Why do you want to be a school captain? 7 Sample Answers Included

Serving as a school captain is an excellent leadership opportunity and the perfect way to make a lasting impact on your school. But when it comes time for an interview, you will likely be asked, “Why do you want to be a school captain?”. In this article, we will guide you through preparing your answer and crafting an effective response showcasing your unique skills and motivations.

Why do you want to be a school captain answers

This article aims to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively communicate why you are the right candidate for the position of school captain. Whether you are a student who aspires to be a school captain or someone interested in learning about leadership and public speaking, this article is for you.

Table of Contents

How to prepare for answering “Why do you want to be a school captain?”

Before answering the question, “Why do you want to be a school captain?” it is important to take some time to prepare. This will ensure that you are ready to give a confident and compelling answer that showcases your unique skills and motivations.

Research about the school and its values:

To start, take some time to research the school and its values. Learn about its history, mission, and goals, and consider how you can align your personal goals with the school. This will help you tailor your answer to the school’s specific needs.

Consider personal experiences and motivations:

Think about your own experiences and motivations for wanting to be a school captain. What inspired you to pursue this position? What personal qualities and skills do you possess that make you well-suited for the role?

Identify your unique skills and strengths:

Consider your unique skills and strengths and how they can contribute to your success as a school captain. Whether you can communicate effectively, your leadership skills, or your passion for making a difference, highlight these qualities in your answer.

How to answer “Why do you want to be a school captain?”

Once you have a clear understanding of the question and have taken the time to prepare, it’s time to craft your answer. Your answer should be clear and concise and showcase your passion and qualifications for the role of school captain.

Start with a strong opening:

Begin your answer with a strong opening that immediately captures the interviewer’s attention. This could be a personal story, a statement of purpose, or a specific experience that highlights your qualifications for the role.

Tailor your answer to the school:

Your answer should be tailored to the specific needs of the school. Consider the school’s values and goals, and show how your goals align with theirs.

Talk about your school involvement and passions:

Being passionate about something gives people purpose—it drives them forward and can also help them stay focused when other obstacles get in their way. Think about which aspects of your school life have been meaningful for you. Are there any activities or clubs that have sparked your interest? Any classes that motivate you? Are any causes or issues related to student life that matters deeply to you? If so, explain why they matter to you and how being a school captain would provide the perfect platform for taking action and making progress on these matters.

Highlight your unique skills and experiences:

Make sure to highlight your unique skills and experiences that make you well-suited for the role of school captain. Whether you can communicate effectively, your leadership skills, or your passion for making a difference, be sure to showcase these qualities in your answer.

Your answer should reflect your qualities as a leader:

When answering this question, you must focus on yourself rather than talking about how much of an improvement the school needs or how much better things would be if someone else were in charge. Instead, focus on expressing what qualities you can bring to the position and why those qualities make you well-suited for the job. For example, if you are organized, detail-oriented, and great at problem-solving, explain how these qualities would help you take the initiative or resolve any issues that may arise during your term as school captain.

Discuss your goals as school captain:

If accepted into the role of school captain, what goals would you set out to accomplish? Think carefully about what legacy you want to leave behind when your term ends. Do you want students at your school to feel more connected? Do you want everyone at the institution—teachers included—to feel supported by each other? These are just some examples of achievable goals that could come from being a successful leader in such a role. Describing these goals can also show the committee evaluating candidates who understand what a school captain requires and have concrete ideas about moving forward with this responsibility.

End with a strong conclusion:

End your answer with a strong conclusion reiterating your passion for the role and your commitment to leadership. This could be a statement of purpose, a vision for your future as a school captain, or a call to action.

7 sample answers: “Why do you want to be a school captain?”:

  • “Ever since I was young, I’ve been drawn to leadership roles. As a school captain, I can not only serve as a role model for my peers but also have the opportunity to impact our school community positively. I have strong communication skills and a passion for bringing people together, which make me well-suited for the role of school captain.
  • “I have a deep love for our school and its values, and I believe that I can help to further those values and make a positive difference in the lives of my classmates. I am a strong leader with a proven track record of bringing people together to achieve a common goal. I am eager to use these skills to serve as a positive influence and help to build a stronger, more inclusive school community.”
  • “The power of community has always inspired me, and as a school captain, I can help to create a sense of belonging and unity among my classmates. I have excellent interpersonal skills and a deep commitment to serving others, which make me well-suited for the role of school captain. I am eager to use my skills and experiences to help create a more positive and supportive school environment for everyone.”
  • “I have a passion for helping others and making a positive impact, and as a school captain, I can use these skills to make a difference in the lives of my classmates. I have strong organizational skills and a proven track record of leading successful projects and initiatives. I am eager to bring these skills to the role of school captain, and I am confident that I can help to create a better and more inclusive school community.”
  • “I have a strong commitment to excellence, and as a school captain, I can help to raise the bar and push our school to new heights. I have excellent leadership skills and am well-known for my ability to inspire and motivate others. I am eager to use these skills to positively influence and help create a more successful and dynamic school community.”
  • “I have always been drawn to leadership roles, and I believe that as a school captain, I can help to make an on our school community. I have excellent communication skills and a passion for serving others, which make me well-suited for the role of school captain. I am eager to use my skills and experiences to help create a more positive and supportive school environment for everyone.”
  • “I am deeply committed to the success and well-being of our school, and as a school captain, I can help to create a more positive and inclusive environment for everyone. I have excellent organizational skills and a proven track record of bringing people together to achieve a common goal. I am eager to use these skills to serve as a positive influence and help to build a stronger, more united school community.”
  • “I have been a highly involved student at my school since I started in grade nine. I have dedicated myself to being a part of the school community, whether it be through participating in extra-curricular activities or volunteering my time and energy. Being a school captain would allow me to make a real impact on the lives of my peers and make our school an even better place. I want to use this position to lead by example and ensure everyone feels included and represented.”

Being a school captain is a great responsibility and a fantastic opportunity to impact your school community positively. Answering the question, “Why do you want to be a school captain?” is an important part of the process, as it allows you to showcase your passion, skills, and qualifications for the role.

By taking the time to understand the question, preparing your answer, and crafting a clear and compelling response, you can deliver a confident and inspiring answer that will set you apart and help you to achieve your goal of becoming a school captain.

Always be yourself and let your passion and commitment to leadership shine through in your answer. Good luck!

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The eight qualities of successful school leaders

What are the qualities needed to be a successful school leader? This is the question I set out to answer in a new book for which I interviewed some of the UK's best headteachers.

It started with a challenge: imagine you are cast adrift on a desert island with a school full of children in desperate need of a great headteacher. What eight qualities would you take with you to run your desert island school?

The challenge, based on the long-running BBC radio programme Desert Island Discs, produced a treasure trove of contributions from school leaders. Their insights, stories and experiences confirmed my belief that, while there might well be a common set of qualities that are crucial for successful leadership, there is also scope for different leadership styles.

Far from being clones enslaved by government diktat or professional orthodoxy, the best headteachers run their schools through conviction and often sheer personality. Even so, they do share some vital leadership qualities. So here are eight to take with you to your own desert island.

It's easy to dismiss the concept of "vision" as vague and woolly, but the best school leaders are visionaries with a clear sense of moral purpose. Successful leaders have "great vision – the ability to formulate and shape the future, rather than be shaped by events", says Richard Harman, headmaster of Uppingham School , Rutland.

Successful school leaders show great determination, with the willpower and patience to see things through. They are willing to take risks and are steadfast in challenging under-performance or poor behaviour. "There's a mental courage that you don't waver from," says Madeleine Vigar, principal of the Castle Partnership Academy Trust in Haverhill, Suffolk.

"We are there for the children and we mustn't ever forget that," says Llyn Codling, executive headteacher of Portswood, St Mary's and Weston Park primary schools, Southampton. Like Codling, successful school leaders are passionate about teaching and learning and show great commitment to children. They take an active interest in their pupils' work – and that of their staff.

4. Emotional intelligence

Successful school leaders are team-builders. They understand the importance of relationships, empower their staff and pupils and show great empathy. "Get the relationships right – open, trusting, humorous – and much else follows naturally," says Kingsbridge Community College principal, Roger Pope. "They feel motivated. They want to follow you."

5. Judgment

The best headteachers show great judgment, make the right calls and are wise leaders. Crucially, however, it isn't simply a matter of acting alone. It's about involving the whole school community and taking people forward together.

6. Resilience

The business of headship is full-on and, at times, gruelling. Successful school leaders are optimistic and resilient, remain calm in a crisis and are energetic and positive at all times. "It about really knowing yourself and having personal strategies so you are able to steady yourself in stormy waters," says Catherine Paine, primary head and assistant CEO of REAch2 Academy Trust , Waltham Forest.

7. Persuasion

The best school leaders are confident communicators and storytellers. They are great persuaders and listeners, adept at describing 'the story of their school' to any audience. They are also great motivators. "Getting people to do things and go that extra mile lies at the heart of good leadership," says Kenny Frederick, former headteacher at George Green's School , Tower Hamlets.

