Student Leadership

downloadEast High School students are provided with a number of leadership opportunities. A few of these opportunities include student government, Silver Cord, and National Honor Society. At East High, it is an expectation that students graduate with a world awareness and are actively engaged in their school and community. Student leadership activities provide students with this opportunity and the responsibility to actively engage and motive all students to get involved.

National Honor Society
The National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) are the nation’s premier organizations established to recognize outstanding high school and middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NHS and NJHS serve to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character (and Citizenship for NJHS). These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since their beginnings in 1921 and 1929. Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in activities of the NHS and NJHS. NHS and NJHS chapters are found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, many U.S. Territories, and Canada. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.
Silver Cord Achievement
High school students who earn more than 160 service hours by volunteering at school or in their community will receive a silver cord achievement at graduation. Students can begin accruing hours the summer prior to their 9th grade year up until their graduation. All service hours must be verified through the silver cord form. Hard copies of the form can be found in the main office or students may complete this digital form.

For more information on volunteer opportunities, please email Madeline Cano, East’s Community School Coordinator, at madeline.cano@dmschools.org.

Looking for local volunteer opportunities? Check out this database.

Student Government
Student government is an open group of East High students who want to improve school climate and culture through activities and projects. All students are welcome to join the public meetings. Each year the student body elects a cabinet of rising seniors to lead student government the following year; the cabinet is made up of a president, vice president, secretary & treasurer.

Student government lead efforts at East resulting from interests and ideas brought forth by the student body. Those involved in student government learn to organize resources and to work together to accomplish common goals benefiting East High School and the community.

Scarlet Squad
This group of selected juniors and seniors serve as ambassadors to East High School. Squad leaders manage 9th grade orientation, support new students’ transitions to East, provide tours to new staff & future Scarlets, and create a bridge between all elementary and middle schools that feed to East High School. Students who participate in this group will receive their silver cord achievement and gain invaluable leadership skills. Students must apply and be accepted in order to participate. Applications for the following school year open after spring break each year.  To learn more about Scarlet Squad, please email Madeline Cano, East’s Community School Coordinator, at madeline.cano@dmschools.org.
About Brother 2 Brother

Brother 2 Brother was created in 2009 to build on the strengths of our young men of color throughout Des Moines’ middle and high schools.  Brother 2 Brother consists of a matrix of responsibilities and activities surrounding academic achievement, personal development, professional growth, and service learning. Some of these activities include participating in college field trips, study tables, conferences, workshops, and visiting mentors who are men of color.   Advisor Information:

 

Meeting Information:

TBD

Additional Information:

Sisters 4 Success:

About Sisters 4 Success
Sisters 4 Success was created in 2002 to support and build on the strengths of our young women of color throughout Des Moines’ middle and high schools. Our students participate weekly in community building activities, visit college field trips, attend conferences and field trips and listen to guest speakers.

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Additional Information: 

https://www.dmschools.org/community-education-at-dmps/brother-2-brother-sisters-4-success