Through school student councils, students can practice public service for their communities, and at St. Viator Parish School in Las Vegas, it’s also a path for faith leadership formation.
Sofia (left) and Raquel (right) ready their campaign signs on campus last year.
In addition to elected offices such as Student Body President, filled by an 8th grader, student government also includes elected 7th graders serving as commissioners. In this Catholic, Viatorian school, one 7th grader is elected as Commissioner for Religious Affairs.
Currently, the President is 8th grader Raquel Burkhead, and she served in this commissioner role last year. “I think it’s important to be able to pray at meetings and deepen our faith – to remind us that we are at a Catholic school and that God is our number one priority,” Raquel said.
Her successor in the role is 7th grader Sofia Burkhead – her younger sister. “I think it’s important, as a school community, to grow in our faith together and always be connected to God,” Sofia said. “And I think having this religious position, like Raquel said, helps us learn more about God.”
One key responsibility for this commissioner is leading prayers each Wednesday morning for the school, drawing on a special theme or observing a feast or holy day. It’s something Principal Dr. Katie Kiss and club moderator and social studies teacher Ms. Karen Garner wanted a student-leader to take charge of. “It’s just become an automatic part of the role. We know that these student-leaders have it handled,” Katie said, affirming Raquel and others who set this precedent. “They don’t even need us to find them in the church and say it’s time to get up in front of the whole student body. They just know when to do it. I appreciate that, and Sofia is doing a fabulous job in the role.”
Raquel believes faith leadership has been good preparation for serving as president. “It was helpful to grow my confidence in going up and speaking in front of the entire school. Being student body president requires a lot of speaking in front of people,” Raquel said. “I don’t have any nerves because I’m just so used to it. I just love being in front of the school, sharing my faith, and learning by doing what I love.”
One particularly proud supporter is a former public official and current educational leader – these students’ mom, Lisa Burkhead. A longtime teacher and educational leader, Lisa was Lieutenant Governor of Nevada before now serving as President of Cristo Rey St. Viator College Prep, and the Burkheads are longtime parishioners at St. Viator. “It’s an incredible privilege to watch Raquel and Sofia grow in their faith and grow closer to God. It’s inspiring to see them living out the values they have been taught at home and at St. Viator,” Lisa said. “Their kindness, compassion, and willingness to lead by example are all values rooted in our Catholic beliefs.”
Lisa gets a quick hug in at a school event in the gym.
Forming young people for servant-leadership is about both today and the future, and these young women want to keep serving. Raquel is heading to Bishop Gorman High School next year and plans to get involved in student government; Sofia is striving to serve well in her commission but acknowledges this experience is seeding her next idea, too. “I think it’s helpful that Raquel always helps guide me, and I think religious affairs is a really good position to help with like leadership skills. So, it prepares you,” Sofia said.
“Their involvement not only strengthens their own relationship with God but also helps build a stronger, faith-filled community around them,” Lisa added. “As a parent and educational leader, nothing brings me more joy than seeing them lead with both confidence and a caring heart, guided by their faith.”
So does Sofia plan to run for president next year? “Yes,” she said.