8. Curiosity

Successful school leaders are outward-looking and curious. As Teresa Tunnadine, headteacher at the Compton School in Barnet, states: "Headship is about having at least one foot outside of the school looking at what's going on elsewhere and picking up good ideas." They are excellent networkers and great opportunists, always in touch with events.

Jeremy Sutcliffe is author of 8 Qualities of Successful School Leaders: the desert island challenge , published by Bloomsbury

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How to Write a Speech to Win School Captain

Mary Dowd

Tips on Writing a Welcome Address at a High School Graduation

Writing and delivering a winning speech for a school leadership role requires planning, a sense of purpose and practice. No matter whether you are hoping to be picked for school captain, school president or class president, you need to convince others that you really, really want the job for all the right reasons. Make your speech less about you and more about what you can do to serve others and make a difference.

What Is a School Captain?

A school or class captain in the British school system is like a school or class president in the American school system. Despite different titles, the roles are similar. The purpose of a student leadership position is to act as a positive role model, encourage school spirit and embody school beliefs and values. A school captain is a go-between for teachers and students to represent the student voice and to ensure excellent two-way communication.

School Captain Responsibilities

Duties vary somewhat by school, but typically, assignments include bringing forward student concerns to the administration to advocate for positive change, such as healthier food options on the school menu and in vending machines. Student leaders may head a committee to plan student activities that will build a sense of community. Other tasks may include giving tours of the school to visitors and greeting parents who are attending functions.

Serious School Captain Speeches

Before launching your campaign or drafting your speech, interview a cross section of your classmates to find out what they like about the school and what improvements they hope to see in the upcoming year. Develop a consistent message in your campaign materials and speech that identifies your goals based on an assessment of student needs.

Do not fall into the trap of making grandiose promises just to be chosen by administration or voted into office. The tone of your speech should be upbeat, positive and high energy to hold your listeners' attention.

Humorous Class Captain Speech

If you are witty, outgoing and considered the class clown, you may want to interject humor into your speech. A funny but teacher-approved story will show your likable and relatable side.

For instance, you may want to share that you were cast as a juggler in the school play when making the point that you are experienced at juggling multiple tasks. However, do not go overboard with humor, or you run the risk of not being seen as a serious contender who will work hard.

Prepare Your Speech

Speeches are like English essays, with a strong beginning, middle and end. Keep in mind how much time you will be allotted because you may be cut off if you exceed the time limit. Outline your speech with main points and then write out your speech to avoid stumbling on your words or rambling.

Start with an introduction that includes your name, year in school and the reasons you are highly qualified to serve as school captain. List specific examples of your prior accomplishments in extracurricular activities and student organizations. Mention that you are a visionary student who believes every student should feel welcome and supported at the school.

In the body of your speech, identity two or three goals or issues you would like to address if selected for the position. Emphasize your leadership qualities. For instance, you might state that other students and teachers would describe you as outgoing, approachable, dedicated and responsible. End with an action statement summarizing what you hope to accomplish and directly ask for their vote or support. Show a draft of your speech to a favorite teacher and ask for feedback.

Practice Your Speech

Stand in front of a mirror at home and practice your speech or enlist your family as an audience. You should sound eager and excited to represent and serve fellow students. Smile, maintain good eye contact and use gestures intentionally. Speak clearly and articulate your words. Pretend you are confident even if you are shaking and super nervous. That is perfectly normal and does not mean you are not leadership material.

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Dr. Mary Dowd is a dean of students whose job includes student conduct, leading the behavioral consultation team, crisis response, retention and the working with the veterans resource center. She enjoys helping parents and students solve problems through advising, teaching and writing online articles that appear on many sites. Dr. Dowd also contributes to scholarly books and journal articles.

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What are the duties and responsibilities of a school captain?

essay on school captain

Table of Contents

  • 1 What are the duties and responsibilities of a school captain?
  • 2 What are the skills of a school captain?
  • 3 What are the responsibilities of a school leader?
  • 4 What is the most important job of a school captain?
  • 5 What roles and responsibilities do students leaders perform?
  • 6 What is the most important job of the school captain?
  • 7 What are the qualities of a school captain?
  • 8 What should I Ask my Child about being a captain?

School Captain Roles and Responsibilities

  • Put flag and take flag down each day.
  • Conduct assemblies as required.
  • Ring bell for beginning of school and beginning and end of all breaks.
  • In charge of canteen on Fridays.
  • Distribution of notes- see Mrs Mitchell 2.55 to collect and distribute.

What are the skills of a school captain?

Their school captain leadership qualities include grit and problem-solving. Qualities of a good school captain are largely reflective of how you react to difficult situations. Problem-solving is one of the school captain leadership qualities that will test how you lead creatively while thinking on your feet.

Why would I make a good school captain?

I think I would make a great School Captain because I have patience and understanding. I listen to other people and acknowledge their ideas. I am a good leader, I take responsibility for my actions and respect everyone and everything. I am a great role model and I set a good example for younger students.

What are the responsibilities of a school leader?

School leaders, particularly principals, have a key role to play in setting direction and creating a positive school culture including the proactive school mindset, and supporting and enhancing staff motivation and commitment needed to foster improvement and promote success for schools in challenging circumstances.

What is the most important job of a school captain?

School Captains Good communication and confidence is an important aspect to fit into this role. They have to be role models and an exemplary student record is mandatory for this position. The School Captains are expected to work in tandem with school teachers in organising and hosting the daily school routines.

What is the responsibility of leader?

As reported in Forbes Magazine, “leaders must motivate, instruct and discipline the people they are in charge of.” Leaders use communication skills to brainstorm, share information, set goals, make assignments, lead meetings and be effective managers.

What roles and responsibilities do students leaders perform?

A student leader is any student who takes on the responsibility of spreading knowledge through inspiration, tutoring, campaigns etc. A student leader strives to change the world by starting with their own community.

What is the most important job of the school captain?

The School Captains play an important role in organising and presenting at important school events. You will: Actively promote the school values at all times, especially by: providing leadership to the student body.

What are the responsibilities of a team captain?

What are the qualities of a school captain?

What should i ask my child about being a captain.

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Demonstrating Leadership as a High School Sports Captain

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There is no question that leading other people is not easy. Whether it means taking charge in a group project for school, putting together a fundraiser or a volunteer event, or even coordinating social plans on a Friday night, it can be at times difficult and time-consuming to try to get people to listen to you and work together to benefit the group as a whole.

This being said, for all the trials and tribulations that one might have to go through in a leadership position, there are usually many benefits as well. This is certainly the case in high school sports. Becoming a team captain for your high school sports team can be a fulfilling experience that offers many professional and personal benefits. Read on to find out more about how you can set a model for leadership as a sports captain.

Introduction to Leadership in Sports

Every sport is different in the amount of teamwork it requires, but even more individual sports teams (like wrestling and tennis) train together and have a certain team dynamic. Whether it is an individualized or a team sport, all sports can benefit from having a student leader, and so high school sports teams usually have a student captain.

Many high school sports teams have a captain in addition to a professional coach because student athletes might have a better rapport with their teammates than an adult coach. Although a coach might be able to relate to students more than a teacher or another authority figure, there is no question that student captains will obviously have more common ground with other students.

For students who are chosen to be captains, taking on a leadership position can also be helpful for college applications—admissions committees want to see students who are able to take on responsibility and work well with others. For more information about taking on leadership roles, check out this CollegeVine blog post .

Becoming Captain of Your Sports Team

Typically, the process of becoming captain of your high school sports team will vary from school to school. Usually, the process will depend upon some combination of the opinion of your peers and the opinion of your coaches. For example, the team might have a vote to determine candidates, and the coach might make the final designation. For clarification of your specific school and team’s procedures, you should ask your coach.

If you’re seeking out a leadership position on your team, it is in your best interest to make sure you are well-respected and well-liked by your team members. Show up to events on time and make an effort to engage with all members of the team (not just the members who might happen to be your friends). Offer to help others on your team out, and be sure that you’re not a show-off or a ball hog.

You should also make sure that you are an experienced and solid performer in your sport—although this doesn’t necessarily mean you need to be the very top player on the team.

In addition, it will be helpful if you display dedication and visibly work hard towards team goals. If the team is looking to improve its strategy, you should be helping to make these changes. If there are conflicts within your team that need to get resolved, get involved and help your team members talk it out. You should also be trustworthy and work well with your coach—if you do end up becoming captain, you’ll be working hard alongside him or her, so you want to demonstrate that you can handle the responsibility and helpful to both your team members and your coach.   

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Leadership on the Field

One major aspect of demonstrating leadership as a sports captain is being a leader on the field, on the court, or in the gym. This means taking responsibility for tasks delegated to you by your coach—these tasks will vary a lot from team to team, so be sure to ask your coach if you’re not sure what is required of you or what will be helpful. Be sure that you provide direction and encouragement to your teammates during training and practice sessions. You should also try to give substantive feedback that others can use to improve. Try to think of how you can benefit the team as a whole, not just how you can give yourself opportunities to shine.

