Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria is booming. With the largest enrollment in history, Ireton is ecstatic to see such growth in the student body. Part of that growth can be attributed to the work of the student ambassador club.
Throughout the year, the student ambassadors see many excited and inquisitive prospective students, ready to be Cardinals. The ambassadors are current Ireton students who represent the school to prospective parents and students throughout the admissions process. The group assists with tours of the school, provides a student perspective on classes, and provides the student view on how to balance activities, sports, homework and other ways of being involved. If prospective students want to learn more about a day in the life as a Cardinal, they have opportunities to shadow student ambassadors through the “Cardinal for a Day” program. The prospective student spends a day on campus navigating classes, advisory and lunch, and learns what it’s like to be an Ireton student.
The student ambassadors also play a role at the annual open house, which is the biggest prospective student event of the year. The open house, put on by the admissions office, utilizes the talents of nearly 100 student ambassadors. There, they help families check in and navigate the campus, and they answer questions from a student’s point of view. In addition to the massive undertaking that is the open house, student ambassadors also assist with other admissions events including socials before athletic events, a Mass for the accepted students and new student orientation.
Getting involved in the Ireton community is encouraged from the very first days on campus as a freshman. When I was in my first year, I wasn’t able to play a fall sport, which left me free time after school. I wanted to meet different people with my same interests and was thrilled that I had the opportunity to follow my passion for leadership by being a part of the student ambassadors. Not only do we affect the school in a positive way in talking to prospective families, there are wonderful benefits for those in the club. Building communication and public speaking skills and growing as a leader are among the best parts. The student ambassadors club has helped me make lasting friendships with other students as well as connections with staff and teachers. We’re grateful for the contribution we make to the school and take pride in playing an important part in growing our student body.
The club makes leaders out of current Cardinals who serve as role models for future Cardinals. They share a passion for community service and outreach, and love being involved with the school in such a unique way.
