In Knoxville Junior High, Student Council is no ordinary club; it’s a proving ground for leadership, responsibility, and a healthy dose of creativity. Eighth-grade leaders Ellie Brignall, Avery McClay, and Aubrey Jones aren’t just showing up early every Wednesday morning for student council—they’re showing their community what the next generation of leaders looks like.

Under the guidance of Principal Matt Maaske and advisor Mrs. McGuire, Knoxville’s student council has transformed into a dynamic force for positive change, empowering students as young as fifth grade to get involved, make decisions, and organize activities that boost school spirit and support their community. With nearly 30% of the student body engaged in council activities, the program reflects a powerful commitment to inclusion and active citizenship.

The council officers—President Avery McClay, Vice President Ellie Brignall, and Secretary Aubrey Jones—were elected by their peers, who clearly saw something special in their ability to lead. “We’re here to help organize spirit weeks, pep assemblies, fundraisers, and even manage food drives,” explains Avery, who shoulders her role with quiet confidence. It’s a job that requires coordination, accountability, and a little bit of showmanship. Avery’s voice is the one that starts each school day, reading the Pledge of Allegiance and announcements over the intercom—a daily reminder to her peers that the student council is here to make a difference.

Principal Maaske is quick to commend his students for their dedication. “They’re underselling it a little,” he says, beaming with pride. “Our student council doesn’t just organize events; they run them. I might introduce assemblies and close them out, but everything in between? That’s all them.” From planning the daily themes for spirit weeks to selling concessions at basketball games, the student council officers take the reins and get things done, proving they can handle responsibility beyond what most would expect of middle school students.

For Avery, Ellie, and Aubrey, student council is only part of their bustling lives. These young leaders juggle academics, sports, and extracurriculars with impressive poise. Avery balances basketball, volleyball, track, and scholastic bowl alongside her presidential duties. Ellie, who also plays school and club volleyball and takes dance classes, manages her role with the finesse of someone who has spent ten years in dance studios. Aubrey, a cross-country, track, and softball prodigy, brings her competitive spirit to council meetings, knowing that every project is a chance to strengthen her leadership skills.

What makes Knoxville special, according to these students, is the community—a place where everyone knows each other and is willing to lend a hand. “There’s comfort in familiarity,” says Aubrey, acknowledging that the small-town vibe brings people closer together. But in a town where “everybody knows everybody,” the student council is learning that leadership means being someone people can count on and look up to.

Being in student council isn’t just about titles and responsibilities; it’s about laying the groundwork for future leaders. In the spring, members of the Knoxville student council will head to Springfield, where they’ll meet student council representatives from all over Illinois. This gathering is a chance to share ideas, learn from others, and bring fresh inspiration back to Knoxville. “We get to see what other schools are doing, and we get to share our own ideas,” explains Ellie. “It’s a big leadership moment for us.”

The students view leadership as a blend of dependability, confidence, and empathy. “To me, leadership is about being someone people can count on,” says Ellie, her voice steady. Avery agrees, adding, “You have to have the drive to do better for yourself and others.” For Aubrey, leadership means setting a good example and showing others “how fun it is to do the right things.”

The student council’s efforts are already shaping the culture of Knoxville Junior High, reinforcing the values of kindness, responsibility, and ambition. Spirit weeks keep morale high, while food drives and other charitable events instill a sense of duty to help others. These initiatives are not only making school a more vibrant place but also teaching students that they have the power to influence their environment positively.

With students like Avery, Ellie, and Aubrey taking charge, Knoxville’s future looks bright. These student council officers aren’t just organizing events—they’re learning how to lead, inspire, and make a real difference in our community and, ultimately, in our world.