In addition, you should try to come to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different team members in order to help craft and support a successful overall strategy. Lastly, one of the most important ways you can lead is to set a good example—pay attention to your coach and be sure to show them respect, play fair, and be sure to show good sportsmanship even when a game or event doesn’t necessarily go your way.

Leadership off the Field

While there are many ways in which you can demonstrate your leadership skills on the field, there are also ways that you can do this off the field. First of all, you can maintain the expectations of good behavior and practice what you preach. This might mean taking the high road where others might be tempted to do something immature (perhaps something like making fun of the members of a competing team).

You should also try to set a good example for maintaining academic performance and balancing priorities as a student athlete. This might mean staying in on a Friday night to study for a test because you know you’ll have training all weekend, or it might mean working on your homework together with teammates before or after practice.

It may also be wise to maintain close relationships with other members of the team and to encourage others to do the same—not only can social tensions impede the athletic performance of a team, but they can also be unpleasant for any and all of the teammates involved! Remember that if there’s a problem between two or more members of your team, it is always best to try and communicate in order to resolve the issue rather than remaining passive aggressive and allowing tensions to worsen.

In general, if you want to demonstrate leadership as a high school sports captain, you should strive to be someone that your team members can emulate and look up to. Perhaps you have a personal hero of your own in athletics or otherwise—think of this individual and ask yourself what they might do in a given situation involving your team.

In order to demonstrate leadership both on and off the field, it is most important that you lead by example. Continue to be the type of team member that thinks about the entire group rather than just him or herself, and be respectful to your coach as well. While taking on the role of team captain might be difficult and straining at times, there is no question that with proper consideration and dedication, this role can be very beneficial both to you personally and to your teammates.

For more information about leadership roles and student athletics, check out these blog posts:

Your Resume, Revamped: Securing Leadership Positions and Perfecting your Extracurricular Profile

A Guide to Leadership Roles in Music Groups

Leading Your School’s Chapter of UNICEF Club

Extracurricular Activities for Student Athletes

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Speech Guidelines for a School Captain Candidate Plus an Example

Being the school captain is among the things that many students strive to attain in school. Whilst some are fortunate to become leaders in their respective schools, others disappear into oblivion with their hopes forever shattered. One of the factors that separates winners from other candidates is the whole concept of speech making and delivery.

And when I’m talking about speech, I’m not talking about words just put together for the sole reason of announcing your candidature. These are very cleverly selected words that will arouse the students’ desire to elect you as their representative. It is true that when you fail to plan, you plan to fail. This maxim is also true in speeches. A speech that does not go through the guidelines explained below will not have the desired outcome.

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Speech Writing Guidelines for a School Captain

1. let your message be brief and precise.

Avoid using many filler words to make the speech long. With a long speech, you will obviously loose the attention of the audience. The speech should be short and content rich. It should be straight to the point. You should hit the nail while it is hot- the nail in this case refers to the first few minutes that the audience is attentive. Hit them with that punch line that will leave you glued to their minds. You should keep your explanations minimal and if you can do it without explanations, the better.

2. Simplicity is genius

As albert Einstein rightly put it, “If you can’t explain it simply, then you don’t understand it well enough.” The beauty of using simple language is that you reach a wide scope of students. Using complex and complicated jargon will isolate the audience and the message will not reach its intended destination.

Furthermore, you do not want your fellow students to think you are above them. If they cannot understand you, how will they trust you to deliver their grievances to the authorities above? While a technical jargon showcases your mastery of the language and may open for you unlimited opportunities in the future, at this point in time it would be advisable to speak in a language that befits a school setting. Do not forget that you will also be communicating to pupils of the lower grade. Do not overlook their votes, they are equally as important as other votes.

3. Content should be organized in point form.

The speech should be broken down into parts to make it more orderly and precise. The organization of the speech will be explained better in the outline section later in the article. Ensure that each paragraph has its own point. Each paragraph must begin with a topic sentence, followed by few supporting lines and these supporting sentences must be related to the topic sentence. The paragraphs should however be brief. Try not to go very deep into the topic at hand.

4. Exhibit qualities of a leader.

Whether you are delivering it before a congregation or just putting it on paper, there must be some level of authority that the people listening or reading can feel. Nobody wants to be represented by a coward. Naturally, people are conditioned to follow a courageous leader, who has authority and leads by example. Apart from that, kindly be as honest as possible in your speech. Do not promise things you cannot deliver. Mistrust is one deep pit you cannot salvage yourself from.

5. Use the first person.

This is quite obvious always use the first voice when referring to yourself and in second person when referring to the students or audience. It creates a form of bond between you and the students when you refer to them directly. Also, always use active voice, as it is more authoritative and direct. Passive voice is least effective when you call people into action. For instance, when you say, “We will beat them,” sounds more authoritative than saying, “They will be beaten by us.”

Planning is an integral part of a speech. An outline gives you the format or rather, a rough draft of what your speech should look like. Here is the basic format of a speech:

Introduction

Remember first impressions always last. The contents of your introduction and how you present it will either make you or break you. This is an important part of your speech, as this is the part which will either win the audience’s attention or lose it. The length of the introduction should be no more than 10% of the whole speech. So, if your speech is to last 5 minutes, then your introduction should take like 40 to 45 seconds. Here, you should provide your greetings, introduce yourself and state your purpose.

The body is the bulk of the speech, making 80% of it. What you intend to do when elected the school captain should falls within this segment. Each point should be kept in separate paragraphs and should be accompanied by few sentences shading more light on each one of them. You should however be brief and avoid going into too much details. This will bore the audience and will make the speech too long. The body should follow this format:

1 st  Paragraph

  • Topic sentence 1
  • 3-4 sentences supporting topic 1

2 nd  Paragraph

  • Topic sentence 2
  • 3-4 sentences supporting topic 2

3 rd  Paragraph

  • Topic sentence 3
  • 3-4 sentences supporting topic 3

This part should only be 10% of the speech. Your conclusive remarks are just as important as any other part of the speech. It would be absurd to give a mind blowing presentation and then have a lackluster ending. One of the best way of wrapping things up is by use of a famous quote with a few additional remarks or you may give thanks to all the people who have supported you to where you are. You may also opt to quickly summarize all your points, whichever way you choose it, when done correctly they are both equally effective.

Essay Sample for a School Captain

Dear students, teachers and the *insert school* community at large, good afternoon. It is yet again that time of the year that we have to exercise our individual rights to select the rightful leaders to represent us. I come at your presence, not as a leader but rather as a servant who will put your interests first before mine.

I have spent all my learning years in this school and I’m very aware of all the challenges that students go through. Each year, I have witnessed recurring issues that threaten the pillars of our institution, which are peace, love and unity. I’m here to put an end to that. Your humble servant speaking is *insert your Names*, sixth grade and I’m running for this year’s School Captain.

I have a confession to make. The idea of vying for the School Captain position was first initiated to me in the fourth grade by *insert teacher’s name*, who saw the leadership qualities in me. Mr./Mrs. *teacher*’s sentiments are also shared by other teachers and students, who have privately confided in me about my natural ability to inspire and mobilize people.

I would like to publicly thank them, because they are the spark that ignited this fire in me. My decision to vie for this position is a way of me giving back to this wonderful school. All the years I have spent in this here have been nothing, but good and memorable. Everyone in this school, including teachers and my fellow students have been wonderful and if I was to go back in time, I would still do it again here.

Coming from a very religious background, my parents taught me the importance of humility. That is the reason why I’m naturally humble, friendly and approachable. I believe all people are born equal and I give each person the respect he/she deserves. As most of you are aware, I have worked hand in hand with the outgoing School Captain to ensure that this institution is always running smoothly.

I would like to personally call upon you to come in large numbers during the voting period and continue what I already started with my predecessor. It does not matter who wins. The most important thing is that the process has to be free and fair. Let the voice of the people be heard, because injustice here is a threat to justice everywhere.

Lastly, I would like thank my parents, friends, teachers, students and everyone, who took part in molding me to become the person I am. If it were not for you, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I would also like to thank everyone who showed up to this function today. You sacrificed your precious time to come and lend us your ears. A great day is indeed seen in the morning. All the people that participated in this democratic practice are surely destined for greatness. They are the people who will bring good change to this wonderful nation in the future. Vote wisely, vote with your hearts. May God bless you. Thank you.

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  • Sports Leadership

13 Essential Qualities to Help You Become an Effective Team Captain

Last Updated: January 12, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Ryan Tremblay . Ryan Tremblay is a Basketball Coach and the Owner of National Sports ID and STACK Basketball. With over 30 years of experience, Ryan specializes in basketball coaching, social media marketing, and website design. Ryan created the National Sports ID as a platform to verify the age/grade of youth athletes and STACK Basketball to inspire young athletes to grow into mature individuals and basketball players. Ryan was a First Team All-Decade basketball player in Bergen County and finished in the top 20 all-time leading scorers in the county’s history with 1,730 points. He went on to Caldwell University on a basketball scholarship where he was part of three championship teams. Ryan was a two-time All-Metropolitan, All-State, and All-Conference point guard and the all-time three-point leader in the school’s history, landing him in the Caldwell University Athletic Hall of Fame. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 283,037 times.

