Traverse City? Janet Soave listened as the names of nominees for the Patricia C. Boss Award were read. Her name was among them, but she never thought she would be chosen.
The Brandon High School senior was at the Michigan Association of Student Councils (MASC) state conference. As Brandon’s student council president, she had been nominated for the outstanding leadership award, given to one Michigan senior each year. She heard the announcer start reading things the winner had done, while keeping the name a secret. She recognized deeds, still not believing it was her, until finally, her name was called and she saw her parents and grandparents, who had been hiding, videotaping and photographing the moment.
‘It was really exciting,? said Soave, 18, of the event which took place April 10. ‘I was extremely shocked, it was very unexpected.?
In addition to winning her award, named for woman who was a student council adviser and very involved with the MASC, the Brandon Student Council also won. They were given the Award of Excellence and the Star Award? both of which are given only to councils who have attended a certain number of leadership conferences and done service projects in the community. Tim Pizzala also won an adviser of the year award. Pizzala is head of Brandon’s social studies department and a psychology teacher as well as student council adviser.
As student council president, Soave serves as the liason between Brandon students and administrators, working to make sure ‘everyone is on the same page? in putting on events such as Homecoming, canned food drives for the Ortonville Community Emergency Fund (OCEF) and Toys for Tots. The student council also has spirit competitions to raise morale.
‘The biggest thing I’ve learned is how to work with all types of people,? said Soave, who has been a student council member since fifth grade. ‘Being on the council has taught me communication, leadership, what role you play. It’s helped me grow a lot as a person.?