The Starkville High School Parent Teacher Association (PTA) now includes students, thus becoming the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA).

 “A lot of people have asked me what students could possibly bring to the table,” PTSA President Tamara Gibson said.  “I tell them: enthusiasm, energy, new perspectives to ideas and programs, information regarding students’ interests, concerns, and viewpoints.  We could do so much more through PTSA that would greatly benefit the school.  The only thing left to do is continue to promote their membership and get them interested to join.”

The PTSA will provide students with opportunities to gain skills in leadership, community service, personal growth and decision-making skills.  The students will also help the PTSA put together a toolkit for seniors and their parents.

Some students have already joined PTSA after seeing the PTSA booth set up on Club Recruitment Day.

“I am really excited about joining the PTSA,” junior cheerleader Arolyn Williams said.  “It was only five dollars, and I can already tell after talking to the parents that were at the table that there will a lot of opportunities for me to get involved in my community and put my leadership skills to great use.”

Students are able to join at the cost of $5 and will receive benefits such as equal rights, responsibilities and vote, just as parent members do; official membership in the National PTA; and student awards and scholarships.

“I joined the PTSA because it something that I could really benefit from,” junior vice president Barrett Higginbotham said.  “It feels good to know that I can be a voice for my peers.”

The PTSA will continue to offer membership for students and adults.  For more information, visit shspta.wordpress.com.