Student Members
Hold Spring Conference

SDEA Student Program members kicked off their spring conference with Outreach to Teach, a volunteer project at the historic Prairie Village near Madison April 18.

Student  SDEA staff and leadership worked alongside volunteers to help prepare the historic prairie town.  Prairie Village opens for school tours beginning in May and is expecting more than 1,400 students, said Director Stan Rausch.

Members focused much of their attention on a sod home in preparation for its reconstruction but also spent time on other projects throughout the town.

“Volunteering time to a cause like Prairie Village,” said SDEA Student Program President Jessica Callahan, “is especially worthwhile because it is important to take time to help others.”

SDEA’s Outreach to Teach project precedes the NEA’s project by the same name that is held at the Student Leadership Conference in conjunction with the NEA RA.  Student and retired members join forces for a day-long volunteer project, helping restore a school in need of repairs.

“Teaching isn’t just about educating; it is the service to others to help and grow,” said Callahan.  “I think our experience at Prairie Village not only helped them complete tasks before their visitor season, but also to help us all appreciate how important it is to serve our communities.”

At the conference, students heard presentations from SDEA President Sandy Arseneault, NEA Director Mary McCorkle, and SDEA CFO/CIO Paul McCorkle.  They also elected officers for the upcoming school year.

Callahan praised members for attending the conference and gave special thanks to SDEA-SP Secretary Jennifer VanPelt, who will be graduating this May.  She also thanked the DSU chapter for hosting the event.

“I anticipate having a great year with our new officers,” said Callahan.  “I am excited to keep the momentum going with the Student Program and look forward to assisting our chapters throughout the state.”

Pictured from left to right are:  Kari Michel, DSU chapter president; Jennifer Solma, Mt. Marty chapter president; Jennifer VanPelt (DWU), state student program secretary; Jessica Callahan (USD), state student program president; SDEA President Sandy Arseneault, and Stan Rauch, Prairie Village Director.