By Victor Dixon, Editor-in-Chief
The Student Government Association’s vice president is working on a new program intended to build a stronger relationship with students at the high school level by helping them grow as leaders.
The proposed program, developed by SGA vice president Gabe Trevino, junior, would invite student council members at local high schools to come to Newman and further develop their skills with help from SGA members.
Trevino said he sees the program as a way to make private college seem more attainable to high school students and to help grow Newman’s enrollment with a diversified population.
“I myself was scared as a USD 259 graduate applying to Newman,” Trevino said. “As a high school student, there’s such a big stigma when it comes to public and private, and I want to beat that so bad.”
His hope is that the program will operate similarly to Newman’s Investigative Summer STEM Program, which allows high school students to earn college credit and brings more activity to campus over the summer.
The proposal would need approval from SGA senators and from Dean of Students Dr. Andi Giesen to become a reality. Trevino said that, if the program is approved, SGA may add a new outreach committee to oversee it.
The proposal has been in progress since last semester. Trevino has consulted with several Newman staff and faculty members to clarify the proposal’s wording, purpose and goals, including Giesen, Kristi Edwards and Dr. Audrey Hane.
“I am just celebrating that Gabe is willing to take a risk and make progress on something that he’s passionate about,” Hane said. “I would encourage all students to try to develop those leadership skills while they’re here at Newman.”
PHOTO: Dannicka McGrath, Photo Editor
