Leadership doesn’t always come with applause, but for Chandler Hirtz (12), it comes with a purpose. Hirtz’s goal is to make everyone he interacts with feel heard and represented. He not only treats everyone with respect but also with kindness.
When asked what inspired Hirtz even to consider a leadership role, “Seeing my older peers take leadership roles— as well as wanting to better our school and make it a place everyone could enjoy is why I do it,” Hirtz said.
This spark eventually led him to win the StuCO election, becoming president, where he leads with V.P. Kylie Richardson (12).
From planning spirit weeks to organizing school-wide events, Hirtz is deeply involved in the behind-the-scenes work that keeps school traditions alive. “Being StuCO president comes with a lot of work and time consumption, but at the end of the day, I enjoy doing it,” Hirtz said.
Hirtz leads a group of students divided into specialized teams. “We have different committees and we put everyone in a spot they fit into,” Hirtz explained. “I always make sure everyone has different projects to make sure everyone can be appreciated for what they do.”
Under his leadership, Liberty’s student council has focused on finding new ways to boost school spirit. “We are constantly looking at things that help with school spirit and seeing what works and what doesn’t,” Hirtz said.
Whether it’s pep rallies, themed dress-up days, or assemblies, StuCO always looks for ways to connect students across grades and interests.
Hirtz always leads the student section every Friday night, showing his dedication to school spirit. No matter the theme, you can always expect Hirtz to show up covered in school spirit.
But for Hirtz, it’s not all work — it’s about moments that remind him why he loves what he does. One of those came during Homecoming Week, when he and his girlfriend Myleigh Turnipseed (12) ran for king and queen.
“I loved running for homecoming king with my girlfriend, and it meant a lot to experience that together. Seeing everyone vote for us really meant a lot,” Hirtz said.
Everyone around Hirtz recognizes the effort he puts into being kind. “We should respect how much effort he puts into being friendly and inclusive,” said Hayden Schwab (12), and he is living proof that being kind is not hard.
Chandler’s presidency wasn’t about the title — it was about the people who made Liberty feel like home. Every spirit week and late-night planning session built something bigger than himself. As graduation approaches, Hirtz’s advice remains clear “Continue to be you and represent Liberty in every way you can,” Hirtz said.
