A Leonardtown High School (LHS) student has been chosen to lead a state-wide student organization. Devan Ogburn was elected president of the Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC) at their recent convention and will assume the duties on June 1. She was recognized by the St. Mary’s County Board of Education at their May 23 regular meeting.
According to information disseminated for the meeting, “Devan will play an instrumental role by promoting student leadership and helping MASC achieve its goals.”
According to the information handed out for the meeting, “Miss Ogburn is a 10th grade student at Leonardtown High School and is an active participant in her school’s student government association. She participates in several leadership activities at her school, and serves on the St. Mary’s Association of Student Councils’ Executive Board. Devan has served on the Superintendent’s Blue Ribbon Task Force to Eliminate the Achievement Gap, as well as the Education That is Multicultural Committee. In addition, she volunteers with various community organizations to promote civic engagement and involvement, such as Relay for Life Campaign and the Christmas Caring Program for Kids.
“When Miss Ogburn takes on this leadership role position for a second term, her efforts will center on increasing student membership throughout the State of Maryland, and promoting student advocacy. In addition, Miss Ogburn wants to continue supporting state-wide initiatives and regional student councils in their efforts of having positive influences on communities through an array of service-learning oriented projects. This past year Devan led the effort of encouraging regional student councils to support the Healthy Maryland Initiative. This initiative supported legislation will increase the tax on cigarettes and non-cigarette tobacco products to reduce teen tobacco use and to raise funds for critical health care and public health needs. She also oversaw the state-wide charity efforts of supporting Operation Second Chance, which is a non-profit organization that works to support veterans and their families throughout their recovery in military hospitals. These examples demonstrate Devan’s commitment to empowering students through the action of service, and having a lasting impact within respected regions.”
During the presentation School Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano said Ogburn has created quite a buzz wherever people have heard her speak. He predicted good things for her in her academic future and beyond.
