The Buccaneers' Student Advisory Board performs community service projects and creates Buccaneer spirit in their schools
During the 1999 off-season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 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.
This year's Student Advisory Board, which will complete its year-long term in May 2001, is comprised of 40 students representing 25 Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Orange and Seminole 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.
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' main 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, and they are responsible for developing creative techniques to disburse the goods. As a group, SAB members decide what segment of the student body they will target each week, whether it is 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. This year the Board will volunteer for such community programs as the Fall Festival sponsored by the Buccaneer Women's Organization, Metropolitan Ministries' holiday food drive, Habitat for Humanity and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium island restoration program. They recently participated in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure.
In addition to those responsibilities, SAB members have the opportunity to attend all Buccaneers home games. Half of the board members work as customer service representatives in the Club Lounges of Raymond James Stadium during Buccaneers home games, and the other half actually sit in the stands as fans.
During their monthly meetings, SAB members are also be exposed to guest speakers representing the various areas of the organization and the team's Pewter Partners. One of this year's featured speakers will be Buccaneers Executive Vice President Ed Glazer, who will conduct a resume writing/interview skills workshop. SAB members will also have the opportunity to tour the Tampa Tribune and Publix Headquarters in Lakeland.
Click here to view the 2000 Buccaneers Student Advisory Board Members.
