IRVING, TX - Barton Elementary School’s student council is earning attention well beyond campus, receiving both state and national recognition for its focus on leadership, service, and student voice.
Located at 2931 Conflans Road between North Story Road and North Belt Line Road, Barton Elementary School was recently honored with the TEPSA Student Leadership Award from the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association. The award recognizes outstanding elementary student leadership teams across Texas. Barton’s student council is now featured on the TEPSA website and will be formally recognized during the TEPSA Summer Conference keynote later this year.
In addition to the state honor, Barton was also named a 2025 Student Council of Excellence by the National Association of Elementary School Principals, through its American Student Council Association program. The national recognition highlights schools whose student councils demonstrate excellence in service, citizenship, and school spirit while serving as models for others.
“This recognition is a tremendous honor for our students and staff,” said Principal Lisbeth Valdez. “It reflects the heart of our Barton community and our students who lead with service, collaboration, and school pride. Our student council represents what it means to ‘Be HERD’: Helpful, Excellent, Respectful, and Determined in all they do.”
Barton’s student council is open to all students in grades three through five and emphasizes inclusion, belonging, and meaningful service. Students help plan and lead campus-wide initiatives, including a canned food drive that collected more than 1,200 cans for the North Texas Food Bank, along with teacher appreciation events and other school activities.
“Student council gives our students a voice and an authentic platform to make a difference,” Valdez said. “By organizing events, leading service projects, and representing their peers, they build communication skills, teamwork, and responsibility. It’s inspiring to watch their confidence grow.”
Student council advisor Sebastián Hernández, an Irving High School graduate and former student council president, said the recognition carries personal significance.
“It feels very full circle,” Hernández said. “My goal is to amplify the positive traits in each student and bring them together around giving back, leading with purpose, and dreaming big.”
Hernández also shared that Valdez once served as his class council advisor when he was a student.
“It’s a privilege to now work alongside someone who guided me as a student and continues to model strong, student-centered leadership,” he said. “Now I get to help nurture leadership in the next generation.”
Looking ahead, Barton Elementary plans to expand leadership opportunities and service projects for students, continuing its focus on student voice and community impact.
“This achievement is the result of teamwork and a shared belief that student leadership matters,” Valdez said. “Every teacher who encourages leadership and every student who steps up plays a role in this success. Together, we’re showing that Barton is leading the way every day.”
