Photo of the Belleville High School student council seniors doing a student showcase presentation on our annual Craft Show, by Ivana Goff in Feb 2025
How does BHS own student leadership, even at the state level? Belleville High School travels to Grand Rapids to compete with over 90 high schools across the state.
Have you ever wondered who orchestrates the electrifying pep rallies? Who breathes life into Spirit Week? Who creates the unforgettable memories of school dances? The answer lies with the dedicated members of our Student Council, the very heart of BHS student engagement. This year we took our annual trip to Grand Rapids to sweep the competition!
This year, our 36-strong Student Council, a diverse group of representatives from each graduating class, embarked on a journey to Grand Rapids, to the Michigan Association of Student Councils & Honor Societies (MASC/MAHS) State Leadership Conference. This wasn’t just a trip; it was a chance to showcase the exceptional leadership that defines Belleville High School, competing amongst over 90 schools from across the state.
MASC/MAHS operates under the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP), and is a powerhouse of student leadership development. They curate events that celebrate and cultivate the skills that shape future leaders. But more than just conferences, they are a platform for student voices, guided by four directors and a Board of Delegates, composed of 30 select high school students from across Michigan.
Last year, Belleville High School made history. I earned a coveted spot on the Board of Delegates, becoming the first representative from BHS and the only black woman on the board. This opportunity has allowed me to bring back a wealth of knowledge and experience, enriching our Student Council and student leadership at Belleville High School.
Being on the Board of Delegates has been transformative, it’s about more than coming together and planning events; it’s about understanding the power of student voice and creating a culture of leadership. You see how different schools handle different problems, and you learn so much from the other students. Being surrounded by some of the most accomplished and decorated students in the state is truly empowering. Leadership truly is magical. It’s about connecting with people, empowering them, and watching them grow; like seeing a vision come to life, and knowing you played a part.
The magic I am speaking of is the spark that ignites when students collaborate, the sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming challenges, and the lasting impact of positive change. This year, the student council swept the competition, winning regional Michigan Student Voice with Jasiah Rawls, Regional Student Showcase with Kennedie Jefferson, Karla Rivera, and Leia Capers, the STAR School award, and the Quilt Award (the organization’s first-ever DEI award recognized at the Conference created by myself, Ivana Goff, and Jessica Chai with the rest of the Board of Delegates DEI Committee).
To further express the impact of this conference, we spoke with another student council member. “The state conference wasn’t just about competing for awards,” they shared. “It was about learning from other leaders, sharing ideas, and building a network. We saw how diverse student councils can be, and it opened our eyes to new possibilities. It was a powerful reminder that we’re part of something bigger than just our school. It was also so amazing to win so many different categories”
The State Leadership Conference is a stage where the community is in the spotlight. It’s where students discover their ability to inspire, innovate, and lead with passion and purpose. It’s where the “glue” of our student body becomes stronger, more resilient, and more impactful.
As we look towards the future, Belleville High School’s Student Council, fueled by the experiences and insights gained at MASC/MAHS States, is poised to continue its legacy of excellence. We are not just event planners; we are the architects of school spirit, advocates for student voices, and the embodiment of leadership. We are the ones who transform your school experience, and who, in the process, transform ourselves too. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of something like that?
Interested in
Student Council, contact: Felicia Lasenby (Advisor) [email protected] , Connie Testorelli (Advisor) [email protected]