Cumberland Middle School has formed a student government association (SGA) to help foster 21st century learning and student leadership.

“I am excited that the middle school has established a SGA,” said Division Superintendent Dr. Amy Griffin. “Student voice and leadership are key to student learning as well as preparing students to be successful lifelong learners, workers and citizens,” she said.

According to SGA sponsor Kim Page — who teaches math at the middle school — the group was established this year.

Page said the idea behind forming a student government association was to foster ownership and pride in the middle school for the students.

Page said the new group has about 30 to 40 members.

The school said upon forming the new organization, their first order of business was to elect officers that would lead the group.

“The first elected officers included the following: Tanner Cochran, president; Latrell Harris, vice president; Blessin’ Franklin, secretary; and Jack Giles, treasurer,” state school documents.

The new SGA officers were introduced and recognized at the November meeting of the Cumberland County School Board recently.

Page said since this is the first year that the SGA has been active at the school, it is mainly focused on supporting community activities and involvement.

The SGA has raised money in support of Cumberland’s Walk for Education, chosen the service projects that each grade level would focus on during Betty Scales Day of Service and planned homecoming week festivities.

The SGA’s next big project will be participating in Relay for Life.

According to a school document, the newly formed SGA is in line with 21st century learning skills “since students in the SGA put their talents, communications skills and problem-solving abilities into action to address middle school issues.”