It's one thing to be a good team player, but it's another to be a good captain. Few will have the opportunity to take such an important leadership role. If you are fortunate enough to become a team captain, you will need to be a leader for your teammates both on and off the field.

Leading During the Game

Step 1 Give a full effort all the time.

  • Some ways to show your effort include not jogging when you should be running, and never giving up on a play. If you slack off or give less effort, that is a sign that they do not need to try as hard either.
  • This is especially important if you are losing during a game. Don’t let the situation dictate your effort. Let your teammates know that you will always give your best effort, even if you don’t win the game. It can be hard to keep that energy up while losing, and your teammates will need your example to help.

Step 2 Demonstrate good sportsmanship.

  • Be respectful to fans. You can always lead your teammates in saluting or applauding the cheers of your own fans after the game. Ignore booing, taunts, or insults to show your teammates that those things shouldn’t affect their performance. Never shout back or make obscene gestures in response to negative fan comments.
  • Talk to your teammates about sportsmanship as well. Ask them to describe what they think sportsmanship means, and how they are going to practice it during games. That way they will know and understand what you are doing, rather than you hoping they pick it up. It never hurts to remind them of the proper way to treat each other and their opponents.

Step 3 Treat officials with respect.

  • Don’t be afraid to discuss calls with the referees. Just remember to do so respectfully. Asking why something was or was not a foul, and explaining why you thought otherwise, is much better than trying to argue that the referee was wrong. Ask “Why was that a foul?” and listen to the answer rather than more accusatory statements like “That’s a terrible call” or “You didn’t call that foul on the other team.”
  • In some sports, the referees will share certain rules with the captains that players should be aware of. Make sure you share these rules with your teammates and coaches to make sure everyone has an idea of how the official plans to call the game.
  • In most sports, abusing the officials is a good way to pick up a penalty, or get yourself thrown out of the game. Not only will you be setting a bad example, but you will also be directly hurting the team.

Step 4 Take responsibility for your mistakes.

  • This is another piece of dealing with officials. If your teammates see you complaining about calls, it gives them an excuse to say the referee is the reason you are losing the game, rather than take responsibility for not playing well.
  • Remember that this is for your mistakes only. It is not the captain’s job to accept responsibility for teammates’ mistakes. If you are always trying to take the blame, your teammates won’t be able to take responsibility for their own errors.

Communicating with Teammates

Step 1 Stay positive.

  • This doesn’t have to be a big speech like you’re in a sports movie. Simple encouraging phrases like “Let’s go!” or “We can do this!” can be helpful letting the team know you believe you can play well and win.
  • This can be especially important if your teammate has been chewed out by the coach for a mistake. Piling on won’t help, so help pick him up. Let him know he can improve and that you believe he will do better the next time. A simple pat on the back and telling your teammate “It’ll be alright, you’ll get them next time” is a friendly reminder that you and the team supports him.
  • Body language matters. Don’t do things like shrug your shoulders or throw your arms up in the air if a teammate makes a mistake. Even without saying anything, these kinds of gestures communicate negative feelings and send a bad message to your teammates. [5] X Research source

Step 2 Talk to your teammates.

  • Encourage your teammates to talk to one another as well. Show them that it’s important to appreciate good effort, even with high-fives and a simple “Way to go!”
  • When facing a tough situation, like a player who doesn’t respond well to criticism or someone who is causing trouble, find ways to talk to them away from the rest of the team. Ask about his concerns and let him know how what he is doing hurts himself and the team. Remember to be firm and consistent, and remind him that actions that hurt the team can’t be tolerated. [6] X Research source
  • Remember that, on the field, you are in charge. If you’ve decided how something should be done, communicate that quickly and confidently. Tell them “This is what we are doing,” and don't be afraid to explain your decisions. The more consistent you can be in explaining what you want to do will help your teammates trust and follow you.
  • The team probably won't like every decision you make. That is one of the tough parts of being a leader. If they know they can trust you, it will be easier to accept your choices, even if they disagree or it doesn’t work out.
  • Make sure you listen to your teammates’ suggestions for improvement as well. This lets them know that you value their opinion, and can take advice as well as give it. Besides, you know that your game can always improve.

Step 3 Work with teammates.

  • You don’t want this to be too accusatory, saying things like “You’re doing it wrong.” Try to be more suggestive, saying things like “Why don’t you try this,” or “Just remember to do this one other thing when you make this move.”
  • This means talking to your fellow captains too. Lots of teams have more than one captain, so you need to be willing to work with your fellow captains to make sure you are all on the same page.

Step 4 Set goals for your team.

  • Work with your coach to help create these goals. You want to make sure they are consistent with your coach’s vision for how the team should be run and the success you have.

Setting an Example Off the Field

Step 1 Lead in practice.

  • You need to be familiar with all of your teammates, including the best ways to motivate them. Not everyone responds to motivation the same way, so you’ll need to know the best ways to motivate and encourage each of them individually.
  • Avoid team cliques. You are part of a team made up of players, not a team made up of teams. You won’t be able to make everyone friends, but you should be willing to break up groups that exclude other members.
  • If you have personal issues with a teammate, it is always better to discuss them in private. You want to avoid calling out teammates in public, which can cause embarrassment, and make the disagreements worse.

Step 3 Take charge without your coach.

  • If you notice problems developing in teammate’s habits or their level of play that the coach can’t solve, call a players-only meeting to help one another discuss issues without the coach looking over everyone. This can take some of the pressure off and make it more likely to be solved. [11] X Research source

Step 4 Build team spirit.

  • Some good ways include holding a team dinner or party, making a team motto and even printing up shirts with it, or maybe creating a silly postgame tradition to recognize good performances. Even just briefly talking to your teammates when you run into them outside of practice or the game can help make them feel more like a part of the team.
  • Many teams will have more naturally outgoing players that like organizing social events and other morale-boosters. It is okay to let someone else be the unofficial (or official) “social coordinator” as long as you support them and make sure the whole team is included.
  • Not everyone on the team will be best friends, but doing social events together will help you all learn more about each other, and remind everyone of the importance of the team.

Step 5 Do well away from the field.

  • If you play for a school team, this means doing well in your classes and staying out of trouble. In most high schools and colleges, you won’t be able to compete if your grades are poor, so make sure you and your teammates stay eligible. Set a good example for your teammates by getting the best grades you can, encouraging success on and off the field.
  • If you are a professional athlete, avoid getting into legal trouble. As a captain, you are one of the team’s most important public faces, and getting arrested or suspended is bad for your, and the team’s, image. It can also prevent you from playing, which doesn’t help your team at all.
  • Whatever level or organization you play at, be careful about material you post on social media accounts. Keep your comments positive, both to your teammates and your opponents.

Expert Q&A

Ryan Tremblay

  • A good captain will be passionate about the sport and about winning. You are involved in a competitive event and should be setting an example to others in doing what you need to do to make the team successful. Good captains demand success from themselves and their teammates. [14] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Great captains aren’t born. Being a good leader, like any other aspect of your sport, will take time and practice. Don’t worry about making mistakes, just focus on doing your best, and you will improve. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

essay on school captain

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Deal with a Mean Coach

  • ↑ Ryan Tremblay. Basketball Coach. Expert Interview. 13 November 2020.
  • ↑ https://usavolleyball.org/resource/guide-to-being-a-great-captain/
  • ↑ https://appliedsportpsych.org/resources/resources-for-athletes/the-3-c-s-of-being-a-captain/
  • ↑ http://usafootball.com/blogs/u.s.-national-team/post/10837/4-traits-of-being-a-good-captain-from-the-classroom-to-the-field
  • ↑ http://www.appliedsportpsych.org/resource-center/resources-for-athletes/the-3-c-s-of-being-a-captain/

About This Article

Ryan Tremblay

To be a good team captain, always give 100 percent during games and practices so that you can lead by example. You should also demonstrate good sportsmanship by treating your opponents, officials, and coaches with respect. If you make a mistake, own up to it and apologize if necessary, instead of making excuses. Additionally, use phrases like "We can do this!" to build team spirit and let your teammates know you believe in them. For more tips, like how to set goals for your team, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Essay on Captain

Students are often asked to write an essay on Captain in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Captain

Who is a captain.

A captain is the leader of a group, like a sports team or a ship’s crew. This person is in charge and makes important decisions. They must be brave, smart, and good at leading others.

Qualities of a Captain

A good captain is fair and works hard. They show the way by being a good example. They listen to their team and help solve problems. Being a captain means caring for the team’s success and safety.

The Role of a Captain

Captains plan what the team does and talk to referees or other leaders. They cheer the team on and keep spirits high, even when it gets tough. They are the heart of the team.

250 Words Essay on Captain

Who is a captain.

A captain is the leader of a group, like on a sports team or on a ship. This person is in charge and makes important decisions. The captain must be brave and smart, guiding the team or crew through challenges and making sure everyone works together.

A good captain shows the way by being a great example. They are fair, listen to others, and stay calm even when things get tough. A captain also cheers up the team and helps them do their best. They must know a lot about the game or the ship they are leading.

