Jeremiah the bullfrog sits quietly in Jackson Hale's hand as the sixth-grader explains the purpose behind Monmouth-Roseville's Student Advisory Team with characteristic thoughtfulness.

"It's fun because you know that you're helping people out," he says, cradling his amphibian friend while reflecting on the group's community service initiatives.

Around the table, Aubrey Fowler and Esther Nawn nod in agreement. These three students represent a larger group of sixth-graders who have embraced the challenge of making their school—and their community—a better place.

Under the guidance of their advisor Andrea Frieden, the Student Advisory Team has created a remarkable portfolio of service projects that extends far beyond what one might expect from 11-and-12-year-olds.

"So far, what we've done is we've had canned food drives and we donate to the Jamieson Center," explains Aubrey. "We use the kindness gram money as fundraisers."

The Jamieson Center provides support for community members facing financial difficulties, creating what Jackson describes as "a safe place for people to get food" when they're having a rough time. The team's contributions help stock the shelves for those in need.

But their impact doesn't stop at the school's boundaries. They've also supported the local animal shelter and are planning to direct funds to the Roseville pantry.

Inside Central Intermediate School, their presence is equally meaningful. When bus driver appreciation day arrives, they prepare gift baskets and decorations. They've surprised teachers with a "snack cart," knocking on classroom doors with unexpected treats that brighten educators' days. When the school social worker's professional week arrived, they decorated her door and assembled a gift basket to show their gratitude.

Their most ambitious project might be organizing the school dance—the second since Principal Frieden took the helm. With a "Winter Wonderland" theme chosen by student vote, the team handled everything from decorations to refreshments.

"We were planning bougie snacks," Jackson says with a laugh, describing their original vision of "chocolate fountains and charcuterie boards" before settling on more practical options.

When asked about leadership, these young changemakers offer insights that seem beyond their years.

"It's being the bigger person in a situation where you might not always want to be, but you're still doing the right thing," Esther reflects.

Aubrey adds, "Showing people how you should act and all the good things that you should be doing—you can create a path for people to follow."

What's most striking about these students isn't just what they're doing, but why they're doing it. When asked what benefit they personally receive from their service, they struggle to articulate any self-interested motivation.

"It's kind of hard to say," Jackson admits, his focus remaining on how the school has become "a lot happier and safer for some of the students that are coming in and having a rough time."

Esther's thoughts immediately turn to others: "We're making other people feel happy, and maybe we've had an impact on them, and then they can remember that and follow by example."

This selfless perspective provides a glimpse into the character development happening beneath the surface of their projects. As they sort canned goods, organize dances, and deliver kindness grams, these students are simultaneously building the foundation for lifelong values.

Despite their young age, each has already developed aspirations for the future. Aubrey wants to become a hairdresser, finding calm in helping others look their best. Esther hopes to channel her passion for soccer into a career as a sports journalist covering FC Barcelona. Jackson, with his natural social skills and "pretty good math," is considering becoming an accountant or attorney.

Whatever paths they choose, the lessons from their advisory team—compassion, initiative, and the joy of serving others—will undoubtedly shape their journeys far beyond the walls of Central Intermediate School.