Advisory Council empowers, grows student leaders
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
When Superintendent Dustin Howard launched his Student Leadership Advisory Council at GRC in 2022, the goal was clear: Create an authentic connection to those living the student experience every day.
From the beginning, the Council was built on trust, dialogue, and the belief that student voice should shape real decisions.
“I wanted have a direct line with students regarding all things related to being a student within our school system,” Howard said.
As the council developed, so did its impact. GRC administrators were integrated into meetings to ensure student perspectives informed decisions, while also helping students better understand how school systems work.
This evolution led to the creation of a structured leadership curriculum within the Superintendent Student Advisory Council that aligns with Portrait of a Clark County Learner.
A key component of this growth has been the 21st-Century Student Leadership training, led by Pastor Mike McCormick.
Designed to help students identify and develop the leadership qualities already within them, the program has become the framework through which the Council operates.
The first part of the curriculum focused on self-leadership with students developing and presenting their own Leadership Blueprint.
“The leadership curriculum helps students self-reflect on their student journey and leadership capacities,” Howard said. “It’s composed of primarily two goals: Growing them individually and growing them to work as a team to solve current issues within the building and the district.”
Beginning in January and continuing through April, the Council has transitioned from reflection to action as students collaborate on real projects that impact their schools and extend into the broader community.
“One of the larger focuses is to lean into our district vision of connecting the district and community as One to grow greatness in our students,” Howard said.
Community mentors play a vital role in bringing that vision to life.
Leaders such as McCormick, Assistant Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer Kelly Fithen, and Centerpoint Health-Winchester CEO Matt Smith, serve as mentors and partners.
"The program provides students with a rare opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, think critically about real-world challenges, and develop confidence in their voice and perspective," Smith said. "I’ve been consistently impressed by the thoughtfulness, curiosity, and maturity the students bring to the table."
Students themselves say the experience has changed the way they see their roles in school.
“The Council has provided me an opportunity to think about the Portrait of a Learner in regard to how it affects all students,” said sophomore Josie Ward. “Going through my day, it has inspired me to use a new lens of an average ‘school day.’ It has given me an initiative to be observant of how I represent my peers.”
She added that the experience has deepened her understanding of leadership and representation.
“I'm gaining inspiration from others on the council who model the Portrait competencies daily and bring fresh ideas to the table," Ms. Ward said.
The impact of the Council was on full display at a recent board meeting, where students presented their leadership projects. Their confidence, thoughtfulness, and maturity reflected the intentional investment being made in their growth.
President Heidi Castle
“Our goal is to support student ideas while strengthening connections through our students, our staff, and the community. The Council provides great leadership opportunities to very diverse groups of our students."
“It has had enormous success of cultivating greatness within our students,” Howard said. "Through the integrated leadership training, students are becoming empowered leaders, resilient learners, effective communicators, reflective innovators, engaged citizens, and committed collaborators.”
What began as Superintendent Howard's desire to listen has grown into a comprehensive leadership experience.
Student voice, intentional development, and community partnership now work together to shape not only stronger schools, but confident, capable leaders prepared to make an impact far beyond the classroom.
Smith, who leads our district's multifaceted hospital partnership, put it best.
"What makes the council especially impactful is that it goes beyond theory," Smith said. "Students learn about the Portrait of a Learner by practicing it — listening to diverse viewpoints, articulating ideas, collaborating with peers, and understanding how their input can influence decisions. The program fosters not only stronger student leaders, but more engaged and self-aware individuals."
A group of Council members shared their Leadership Blueprints with the Board of Education at a recent meeting:
