As Senior Redhawk student officers conclude their high school academic career, we look back at all they’ve contributed to the school and the experiences that shaped their legacy at Westwood.
Senior Officers play a crucial role both at the Castle and in students’ lives. From hosting meetings to running events, Senior Officers are responsible for everything that happens regarding seniors at Westwood.
Experiences in high school can shape someone’s individuality and view of life. In terms of Redhawk senior officers, their participation in school spirit weeks and their willingness to host events such as Senior Sunrise contributed to their characteristics in some form or fashion.
Senior President and FBLA Public Relations Officer Davis Heath expands on her experiences and how they will shape her legacy by stating, “The experiences I have made [at Westwood] changed me as a person and allowed me to formulate my own opinions.”
Heath particularly attributes one organization when expressing their personal development as leaders at the Castle, Student Council. Westwood Student Council has allowed Heath to acquire skills that embody character and leadership.
Heath states that because of Westwood Student Council she “…learned to be a leader and build time management skills.”
Along with leadership skills, Senior Vice President and Beta Club Vice President Kayla Uwagbai advises other Redhawks to learn the skill of self-advocacy. This is a skill Uwagbai and Heath obtained throughout high school and advised others to master.
Uwagbai advises, “If you want to make things happen around campus use your resources and advocate for yourself.”
Much like Heath, Uwagbai also credits the Westwood student council for the many skills she has learned throughout high school. Uwagbai emphasized her view on leadership has changed as a result of being a Senior Officer.
Uwagbai states, “I give a lot of credit to being a Student Council Officer for my ability to be a good leader and student. It has helped me gain perspective and learn empathy as a leader.”
Regarding their legacy, Redhawk Senior Officers see the significance of pouring into the next and upcoming Redhawks to follow them. Although their methods of leaving a legacy may slightly differ, the goal is the same: make a positive impact.
For Uwagbai, building her legacy involves connecting with as many people around the Castle as possible and pouring into other students through mentoring and friendship. Uwagbai is also a part of organizations adjacent to the goals she wishes to accomplish before leaving the Castle.
When speaking on ways Uwagbai will leave a legacy she states, “I am a part of Keepers of the Castle which is a mentor group at Westwood. I mean to me that’s what being a Senior is about pouring into those who are to come after you.”
As President, Heath looks forward to doing her best to contribute to the stability of the school environment. Positivity, school spirit, and community are all aspects of Westwood that Heath wishes to strengthen.
In regards to Heath’s legacy, she states, “I want to focus on strengthening school spirit… which I hope will continue to benefit future generations.”
Additionally, even if Heath is unable to connect to the majority of the Westwood population she states, “If I’ve inspired even a few people, I’ll feel like I’ve left something meaningful behind.”
As the Senior Redhawk Officers reflect on their time in high school, they share the importance of student council and how it has shaped their high school experience. In addition to their acquired skills, Senior officers see value in leaving a legacy worth recognizing.
