Photo Courtesy of Abilene Schools

Abilene Middle School’s Student Leadership Program is celebrating its 11th year, continuing to give students meaningful, hands-on experience in leadership, responsibility, and community service.

School counselor Jenny Wilkins said the voluntary program allows students to apply for leadership teams each semester, teaching real-world skills such as meeting deadlines, following directions, and accountability. Teams meet every other week and focus on collaboration, communication, respectful problem-solving, and practical life skills.

Current leadership options reflect a wide range of interests, including art, books, positivity, teacher appreciation, animal welfare, and community outreach. This fall, students completed projects such as promoting reading, delivering hot chocolate to teachers, supporting local animal organizations, and visiting residents at Village Manor.

Wilkins emphasized the program is student-led, with participants developing and carrying out their own ideas. Interest remains strong, with 70–75 percent of students applying. New robotics and agriculture leadership teams were added this spring.