.

Evie Thorpe, Historian

Evie is a fifth grader at BBE who moved to Liberty Hill two years ago. She loves BBE because the teachers do a good job making learning fun, she loves her friends and said, “The playground is really good.” Evie joined the student council because she loves helping out and she wants to make her school a better place. She also is excited to do fun things like skits, boo-grams, and helping read to younger students. She likes her music class and she loves California rolls with a little wasabi and soy sauce.

Millie Hall, Member

Millie is also a fifth grader who has been at BBE since third grade. She joined the student council to become a better leader and be more prepared for middle school. She loves her teachers and Principal Gamez who is just “awesome”, according to Millie. She is excited to start the blanket drive this winter and already has her eyes set on beating the total blankets collected last year. She can’t wait to be at the middle school next year with her mom who is a teacher. 

Johnny Madison, Member

Johnny is in fifth grade and has been at BBE for five years. He loves his school because the teachers are smart and his friends go to BBE. He likes science and a big cheeseburger from Chili’s! He is looking ahead and “joined student council for the college scholarship” opportunities. This year, he looks forward to being part of the events – storybook parade, Thanksgiving lunch and the Christmas party. 

These amazing students are led by Principal Christina Gamez and represent the LHISD Profile of a Champion Model. “This dedicated group leads with compassion, mentoring younger students, supporting school events, and helping our campus stay green through ‘The Green Team.’ They are effective collaborators who use adaptable thinking and serve as determined problem solvers while organizing projects,” said Gamez. “As skilled communicators, they share announcements and present to the entire student body, inspiring others through their words and actions. These remarkable students truly represent the heart of leadership at BBE!”

Great job Berkeley, Zoey, Evie, Millie, Johnny and all of the BBE Student Council members! Keep up the good work.