Responsibilities of a Captain

Captains have many jobs. They plan what the team or crew will do and solve problems when they come up. On a ship, the captain steers, navigates and keeps everyone safe. In sports, they talk to referees and help their teammates play by the rules.

Becoming a Captain

To become a captain, you have to earn the trust of your team or crew. You need to show that you can lead well and care about the group’s success. It takes time and hard work, but being a captain is a big honor.

Being a captain is not just about wearing a badge or a special hat. It’s about leading with courage, making smart choices, and taking care of your team or crew. A captain is a role model and an important part of any group’s success.

500 Words Essay on Captain

A captain is a person who leads, guides, and is in charge of a group. This group could be a sports team, a ship’s crew, or even a group of students. The captain is like the boss of the team, making sure everyone works together to achieve their goals.

The main job of a captain is to lead. This means they must be good at making decisions and helping their team. They also need to be brave and set a good example for others to follow. A captain must communicate well, which means they should be good at talking and listening to their team members.

In sports, a captain might help the coach by motivating other players and making sure they understand the game plan. On a ship, the captain is responsible for the safety of everyone on board and for making sure the ship gets to where it’s going safely.

Qualities of a Good Captain

Good captains share certain qualities that make them stand out. They are usually very responsible, which means they take care of their duties and make sure everything is done right. They are also fair and treat everyone equally. Being trustworthy is another important quality. This means people can rely on them to be honest and to keep their promises.

Captains must also be strong, not just in their bodies, but in their minds too. They need to stay calm when things are tough and keep trying, even when it’s hard. This is called perseverance.

Challenges Captains Face

Being a captain isn’t always easy. Sometimes they have to make tough choices that not everyone will like. They also have to be ready to solve problems that come up, whether it’s an argument between team members or a change in plans.

Captains must always be ready to learn and improve. They can’t just think they know everything. Instead, they should always be looking for ways to be better leaders and help their team succeed.

Why Captains Are Important

Captains are important because they help bring out the best in their team. They encourage everyone to work hard and do their best. Without a captain, teams might not be as organized or successful.

In history, captains have been heroes, leading their crews through dangerous waters or their armies to victory. Today, captains in sports can inspire their teams to win championships or help them through a tough season.

In summary, a captain is a leader who has a lot of responsibility. They must be good at making decisions, communicating, and being fair and strong. Captains face challenges, but they are important because they help their team work together and do their best. Whether on a ship, on a sports field, or in any other group, captains play a key role in guiding and inspiring those around them.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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essay on school captain

ATAR Notes

Should I Apply for School Captain in Year 12?

Tuesday 29th, August 2017

Want to know what uni’s really like? Check out our University Journey Journals !

If you’re in Year 11 (or Year 10) at the moment, you might be considering applying for a leadership position next year. School Captain, House Captain, Student Representative – whatever it is, a leadership position is a leadership position.

And there are certainly pros and cons of doing so.

Near the end of Year 11, I spent several weeks tormenting myself over whether or not to apply for School Captain. It actually became a bit of a distraction in the end.

Eventually, I sat down and wrote pros and cons about applying. They looked something like this:

Potential pros:

•     I think I would develop as a person as a result •     I’ve always kinda wanted to do it •     It would be good for employment opportunities in the future •     Closer relationships with teachers and other students •     Opportunity to improve the school for future students •     I think I’d regret it if I didn’t at least apply

Potential cons:

•     I don’t know if I’d be good at it •     I want to do well in Year 12; it might be too time-consuming •     Public speaking is gross, and I get anxious a lot •     What if I don’t like the rest of the leadership team? •     Potential for even more stress •     It’d be embarrassing if I applied but wasn’t selected

In summary, I was pretty sure I wanted to do it, but was also low-key scared.

There were – and are – a lot of “what ifs” at play. IMO, it’s important to move past those thoughts.

WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY FOR SCHOOL CAPTAIN

(… or, indeed, any other leadership role.)

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

So, straight off the bat:

Doing stuff like this will undoubtedly benefit you, even if you don’t recognise it at the time.

Don’t really like public speaking? Sweet. That’s not really a reason not to apply. In fact, you could argue that it’s a great reason why you  should  apply – you’ll become more accomplished!

Don’t feel much of a natural leader? That’s okay – you don’t need to be to lead effectively.

Don’t enjoy interacting with fellow members of the human species? Neither. But the better practised at it you are, the more easily you can navigate unpleasant conversations. 😉

Seriously: taking a leadership position will very likely help develop your skills. You’ll probably grow a lot as a person – and that’s debatably much more important than the four-digit number you’ll get at the end of it all (I, for one, certainly think so).

IT’LL BE ALL G

Oftentimes, I think a lot of us have a tendency to immediately go to the worst possible situation in our minds. I sure do.

“What if I have five SACs in three days PLUS training PLUS piano practice PLUS writing this essay  PLUS  all the stuff I have to do as School Captain like organise a trivia night and speak at nine assemblies and go to the local council to talk with the elderly and develop a plan for the next six financial years and teach a class of German 3/4 and sacrifice three days of sleep and set a good example by only having white socks that don’t have logos and sufficiently go up to my ankle but definitely not past it?!?!?!”

Like, yeah.  Maybe  there’ll be times where the leadership position adds a bit to your plate. But realistically, it’s unlikely the workload won’t be manageable.

If you think about it, your school wants you to do as well as possible; it simply wouldn’t make sense for them to pile heaps and heaps of responsibilities on you if they didn’t think you could manage them.

N  O     R  A  G  R  E  T  S

I honestly haven’t seen the movie that^ reference is from, so I feel a bit of a fraud. But oh well.

It’s true, though – you don’t want to have regrets down the line. Often, the biggest regrets revolve around not what you  did  do, but around what you  didn’t  do.

A question I like to ask myself: “In ten years, what are you going to remember from this situation?”

Will it be the tediousness of the application process? Doubtful.

What about  not  applying, and therefore never knowing where doing so might have led you? Yeah, maybe.

I think it’s one of those things you just have to go for.

MY EXPERIENCE

So, I was a pretty shy kid. Always kinda wanted to be a leader, but also always kinda found it easier to just… float by.

In the end, I made an application.

It was an objectively good application, too. I was very prepared with my vision, where I thought we could improve, and so on. I was happy to score an interview.

If nothing else, the interview itself was a good experience. It compounded in me the belief that preparation is extremely important to success.

I got through the interview, and made a speech to my peers and teachers. I was nervous. It wasn’t outstanding an outstanding speech; I’m not the world’s best public speaker. But I think I decently portrayed my genuine enthusiasm for the role (by this stage, I definitely wanted to get it).

My peers didn’t voted for me to be School Captain, but I did nab Vice-Captaincy.

And it really was one of the best parts of my Year 12 experience. If you’re even  considering  applying for a Year 12 leadership position, I really,  really  encourage you to do it.

Want to know what uni’s  really  like? Check out our  University Journey Journals !

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essay on school captain

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Student Leadership

Buckley Park College is committed to preparing our students to become community and professional leaders in their chosen fields. To this end students are provided with a rich array of opportunities to develop the confidence and skills which they can take with them after graduating. Apart from the formal leadership roles described here there are many other daily opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills. Leadership development at all levels of our school is encouraged and valued.

Why take on a Student Leadership Role?

  • Learn new skills and build my personal leadership capacity
  • To make a difference.
  • Work with and get to know new people.
  • Invitations to special functions and events.
  • Special leadership training programs and activities.
  • Impresses university and TAFE faculties and prospective employers.

School Captain – (2 captains, 2 vice captains)

The School Captain are role models for our whole school. As one of our School Captains, you are known and respected by all members of the school community because of your outstanding history of performance and contribution. The School Captains play an important role in organising and presenting at important school events. You will:

  • providing leadership to the student body
  • demonstrating a caring and supportive manner
  • In the year prior to the appointment, decide on a school initiative that you would like to develop and implement during your term in the position
  • Take a leading role with student leadership within the College, including having an input into the student leadership structure
  • Participate in regular school planning meetings with the College Principal and Assistant Principals
  • Assist with the organisation and conduct of general assemblies.
  • Speak on behalf of students and the school at school functions and other special events.
  • Represent the school at events and functions as required.
  • Report to the school community via regular contributions to the College website, the BPC News and other forums.
  • Represent the student body at School Council meetings
  • Mentor other students.
  • School Captains
  • House captains
  • Connections Leaders
  • Student Representative Council

School Captains will undertake leadership training provided by the school and assist in the training of other students in leadership. They will be presented to the College at the final assembly of the year prior to beginning their term in office

Selection criteria:

  • Demonstrated ongoing commitment to Buckley Park College.
  • An excellent record of academic work effort and attitude.
  • An excellent record of conduct
  • A record of taking initiative and active participation in school activities.
  • Strong and confident communication skills.
  • The ability to work co-operatively with others.
  • A vision for the continued improvement of Buckley Park College

House Captain – (2 captains from each House)

The House Captains are role models for the school and more specifically for students in your House. You will be respected because of your outstanding history of performance and contribution. The House Captains play an important role in organising and presenting at inter-House school events. You will:

  • demonstrating a caring and supportive manner.
  • Take a leading role with student leadership within the College, including having input into the student leadership structure
  •  Assist with the organisation and conduct of House assemblies and activities.
  • Organise and motivate students to participate in House activities.
  • Assist teachers organising inter-House events.
  • Take an organisational role with other House captains in improving student engagement within the College, including ideas for the increase of House oriented activities within the school
  • Speak on behalf of students in the House at school functions and other special events.
  • Mentor other students in the House.
  • House Captains
  • An excellent record of conduct.
  • A vision for the continued improvement of Buckley Park College and particularly the House structure

Music Captain – (2 captains) 

The Music Captains will be role models for the school and more specifically for students in the Instrumental Music Program. You will be respected because of your outstanding history of performance and contribution. The Music Captains will play an important role in organising and presenting at school Music events. You will:

  • Assist with the organisation and conduct of music rehearsals, performances and other activities.
  • Organise and motivate students to participate in music activities.
  • Assist teachers organising music events.
  • Mentor other music students.

