Burnsville High School launches student-driven social media team to showcase school community, culture

In partnership with the District 191 Communications Department, Burnsville High School is empowering students to tell their stories through a new social media team consisting of students who are involved in a variety of ways at the school. 

With the help of district leaders, BHS launched its new Instagram account, @bhs_isd191, in August. One of the goals was to ensure that student-voice was central to how the school would tell its story.

In the fall, students were invited to submit an application and interview for a spot on the team. Paul Connell, BHS teacher and webmaster who manages the social media account, interviewed and selected interested students, including Fathi Abdisalan, Kiara Angline, Leo David, Sophia O'Neal, Jennifer Saidu, Crimson Seak and Exie Soundara.

The students will help shape the content, style and tone of the account and be responsible for capturing all the different ways that make the school special, from academics and arts to athletics and activities.

Since students on the team are already very active in their community, Connell plans to communicate with students asynchronously to give them assignments, check in with them on projects and direct their work. 

“I’m excited to work with this great group of students,” said Connell. “We look forward to amplifying some of the great things that are happening and providing some insight on who we are as a school community,” said Connell.   

What students have to say about being part of this team  

Fathi

“I’m really excited to be part of the student social media team because I love sharing positive things about our school and helping show what makes Burnsville great. I’m looking forward to creating fun and inspiring posts that bring students together and highlight our school spirit.”

Leo

“I’m excited to join the social media team because there is such a diverse amount of extracurricular activities and school events that go on around our school. Making people aware of that, and being able to spread the Blaze spirit amongst all my peers is something I am very interested in. I’m looking forward to providing new and interesting content for people to enjoy. We want to be a lot more interactive with the student body this year, and it will be great to see new faces and get to hear all of the voices we weren’t able to before. I am elated to start sharing what BHS has to offer!” 

Sophia

“I am excited to be a part of the BHS social team so I can share more about what student life is like at Burnsville High School! Being able to showcase the clubs, activities, sports, and all of the other opportunities offered here is what I am most looking forward to showing!”

Jennifer

“I am excited to be a part of the social media team because I want to try and include everyone in fun activities and also market the school! Using trends, fun to bring us all together!” 

Crimson

“I'm very excited to be a part of this team because this is an opportunity to give face to groups and aspects of BHS that haven't been able to before. I'm excited for the student interactions and making connections with everyone with this team, as well as the fun content that we will be making! I'm hoping to contribute some of my designing and organization skills. I would also hope that my openness for new content and school groups will help people reach out to me or the team to make some exciting content!” 

Kiara

“I’m so excited to be part of the social media team because I'm looking forward to capturing and sharing the real experiences of high school life! I can’t wait to help bring our school community closer through fun and creative posts. Since I’m involved in different activities, I’m excited to show all the energy and spirit that makes our school special!”