TORCH stands for Togetherness, Open-mindedness, Respect, Compassion, and Heart. These truly are the values that emanate from our middle school student governance model. TORCH develops individual leadership skills, and it experientially teaches all students how to be engaged, responsible participants in vitally important processes. Collaboration, communication, critical thinking, creativity and character are all fostered when students come together in a room to make a decision.

Each year, students select their own leaders by consensus, with emphasis on the qualities that best fit each role. 8th grade clerks and 7th grade co-clerks lead meetings for the full middle school, and class representatives lead meetings for their own classes. TORCH representatives collect student input about school policies, initiatives, and programs. Past TORCH items range from selecting the school mascot (Go Hawks!) to gathering feedback about yearly transitions and trips. 

Giving students a voice and a pathway to exhibit their natural leadership is remarkably empowering. TORCH benefits students in their individual growth and it strengthens and brightens the community because it lifts up every voice.