 Selection criteria:

  • A vision for the continued improvement of Buckley Park College and particularly the Music program

Student Leaders – (1 captain for each Year 7, 8 and 9 Connections group)

The Connections Captains are role models for the school and more specifically for students in your Connections group. The House Captains play an important role in organising and presenting at inter-House school events. You will:

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School Captain Speech (Sample)

Speech for school captain.

To the principal, teachers and fellow students, good morning. Thank you for this opportunity to address the school and bring to your attention some few things I have noted. But before then, I want to thank you for your cooperation and teamwork and brotherly spirit you have accorded my team in the last week. It was a smooth, which allowed each one of us to focus on our academic excellence without mishap, and for that I am grateful. Am looking forward to having a similar week ahead, especially regarding discipline.

However , I want to bring the following issues to your concern. Littering in and about the compound is not only irresponsible of yourself, but also a crime against nature. We have borrowed our environment from future generations, and we have to preserve it for them. Therefore, for those who have been irresponsible with their waste kindly refrain from discarding it irresponsibly. Let us all work together to have a clean compound by being responsible for our waste. Having a clean compound won’t hurt, therefore, ensure you drop off your litter in its rightful places to improve the cleanliness standards of our institution.

Secondly , this coming week we expect to host several schools for literature symposium. We also have a football match scheduled next week on Friday. We expect each one of us to cooperate and display the best of ourselves to the visitors. We care about the image of our school, and we need to preserve it. For the football match, we need to maintain modesty and orderliness as we cheer our teams. Whichever team wins, the victory is ours and we need to support our players by cheering them.

Thirdly , the environmental club has requested everyone to join them in doing several community-based projects they have planned for. You can register with them and be part of our ambassadors of peace, who have decided to be part of a revolutionary movement aimed at improving the community around our school. The details of their projects will be communicated by the leadership of the group later. I urge you to join them and play a part in shaping the tomorrow we want by joining hands to leave a positive impact in our society.

Lastly , am expecting great cooperation from each one of us as we commence the week. For the upcoming football match, I wish both teams the best. Ensure you abide by the school policies promptly to stay away from trouble. Finally, I wish you a happy, peaceful and fruitful week. Thank you for listening.

Concisely , this article has described in detail the process of writing a good captain’s speech. It has featured important tips to consider and a short outline. Finally, there is an outline that culminates the lessons into one worked out an example for reference.

essay on school captain

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School Captain Speech

School Captain Speech

Eliza Dugan, a student who is running for school captain, gave a speech to persuade her peers to vote for her. She introduced herself and shared her interests, including athletics, cross country, and dancing. Eliza believes that she possesses several good qualities such as honesty, respect, listening skills, hardworking attitude, leadership, and good public speaking skills. She is well-organized and treats everyone equally. Eliza enjoys helping others and sets a good example for other students. She believes that she would make a good school captain because she would work hard to make coming to school a happy and fun place to work and learn. Eliza wants to ensure that everyone gets a say in what happens at the school, such as fundraising ideas and suggestions to improve the school.

I am here today to announce my candidacy for school captain. My main purpose is to persuade you to vote for me. Let’s start. For those who are not familiar with me, I am Eliza Dugan. Those who already know me should consider themselves fortunate. Now that everyone knows my name, it can be the one you select on the ballot. Here’s a little information about me: I participate in various sports, especially athletics and cross country running. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family and love to have a good time. Dancing is another one of my interests.

During my time in school, I have participated in athletics and cross country, representing the school in these sports. This has provided me with a unique experience, including two trips to Sydney for cross country events.

I possess several admirable qualities such as honesty, respect, active listening, dedication to improving my grades, and leadership skills. Additionally, I am proficient in public speaking. Being well-organized and efficient in completing tasks is something I take pride in. Ensuring equal treatment for all individuals and fostering inclusivity are of great importance to me. Assisting others brings fulfillment and allows me to serve as a positive role model for fellow students. Above all else, I always give my utmost effort when faced with any task or challenge that comes my way. Finally, both teachers and fellow students can attest to my consistently polite and respectful behavior.

I enjoy contributing to the school in various ways, but now let’s discuss why I am a suitable candidate for school captain. In my view, my strength as a school captain lies in my commitment to fulfilling my promises. I would exert effort to establish a positive and interactive learning environment that makes school enjoyable for all individuals. My goal is to transform the school into a space where students can have fun with their friends while acquiring knowledge. Additionally, I would dedicate myself to ensuring that every individual has a voice in decision-making by presenting fundraising ideas and suggesting enhancements for the school.

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Speech for School Captain Election

Winning an election is a tedious task. Only those can uderstand it who have ever fought elections in their life; be it at the school level, college level, organisational level or at the national level. In order to win the votes the candidates must be able to put their qualities properly in front of the voters. It can be done through delivering a genuine and strong speech. Here comes a sample speech for school captain election that can help you win that school captain post and see your dream coming true.

Good Morning to all my respected teachers and friends. It’s my pleasure to stand here and contest for the post of school captain. I have a dream today. It is that our school will enter the top 10 schools’ list in the coming years and I know it is not impossible. Do you agree with me?

I have been studying in this school since my nursery class. Now I am in class 10th. You can count that it has been more than a decade now. So, I can feel the pulse of my school. I know that you people have great potential. I know resources are ample but the motivation, the enthusiasm are lacking.

So, I would try to put my team’s efforts in the right direction which is to make sure that every student is notified of the competitions, quizzes and other activities going on at intra-school and inter-school levels. A few students can’t change the destiny of a school, that’s why 100 per cent student participation is a must.

You can always share your concerns with me. I am always open to criticism also and ready to improve. So please lend me your precious advice. I believe that I have the experience to fit in this role.

To turn my dream into reality I need your vote and support to choose me for the post of school captain. I am sure that would use your due diligence and elect the right person as school captain.

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The Case for Delayed School Start Times: Prioritizing Student Well-being

This essay about the benefits of delaying school start times for adolescents. It argues that aligning school schedules with teenagers’ natural sleep patterns can lead to improved academic performance, better overall well-being, and a safer learning environment. By prioritizing students’ physical and mental health, educators can foster a culture of excellence and support holistic development. Through examples and research findings, the essay highlights the importance of reevaluating traditional scheduling practices to better meet the needs of today’s youth.

How it works

As society continues to evolve, so too should our educational practices. One area ripe for reconsideration is the timing of the school day. The traditional early morning start time, while deeply ingrained in our educational system, may not be in the best interest of students’ physical and mental health. Research increasingly suggests that starting school later can yield a multitude of benefits, ranging from improved academic performance to better overall well-being.

First and foremost, adolescents’ sleep patterns undergo significant changes during puberty, resulting in a natural shift towards later bedtimes and waking times.

However, the early start times of many schools force students to wake up well before their bodies are fully rested, leading to chronic sleep deprivation. This lack of sleep not only impairs cognitive function and memory retention but also increases the risk of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. By delaying school start times to align with teenagers’ biological rhythms, we can promote healthier sleep habits and mitigate these negative effects.

Moreover, delaying the start of the school day has been shown to have a positive impact on academic performance. Numerous studies have found that students who attend schools with later start times tend to have higher grades, better attendance rates, and decreased tardiness. This improvement can be attributed to several factors, including increased alertness and concentration during class, as well as reduced absenteeism due to improved sleep quality. By prioritizing student well-being over outdated scheduling conventions, educators can create a more conducive learning environment that fosters academic success.

Critics of delayed school start times often cite logistical challenges and concerns about disrupting established routines. However, these arguments fail to acknowledge the substantial benefits that can result from such changes. In fact, communities that have implemented later start times have reported overwhelmingly positive outcomes, including reduced rates of car accidents involving teenage drivers, as well as improvements in student behavior and overall school climate. By taking a proactive approach to addressing the unique needs of adolescents, schools can cultivate a culture of health and excellence that extends beyond the classroom.

