Belton High School Student Council earns state recognition

April 24, 2025

By Lynette Sowell

Belton Journal

“Burning of the B,” a Belton High School Student Council video, earned top honors on March 31, 2025, at the Texas Association of Student Councils (TASC) 89th Annual High School Conference in Arlington.

Only ten high schools and five middle-level councils received this prestigious recognition.

TASC is the largest student council association in the world and the videos recognized at its conference represented the most outstanding submissions from across Texas. The theme for this year’s video submissions was “To the Furthest Horizon.”

The Burning of the B video highlights Belton High School’s longstanding homecoming tradition that brings students, alumni, families and the entire community together. The event, which spans more than 30 years, is organized by the senior class and student council officers and features a giant letter “B” wrapped in burlap and ceremonially set aflame.

Under the leadership of Student Council Sponsor Danielle Conner, the event has evolved into a full-scale carnival with food trucks, games, music and more—showcasing the school’s deep-rooted Tiger Pride.

“BHS Student Council has been attending the TASC Annual State Conference for the past three years,” said Conner. “After attending last year, our Student Council President Angel approached me with the idea to submit a video to the Top 10 Video Competition. We chose Burning of the B because it’s such a meaningful tradition—one that celebrates our Big Red Community and brings everyone together.”

For senior Angel, the event holds personal significance.

“For me, Burning of the B means being surrounded by family and friends for one special night that celebrates all of our hard work. It’s the heart of Belton High School spirit.”

Senior Haylee, who also contributed to the project, said, “The most challenging part of making the video was balancing the informative parts with the creative, entertaining elements. But I learned that being a leader is really about guiding others and building trust. Teamwork and school pride can be a lot of fun—and this experience really showed me that.”

Belton High School Student Council is particularly proud of Burning of the B, said Conner. “It represents everything we stand for tradition, pride, service and community.”

“As student council members across Texas walk the stage to receive their diplomas, many will continue their journeys into college and careers with a strong dedication to public service, civic engagement and the understanding that their actions create meaningful change in their communities and beyond,” said Patty Wangler, Director of the Texas Association of Student Councils.

“I am continually inspired by the incredible impact high school student council members make, guided by outstanding advisors. Congratulations to these councils and students for their unwavering commitment to service and their efforts to enhance their schools, communities, and the world. They truly exemplify TASC’s mission of fostering student voice, engagement, and leadership.”

Student councils across Texas positively impact their communities, schools and peers through the activities they host and the projects they complete. These young leaders develop essential skills in team building, problem-solving, project planning and civic engagement—skills that serve them well beyond the classroom.

“I loved working on this project because it gave us the opportunity to show what makes Belton High School so special,” said Haylee.

“It was a night to remember—and now, it’s a memory we’ve shared with the whole state.”