LA PLATA, Md. — La Plata High School’s Student Government Association (SGA) received the 2024-2025 Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC) Felix Simon High School Award for its leadership and service, the only high school in Maryland to earn the honor this year. The award, presented by MASC, recognizes student councils that foster leadership, create safe spaces for student voices, promote democratic values, and encourage community service.
The SGA, led by sponsors Julie Andrews and Brooke Shnipes since the 2021-2022 school year, organizes events like College Shirt Day and the year-long Battle of the Classes to boost student involvement and school spirit. These initiatives aim to build camaraderie and pride among students. “I love teaching and interacting with the students and getting to know new students every single year,” Andrews said. Shnipes echoed the sentiment, noting the rewarding experience of seeing students engage. “Mrs. Andrews and I were both ecstatic and very proud to achieve this award, especially given that La Plata was the only high school in the state to receive it this year,” Shnipes said. “It was very validating to see all of our SGA’s hard work pay off.”
Andrews, a Charles County native, graduated from Salisbury University and teaches science at La Plata. Shnipes, originally from Pennsylvania, holds a master’s degree in secondary education and teaches English. Both began as first-year teachers in 2014, coaching the varsity cheer team before taking on SGA sponsorship. Their leadership has guided the SGA to prioritize student participation, especially post-COVID-19, when engagement waned. “You can’t force people to get involved, but you can provide opportunities for them to be,” SGA President Claire Bright said.
The SGA’s efforts include hosting Winterfest, a community event that collaborates with other school clubs to foster involvement. “The community buy-in is helping, parents see what they are doing and encourage their [children] to join SGA,” Andrews said. The association also produces a quarterly newsletter to keep students and staff informed about its activities. For many members, SGA has been a cornerstone of their high school experience. “Being in SGA is fun,” Vice President Haliee Boyd said. “Being involved with the community service opportunities, creating strong friendships and building good relationships with my teachers and sponsors, made my high school experience.”
The SGA also promotes civic engagement by teaching lessons in Local, State, and National Government classes, encouraging student advocacy and education on government and elections. Secretary Hailee Gandee highlighted Winterfest’s role in uniting clubs for a shared community experience. Bright, a senior, leads the SGA, with Boyd as vice president, Gandee as secretary, and junior Elizabeth Tober as the student liaison to the Charles County Board of Education. Tober will assume the presidency next year.
According to MASC, the Felix Simon Award honors councils that develop young leaders who benefit both their school and community. La Plata’s SGA has excelled in creating opportunities for students to voice concerns, participate in council activities, and grow as leaders. The Battle of the Classes, for example, allows all students, not just SGA members, to connect through team-building activities. “Students, if they aren’t even in SGA, can get involved and feel a part of it,” Shnipes said.
Post-COVID recovery has been a challenge, but the SGA remains committed to increasing participation. Some members, like Boyd, have been involved all four years, finding the experience rewarding for its friendships and community service. The award underscores the SGA’s success in fostering a supportive environment where students can grow as leaders and citizens.
La Plata High School, located in Charles County, continues to prioritize student engagement through such initiatives, with the SGA leading the charge. The recognition from MASC highlights the association’s impact on the school and its broader community.