In conclusion, the evidence in favor of delaying school start times is clear and compelling. By recognizing and accommodating the biological sleep patterns of adolescents, we can promote better academic performance, enhance student well-being, and create a safer and more productive learning environment for all. As educators and policymakers, it is our responsibility to prioritize the needs of students above all else and embrace innovative solutions that support their holistic development. Delaying school start times is not just a matter of convenience; it is a critical step towards unlocking the full potential of our youth and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

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PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Case for Delayed School Start Times: Prioritizing Student Well-being . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-case-for-delayed-school-start-times-prioritizing-student-well-being/ [Accessed: 13-May-2024]

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Vietnam War veteran receives high school diploma 60 years later in Milford

by Paige Barnes, WKRC

(WKRC){p}{/p}

MILFORD, Ohio (WKRC) - A local Vietnam War veteran finally received his high school diploma 60 years later.

The Milford High School alumnus enlisted in the Navy and was deployed before he could finish school.

He got his GED but said it wasn’t the same.

Woody McQuitty said at his age, he gave up on the idea of formally getting his high school diploma but was still something he thought about from time to time.

He said the opportunity came from out of the blue.

A long-overdue celebration for Vietnam War veteran McQuitty.

"This certified that Woodrow Curtis McQuitty has completed the program of study prescribed for graduation from this school and is therefore awarded this diploma given this day," said McQuitty while reading his diploma.

McQuitty, 78, would’ve walked with Milford High School’s class of 1963.

Instead, he said he had a responsibility to fight for his country.

"You have to be 17 years old to get into service, so I arrived at San Diego boot camp two hours early. I wasn't 17 yet. I had to wait until midnight to go in," he said.

He worked on the US Grand Canyon, was on the naval base in Kenitra, Morocco and served other places too.

After being released from service, he worked for Abco Electronics.

McQuitty said he thought the time to get his diploma had passed.

His friend Rhonda Freidoff advocated for him to ask for it, but he said he was too bashful.

"I took the GED test and I passed of course. So the officer in charge of that got ahold of Milford High School. They don't accept them so he referred me to the state of Rhode Island in which I got a diploma," said McQuitty.

Thanks to the Adams County Veterans Service Office, McQuitty finally got to walk in front of his family, junior ROTC students and Milford staff.

"We're thrilled that he was being recognized and so it means a lot to me that it's finally happened because it should have happened back then," said Freidoff, Airforce veteran and dear friend of McQuitty.

McQuitty gave advice to the students.

"Stay in school. Get an education. It'll mean a lot to you for the rest of your life," he said.

He also received the Eagle Wing pin.

It's a special pin given to Milford High School students who have served in the U.S. military.

McQuitty dedicated his speech to Captain John Speidel.

Speidel was also a Milford alumnus who graduated in 1964 and then went to West Point.

Speidel was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam and was killed in action after volunteering to take someone's place on a mission.

His widow, Ellen Speidel, class of 1966, thanked McQuitty for keeping her husband's memory alive.

essay on school captain

District 1-5A champion Captain Shreve leads way on All-District baseball team

essay on school captain

After sweeping through District 1-5A with a 12-2 record, the Captain Shreve baseball team led the way on the 2024 All-District team.

While Parkway’s Cole Snell was named the league’s Player of the Year, the Gator’s Andrew Sharp is the Pitcher of the Year and Todd Sharp is the Coach of the Year. Snell hit .413 with 17 RBIs and 20 stolen bases on the season, while Sharp was 7-1 (5-0) in the district) with a 1.54 ERA and 34 strikeouts.

Major awards

Player of the Year: Cole Snell, Parkway

Pitcher of the Year: Andrew Sharp, Captain Shreve

Coach of the Year: Todd Sharp, Captain Shreve

REVAMPED: Here are the details of the $4 million upgrade to Caddo's Lee Hedges football stadium

ALL-DISTRICT 1-4A: Northwood's stars headline 2024 All-District 1-4A baseball team

Pitchers: Kade Bryant, Benton, Jr.; Thomas Allen, Benton, Jr.; Ross Lindsey, Natchitoches Central, Jr.; Andrew Sharp, Captain Shreve, So.; Colton Smith, Parkway, Sr.

Catcher: Carter Reynolds, Captain Shreve, Jr.

First base: Sean Waits, Parkway, Sr.

Second base: Hudson Brignac, Benton, Sr.

Third base: Aron Gillum, Captain Shreve, Sr.

Shortstop: Brock Laird, NCHS, Jr.

Outfielders: Kade Bryant, Benton, Jr.; Dillion Braxton, NCHS, Jr.; Cole Snell Parkway, So.; Christian Turner, Haughton, Jr.

Designated hitter: Christopher Peyton, Captain Shreve, Sr.

Utility: Bryson Pierce, Benton, Sr.; Abel Thetford, Parkway, Jr.; Rhyson Carroway, Captain Shreve, Sr.; Brayden Stovall, Haughton, Sr.

Second team

Pitchers: Cody Snelgrove, Southwood; Adam Guillet, NCHS; ,Rhyson Carroway, Captain Shreve; Sean Waits Parkway; Justin Adkison Haughton

Catcher: Jayden Booker, Southwood

First base: Denton Hester, Captain Shreve

Second base: Maddox Fuller, Byrd

Third base: Case Jorden, Benton

Shortstop: Ryan Lee, Byrd

Outfielders: Micah Johnson, Airline; Chance Hatfield, Captain Shreve; Jackson Gaskin, Captain Shreve; Titus Williams, NCHS

DH: Jackson Jones, Benton

Utility: Maddox Cockerham, Parkway; Tyler Wooldridge, Byrd; Yancy Spillman, NCHS; Andrew Sharp, Captain Shreve

Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.

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Guest Essay

The Deep, Tangled Roots of American Illiberalism

An illustration of a scene of mayhem with men in Colonial-era clothing fighting in a small room.

By Steven Hahn

Dr. Hahn is a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian at New York University and the author, most recently, of “Illiberal America: a History.”

In a recent interview with Time, Donald Trump promised a second term of authoritarian power grabs, administrative cronyism, mass deportations of the undocumented, harassment of women over abortion, trade wars and vengeance brought upon his rivals and enemies, including President Biden. “If they said that a president doesn’t get immunity,” Mr. Trump told Time, “then Biden, I am sure, will be prosecuted for all of his crimes.”

Further evidence, it seems, of Mr. Trump’s efforts to construct a political world like no other in American history. But how unprecedented is it, really? That Mr. Trump continues to lead in polls should make plain that he and his MAGA movement are more than noxious weeds in otherwise liberal democratic soil.

Many of us have not wanted to see it that way. “This is not who we are as a nation,” one journalist exclaimed in what was a common response to the violence on Jan. 6, “and we must not let ourselves or others believe otherwise.” Mr. Biden has said much the same thing.

While it’s true that Mr. Trump was the first president to lose an election and attempt to stay in power, observers have come to recognize the need for a lengthier view of Trumpism. Even so, they are prone to imagining that there was a time not all that long ago when political “normalcy” prevailed. What they have failed to grasp is that American illiberalism is deeply rooted in our past and fed by practices, relationships and sensibilities that have been close to the surface, even when they haven’t exploded into view.

Illiberalism is generally seen as a backlash against modern liberal and progressive ideas and policies, especially those meant to protect the rights and advance the aspirations of groups long pushed to the margins of American political life. But in the United States, illiberalism is better understood as coherent sets of ideas that are related but also change over time.

This illiberalism celebrates hierarchies of gender, race and nationality; cultural homogeneity; Christian religious faith; the marking of internal as well as external enemies; patriarchal families; heterosexuality; the will of the community over the rule of law; and the use of political violence to achieve or maintain power. This illiberalism sank roots from the time of European settlement and spread out from villages and towns to the highest levels of government. In one form or another, it has shaped much of our history. Illiberalism has frequently been a stalking horse, if not in the winner’s circle. Hardly ever has it been roundly defeated.

A few examples may be illustrative. Although European colonization of North America has often been imagined as a sharp break from the ways of home countries, neo-feudal dreams inspired the making of Euro-American societies from the Carolinas up through the Hudson Valley, based as they were on landed estates and coerced labor, while the Puritan towns of New England, with their own hierarchies, demanded submission to the faith and harshly policed their members and potential intruders alike. The backcountry began to fill up with land-hungry settlers who generally formed ethnicity-based enclaves, eyed outsiders with suspicion and, with rare exceptions, hoped to rid their territory of Native peoples. Most of those who arrived in North America between the early 17th century and the time of the American Revolution were either enslaved or in servitude, and master-servant jurisprudence shaped labor relations well after slavery was abolished, a phenomenon that has been described as “belated feudalism.”

The anti-colonialism of the American Revolution was accompanied not only by warfare against Native peoples and rewards for enslavers, but also by a deeply ingrained anti-Catholicism, and hostility to Catholics remained a potent political force well into the 20th century. Monarchist solutions were bruited about during the writing of the Constitution and the first decade of the American Republic: John Adams thought that the country would move in such a direction and other leaders at the time, including Washington, Madison and Hamilton, wondered privately if a king would be necessary in the event a “republican remedy” failed.

