Roles Put Students at Head of the Class

Joo Lee Song leaned back in her chair, staring down at the table in front of her, deep in thought.

She never responds to a question without thinking hard about the answer and the consequences that may follow.

This time, the co-president of the Millikan Middle School Parent-Teacher-Student Assn. had been asked how her first year in office had been going, and whether the school had been receptive to her ideas.

After a brief silence, she looked up. “I’d have to say it’s been a great year. We’re doing a lot for the school. I’m proud of our work.”

Although Joo Lee Song is only 12, her words should not be dismissed as the blind optimism of youth.

She and three other student officers, who represent a majority vote in the Millikan PTSA, are helping to change the way middle school students are perceived.

The four are believed to be the youngest to ever serve on the board of a California school’s PTSA, according to a spokeswoman at the State Parent-Teacher Assn.

The other students elected to the board last July are Krissie Hagen, Karine Brown and Brittany Rogers. Karine became first vice president in charge of ways and means; Krissie, second vice president in charge of membership, and Brittany, secretary.

During their tenure, the four have overseen numerous special events, worked to increase student enrollment and helped other PTSA members and administrators better understand the students.

“They have been so professional, probably more so than most of the adults I’ve served with,” said Linda McManus, co-president. “I think the biggest thing is that everyone takes them very seriously, and because of that, a lot of myths about [kids] are being dispelled. These kids want to work hard to make their school a better place, and they’re doing a great job.”

The students had been encouraged to run by Howard Cahn, who teaches a class on leadership.

Now, months later, they are voting on thousand-dollar expenditures, trying to raise money through special events such as carnivals, and working on the day-to-day business that goes with the office.

“Sometimes it gets a little slow, but for the most part it’s very exciting,” said Krissie Hagen.

“I’m definitely glad we did it,” Joo Lee Song said. “I think we work well together, and the students are responding to us.”