CJHN — I Believe, I Belong Initiative
November 19, 2019

The Cabot Junior High North student council is promoting an “I Believe, I Belong,” initiative to help all students feel like they belong. Every nine weeks, they develop goals to achieve and ways to make them happen.
Recently, they completed a schoolwide kickball competition that culminated with a pep rally and awards. The goal of the tournament was to help students feel a sense of belonging and contribution as they interact with other students in different activities.
Here is a synopsis of the event written by Mrs. Dawn Brown:
As part of the “I Believe, I Belong” initiative implemented by this year's student council members, Cabot Junior High North student council finished out a schoolwide kickball competition with a pep rally Thursday, November 14th to reflect on the benefits of this activity and present awards. Students were enthusiastic and showed politeness and respect during this assembly for all in attendance. The rally began as Brodie Brown, Student Council Vice-President welcomed everyone to the courtyard. Then Kallen Spencer-Leavitt led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
An awesome reflection speech was given by one of our newest students and CJHN Student Council President, Jenna Cook. She said, “Even though it was a competitive activity, everyone showed great sportsmanship. It definitely made my first few months as a new student here at Cabot easier.”
Mrs. Dawn Brown, Student Council Advisor at CJHN agreed that, “The ultimate goal of the kickball tournament was to bring students who may not interact with each other to work together. It was even a time to see others shine.”
A presentation of awards by Claire Muller and Olivia Harris, Student Council Project Manager and Secretary followed for additional categories, like outstanding effort, best hustle, best participation, and best sportsmanship. Before releasing students back to class, tournament runner-up Ms. Deana Davis and Mrs. Sheila Barnett's classes were recognized as well as the overall winning class, Coach Lawrence, for their enduring efforts in the tournament.
A special thank you goes out to Coach David Payne and Coach Nathan Brown for making this possible. In support of our winners, CJHN also thanks Dairy Queen and Little Caesar's pizza for their contributions. Also, thank you to Student Council Photographer Will Brown for help in capturing pictures of this great event.
CJHN looks forward to our students preparing additional activities like this to continue the “I Believe, I Belong” initiative created by this year's student council members.
Thank you especially to our administration for their willingness to allow us to make our ideas a reality.
Other events throughout the year include:
*Schoolwide craft display where students learn about themselves and their culture.
*Stonebridge Assisted Living – Sidekicks Invitational where students develop the ability to empathize and develop social skills.
*Family Game Night – going beyond social media where students understand that all people share similar needs, feelings, and aspirations.