Gilbert High hosts statewide student council convention

Gilbert High School hosted the Arizona Association of Student Councils State Convention on Jan. 29–31, welcoming about 1,800 students from 137 schools for three days of leadership training, networking and collaboration.

The convention, the association’s largest annual event, highlights student councils and their advisers and provides opportunities for leadership development and the election of a new state board.

Gilbert High’s Student Council program includes 79 students in grades 9–12 who serve as class officers, committee heads and student body officers. Members help organize school events, assemblies and community service projects, with an emphasis on leadership skills, collaboration and student voice.

Hosting the convention followed a two‑year application and presentation process that required Gilbert High to submit detailed plans for logistics, transportation, housing, venue capacity and vendor coordination. The school presented its proposal at the 2024 state convention, where it was selected in a statewide vote.

“This has been an immense sense of pride,” Student Council adviser Kenya Corrigan said. “Our students led this process from the very beginning — developing the vision, coordinating logistics, securing approvals and planning every detail. Even with two years of preparation, there were challenges we could have never anticipated, and the students handled everything flawlessly.”

Students from Gilbert High took the lead in all aspects of the event, including emceeing general sessions, coordinating hospitality, managing logistics and supporting performances, decorations and student activities. The convention brought nearly 2,000 visitors to a campus that serves more than 2,200 students.

“Planning something this big taught us how to manage people, solve problems quickly and support each other when things didn’t go as planned,” Senior Class Vice President Landon Hendrickson said.

ASB President Holli Fox said the experience came with challenges but also proved rewarding.

“Not everything went perfectly, but our team adjusted, problem‑solved and finished strong,” she said.

Students credited International Baccalaureate coursework with strengthening their leadership and critical‑thinking skills.

“IB classes teach you to think critically and understand why you’re doing the work,” Student Body Historian and IB English student Jaxsen Thompson said. “That mindset transfers directly into leadership.”

Support from other district schools and the town of Gilbert also contributed to the event’s success. Volunteers from Campo Verde, Desert Ridge, Highland and Mesquite high schools helped with decorations, logistics and clean‑up.

Visitors also took part in performances, showcases and activities highlighting the Gilbert community.

“This truly was a family effort,” Corrigan said. “Everyone bought into the vision.”

Throughout their planning, Gilbert High’s Student Council continued its regular work in service to the school and community. The group was named an Outstanding Council of Distinction for the fourth consecutive year.

By hosting the statewide convention, school leaders said Gilbert High demonstrated how academics, student leadership and community partnerships help prepare students for success beyond high school.