BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Bradford Elementary School’s 2025-26 student council was sworn in by Bradford County Judge Tatum Davis on Sept. 16
The council members are as follows: President Addison Jackson, Vice President Jaycee McDaniel, Secretary Lexington Mills, Treasurer Faelynn Jones, Historian Harper Harrell and representatives Chloe Cruger, Elijah Dongles and Ansley Weiss.
Jaquan Bryant is the student-council sponsor, while Natalya Cruger and Vanessa Sweeney are co-sponsors.
Bryant talked to the students about being leaders, stressing that a leader doesn’t have to be somebody famous or whoever is smartest or strongest. Leadership, he said, is simply about helping others, making good choices and working together.
“Let’s start with a simple question: What makes someone a leader? Is it wearing a crown, giving orders or being in charge? No,” Bryant said. “Being a leader is about inspiring others to do their best. It’s about setting an example through your actions, whether big or small. When you choose to be kind, honest and fair, you’re already showing qualities of a great leader.”
Bryant told the students they may have already been leaders without realizing it.
“Think about this: Have you ever helped a friend who was struggling with classwork? Have you ever included someone in a game who was feeling left out? Or maybe you’ve stood up for what’s right, even when it was hard. If you’ve done any of these things, you’ve been a leader,” Bryant said. “Leadership isn’t about power; it’s about making the school around you better — one step at a time.
“Another important thing: Leaders never stop learning. They listen to others, ask questions and grow from their mistakes.”
Bryant then talked about kindness, saying, “A smile, a kind word or a helping hand can make a big difference in someone’s day. When you treat others with respect and care, you show the true heart of a leader.”
In closing, Bryant asked the newly elected council members, “What can you do today to be a leader?”
