Recognition:
Students are continually working to improve their schools and communities, and they should be recognized for that. When someone is designated "a leader" it becomes easy to get accustomed to the work they do and in turn, fail to recognize their accomplishments and successes. Everybody appreciates a "thank you" here and their or a random act of kindness; but, leaders, especially, won't persist on being acknowledged. They're the ones making things happen, so they're the ones who should be commended.
Encouragement:
Being a student leader, I know how it feels to have everyone just assume you will take care of everything. This could get dangerous at times when student leaders begin thinking that they aren't really contributing as much as they would like because everything just becomes routine. Being a leader becomes a chore when students don't take the time to embrace their accomplishments. More encouragement from peers, teachers, parents, and community members is needed when leadership becomes more of a job versus a service. Encouragement can help student leaders to realize the impact they really do have on their schools and communities.
Motivation:
Participating in National Student Leadership Week is also a way to motivate other students to become active leaders. By seeing how appreciated leaders really are someone might want to step up to the plate and make considerable contributions themselves.
