Fifteen Queensbury Middle School students became Student Ambassadors during an induction ceremony the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 24.
Ambassadors seek to create a culture of positive character and kindness within the school community. The leadership team represents the school community at district events and community functions.
“After being recognized and nominated by their teachers as true middle school leaders, they have been entrusted to become lifelong learners in the area of academics, relationship building and communication,” said Rebecca Sayles, school counselor. “They represent the Queensbury community with confidence and enthusiasm and, most importantly, Spartan P.R.I.D.E.”
The 15 students inducted will join the current 15 members of the QMS Student Ambassadors Leadership Team.
Queensbury High School junior Ryan Greenstein, who was president of the first Ambassadors cohort in 2021, called the students the “cream of the crop.”
"Leaders need to be respectful, empathetic and decisive when they communicate,” he said. “Finally, leaders need to possess integrity.”
QHS National Honor Society President Jaonie Quema told the students that they cannot be leaders without being a friend first.
“You cannot lead without thinking of yourself as an integral part of your community,” she said. “It is important that you reach out, you talk and, most importantly, you listen. You must remain a reliable peer while working toward creating a more cohesive and bonded circle of students.”
Queensbury Middle School Principal Nick McPartland thanked Sayles and Amy Van Vranken for leading the Ambassadors and pushing the students to accept leadership roles. McPartland said the Ambassadors embody Spartan P.R.I.D.E. by being present and maintaining a growth mindset.
“What I appreciate about all these students is they don’t turn it on and off. The switch is on permanently with them,” McPartland said. “And it’s very easy to find them doing or embodying leadership-like qualities every single day, and that’s what I really enjoy about these Ambassadors. They really are the glue of our building, and that’s what leadership is about.”