Corps Member Monday: Sculpting Tomorrow’s Leaders through Student Council

by Toya Washington, corps member proudly serving on the JPMorgan Chase Team at Capitol Middle School

When the whole world is silent, even one voice can become powerful.” These words were spoken by 16 year old Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai during her acceptance of Harvard University’s 2013 Humanitarian Award. Yousafzai’s courage to speak out against the injustices in her country is an inspiration to everyone, especially today’s youth. Her words served as the tagline for the 2014 Youth Legislature session that the representatives of Capitol Middle School’s student council had the opportunity to participate in this past week. Youth Legislature is a two-day mock session where students vote on student governor, senator, and debate bills written by their peers. With the support of Diplomas Now and 100 Black Men Capitol Middle’s student council was able to experience the workings of our government system first hand.

Student Billum, 6^th grade representative, said that Youth Legislature has taught him so much about our government system. “I am really excited about participating in Youth Legislature next year and hopefully I can run for an executive position such as senator.” At first the experience seemed a little intimidating however, by that afternoon the students were fully engaged in the session and continuously voiced their opinions on bills. At the closing ceremony all of Capitol Middle’s students were recognized for their outstanding professionalism and civic engagement by being inducted into Youth Legislature’s 2014 Hall of Fame.

 

I have worked very closely with Student Council this year and they have grown near and dear to my heart. I am very thankful to Diplomas Now and 100 Black Men for their help and proud of the work these students have done so far this year.