The 1830s, commonly seen as the height of Jacksonian democracy, were racked by violent expulsions of Catholics , Mormons and abolitionists of both races, along with thousands of Native peoples dispossessed of their homelands and sent to “Indian Territory” west of the Mississippi.

The new democratic politics of the time was often marked by Election Day violence after campaigns suffused with military cadences, while elected officials usually required the support of elite patrons to guarantee the bonds they had to post. Even in state legislatures and Congress, weapons could be brandished and duels arranged; “bullies” enforced the wills of their allies.

When enslavers in the Southern states resorted to secession rather than risk their system under a Lincoln administration, they made clear that their Confederacy was built on the cornerstone of slavery and white supremacy. And although their crushing defeat brought abolition, the establishment of birthright citizenship (except for Native peoples), the political exclusion of Confederates, and the extension of voting rights to Black men — the results of one of the world’s great revolutions — it was not long before the revolution went into reverse.

The federal government soon allowed former Confederates and their white supporters to return to power, destroy Black political activism and, accompanied by lynchings (expressing the “will” of white communities), build the edifice of Jim Crow: segregation, political disfranchisement and a harsh labor regime. Already previewed in the pre-Civil War North, Jim Crow received the imprimatur of the Supreme Court and the administration of Woodrow Wilson .

Few Progressives of the early 20th century had much trouble with this. Segregation seemed a modern way to choreograph “race relations,” and disfranchisement resonated with their disenchantment with popular politics, whether it was powered by Black voters in the South or European immigrants in the North. Many Progressives were devotees of eugenics and other forms of social engineering, and they generally favored overseas imperialism; some began to envision the scaffolding of a corporate state — all anticipating the dark turns in Europe over the next decades.

The 1920s, in fact, saw fascist pulses coming from a number of directions in the United States and, as in Europe, targeting political radicals. Benito Mussolini won accolades in many American quarters. The lab where Josef Mengele worked received support from the Rockefeller Foundation. White Protestant fundamentalism reigned in towns and the countryside. And the Immigration Act of 1924 set limits on the number of newcomers, especially those from Southern and Eastern Europe, who were thought to be politically and culturally unassimilable.

Most worrisome, the Ku Klux Klan, energized by anti-Catholicism and antisemitism as well as anti-Black racism, marched brazenly in cities great and small. The Klan became a mass movement and wielded significant political power; it was crucial, for example , to the enforcement of Prohibition. Once the organization unraveled in the late 1920s, many Klansmen and women found their way to new fascist groups and the radical right more generally.

Sidelined by the Great Depression and New Deal, the illiberal right regained traction in the late 1930s, and during the 1950s won grass-roots support through vehement anti-Communism and opposition to the civil rights movement. As early as 1964, in a run for the Democratic presidential nomination, Gov. George Wallace of Alabama began to hone a rhetoric of white grievance and racial hostility that had appeal in the Midwest and Middle Atlantic, and Barry Goldwater’s campaign that year, despite its failure, put winds in the sails of the John Birch Society and Young Americans for Freedom.

Four years later, Wallace mobilized enough support as a third-party candidate to win five states. And in 1972, once again as a Democrat, Wallace racked up primary wins in both the North and the South before an assassination attempt forced him out of the race. Growing backlashes against school desegregation and feminism added further fuel to the fire on the right, paving the way for the conservative ascendancy of the 1980s.

By the early 1990s, the neo-Nazi and Klansman David Duke had won a seat in the Louisiana Legislature and nearly three-fifths of the white vote in campaigns for governor and senator. Pat Buchanan, seeking the Republican presidential nomination in 1992, called for “America First,” the fortification of the border (a “Buchanan fence”), and a culture war for the “soul” of America, while the National Rifle Association became a powerful force on the right and in the Republican Party.

When Mr. Trump questioned Barack Obama’s legitimacy to serve as president, a project that quickly became known as “birtherism,” he made use of a Reconstruction-era racist trope that rejected the legitimacy of Black political rights and power. In so doing, Mr. Trump began to cement a coalition of aggrieved white voters. They were ready to push back against the nation’s growing cultural diversity — embodied by Mr. Obama — and the challenges they saw to traditional hierarchies of family, gender and race. They had much on which to build.

Back in the 1830s, Alexis de Tocqueville, in “Democracy in America,” glimpsed the illiberal currents that already entangled the country’s politics. While he marveled at the “equality of conditions,” the fluidity of social life and the strength of republican institutions, he also worried about the “omnipotence of the majority.”

“What I find most repulsive in America is not the extreme freedom reigning there,” Tocqueville wrote, “but the shortage of guarantees against tyranny.” He pointed to communities “taking justice into their own hands,” and warned that “associations of plain citizens can compose very rich, influential, and powerful bodies, in other words, aristocratic bodies.” Lamenting their intellectual conformity, Tocqueville believed that if Americans ever gave up republican government, “they will pass rapidly on to despotism,” restricting “the sphere of political rights, taking some of them away in order to entrust them to a single man.”

The slide toward despotism that Tocqueville feared may be well underway, whatever the election’s outcome. Even if they try to fool themselves into thinking that Mr. Trump won’t follow through, millions of voters seem ready to entrust their rights to “a single man” who has announced his intent to use autocratic powers for retribution, repression, expulsion and misogyny.

Only by recognizing what we’re up against can we mount an effective campaign to protect our democracy, leaning on the important political struggles — abolitionism, antimonopoly, social democracy, human rights, civil rights, feminism — that have challenged illiberalism in the past and offer the vision and political pathways to guide us in the future.

Our biggest mistake would be to believe that we’re watching an exceptional departure in the country’s history. Because from the first, Mr. Trump has tapped into deep and ever-expanding illiberal roots. Illiberalism’s history is America’s history.

Steven Hahn is a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian at New York University and the author, most recently, of “ Illiberal America: a History .”

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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Highlander Folk School

November 1, 1932 to November 30, 1932

On 2 September 1957, Martin Luther King joined with the staff and the participants of a leadership training conference at Highlander Folk School to celebrate its 25th anniversary. In his closing address to the conference, King praised Highlander for its “noble purpose and creative work,” and contribution to the South of “some of its most responsible leaders in this great period of transition” ( Papers  4:270 ).

In 1932, Myles Horton, a former student of Reinhold  Niebuhr , established the Highlander Folk School in Monteagle, Tennessee.  The school, situated in the Tennessee hills, initially focused on labor and adult education. By the early 1950s, however, it shifted its attention to race relations. Highlander was one of the few places in the South where integrated meetings could take place, and served as a site of leadership training for southern civil rights activists. Rosa  Parks  attended a 1955 workshop at Highlander four months before refusing to give up her bus seat, an act that ignited the  Montgomery bus boycott .

Lead by Septima  Clark , Esau Jenkins, and Bernice Robinson, Highlander developed a citizenship program in the mid-1950s that taught African Americans their rights as citizens while promoting basic literacy skills. Reflecting on his experiences with the Citizenship Schools and the emergence of new leaders from “noncharismatic people” who attended the training, Horton concluded that “educational work during social movement periods provides the best opportunity for multiplying democratic leadership” (Horton,  Long Haul , 127).

Horton, who claimed he had first met King during the civil right leader’s junior year at  Morehouse College , invited King to participate in Highlander’s anniversary celebration in 1957. While attending the celebration, an undercover agent sent by the Georgia Commission on Education took a photograph of King. The photo was sent throughout the South and used as a propaganda tool against King, with claims that it showed him attending a Communist training school.

Highlander continued to be a center for developing future leaders of the movement such as Marion  Barry , Diane  Nash , and James  Bevel . It was closed in 1961 when the Tennessee government revoked its charter on falsified charges that the school was being run for profit and that it did not fulfill its nonprofit requirements. The  Southern Christian Leadership Conference  (SCLC) took over the citizenship program that year, feeling that it offered, according to King, a plus for SCLC and the movement “in filling the need for developing new leadership as teachers and supervisors and providing the broad educational base for the population at large through the establishment of Citizenship Schools conducted by these new leaders throughout the South” (King, January 1961). Under the leadership of SCLC and the supervision of Clark, Dorothy  Cotton , and Andrew  Young , the schools eventually trained approximately 100,000 adults. In August 1961, Horton opened another school in Knoxville, Tennessee, called the Highlander Research and Education Center. He and the Center participated in the 1968  Poor People’s Campaign  and, after King’s  assassination , erected a tent complex at Resurrection City in Washington, D.C., holding workshops until police closed the encampment in June 1968.

Adams with Horton,  Unearthing Seeds of Fire , 1975.

Anne Braden to King, 23 September 1959, in  Papers  5:290–293 .

Glen,  Highlander , 1988.

Horton with Judith Kohl and Herbert Kohl,  Long Haul , 1990.

King, Memo, “Leadership Training Program and Citizenship Schools,” December 1960–January 1961,  SCLCR-GAMK .

King, “A Look to the Future,” Address Delivered at Highlander Folk School’s Twenty-fifth Anniversary Meeting, 2 September 1957, in  Papers  4:269–276 .

King to Braden, 7 October 1959, in  Papers  5:306–307 .

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