Times are a-changin'!

Many schools NEVER would have thought a few years ago that homecoming and dance attendance would be an issue in student groups. However, as students like YOU change, so do the trends with councils, chapters, and other leadership groups. A longtime MASC/MAHS member, Midland High School was faced with the same issue in 2011, and decided rather than face the facts--they were going to take matters into their own hands!

According to MHS Student Council adviser, Mrs. Albright, Homecoming attendance in their building had been gradually declining for the past five years hitting an all-time low of 800 of their 1600 students in 2010. At it's peak, more than 1200 of Midland's students participated and enjoyed the homecoming festivities by their elected student council. Their entire council knew that it was a point that was not taken well, and it was hurting the morale of the student body.

At their annual retreat, the council pondered what to do about the goal of increasing participation--something that will ring home to many of you reading this article today. A freshman member of the council suggested a video campaign, but not one that would be like anything that they had seen before.

Guided by Mrs. Albright, and with the support of many staff members, the students were charged with creating a video, but also with specific parameters. Split into groups, the students identified 3-5 of their peers that were known for being respected by others and role models in the community. They vowed to USE those people (and a few willing staff and community members) to drum up support for the 2011 Homecoming festivities.

From there, the creativity flowed! Having a cross-section of students involved helped generate some of the largest buzz that Midland students had seen in their time. More importantly, rhey engaged students from all over the school to make a change for a better school climate.