Comstock Park — Brielle Gates has found the middle ground when it comes to being a student leader.
The key is not being too bossy, she said, and reaching out to fellow students, particularly those who are struggling.
“I think I use my voice a lot. I make sure everyone is on the same page,” said Brielle, who enjoys helping others.
Being active with Student Leadership has given her more perspective.
Her style obviously resonates with her peers: She is the president-elect of the ninth-grade Student Leadership group for Comstock Park High School.
Lisa Thompson, Student Leadership adviser, said that Brielle is a highly effective student leader who is honest, encouraging, positive and responsible.
“Whenever she has a goal in mind she is able to reach it by inspiring and persuading others to join her,” Thompson said. “She knows what her role is as a student leader and never needs reminders. She just does what needs to be done.”
During her middle school years, Brielle served on the yearbook committee and as a peer-to-peer member of the middle school LINKS program. She served as a student ambassador, helping new middle school students during their first few days of school. She also played four sports: volleyball, basketball, track and softball.
Brielle and about 20 other student leaders met each morning for 20 minutes at Mill Creek Middle School to discuss plans, projects and goals. They organized a movie night and Halloween dance, raised money through a walk-a-thon that benefitted Kids’ Food Basket, and raked leaves for area residents who were unable.
She also helped a student who struggled with math last year, and was gratified to see their grade and sociability improve as a result.
“Math has been a favorite,” she said. “I love learning new things in math.”
Brielle plans to work on her volleyball skills over the summer. Before that, though, it was off to a concert: Her mother surprised her with tickets to see Taylor Swift.
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