Members of the Buccaneers' unique Student Advisory Board become involved in community service projects
During the 1999 off-season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' community relations department formed the National Football League's first Student Advisory Board. The Buccaneers created the one-of-a-kind council, comprised of high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, in an effort to bring together intelligent, energetic and motivated students to perform community service projects, create Buccaneer spirit in their schools and develop their leadership skills in preparation for continuing their education.
The 1999 Student Advisory Board, which will complete its year-long term this June, is comprised of 40 students representing 25 Hillsborough, Pinellas and Orange county high schools. Students were chosen from approximately 115 candidates based on their completion of an application and essay and their performance during an interview with Buccaneers representatives. In 2000, the Buccaneers will expand their representation in the Orlando area by including students from Seminole and Osceola counties.
During their term Student Advisory Board members meet once a month, usually at Raymond James Stadium or One Buccaneer Place. They are governed by a Buccaneers representative and an executive board they elect during their first meeting.
One of the members' responsibilities is to serve as liaisons between the Buccaneers and their schools. Every Friday before a Tampa Bay home game throughout football season, SAB members go to school armed with crates of Buccaneers merchandise that they distribute to fellow schoolmates. As a group, SAB members decide what segment of the student body they will target each week, whether it be a particular club, sport or grade level. Board members also keep fellow students abreast of the Bucs' home game schedule and any community activities the team has planned.
Student Advisory Board members are also responsible for implementing community service projects. The 1999 Board volunteered at such community programs as receiver Bert Emanuel's Halloween Bash, Metropolitan Ministries' holiday food drive, and "NationsBank Buccaneers One-on-One," a charity fundraiser sponsored by the team.
During their monthly meetings, SAB members are also being exposed to guest speakers representing the various areas of the organization and the team's Pewter Partners. Featured speakers in 1999 included starting quarterback Shaun King and representatives from the team's scouting and public relations departments. In addition, Executive Vice President Ed Glazer conducted a resume writing/interview skills workshop, and SAB members toured Raymond James Financial and the Tampa Tribune.
Return to the main Buccaneers in the Community page to find a link for a printable Student Advisory Board Application.
