RUMFORD — When students speak, principals listen, especially when the students are part of the Mountain Valley Conference Advisory Committee.

Each of the 15 schools in the Mountain Valley Conference has two representatives on the advisory committee. Juniors Ellie Hall and Brandon Roberts represent Mountain Valley High School.

Hall said, “The committee started last year. Last year we focused on sportsmanship. We defined sportsmanship and ways to make MVC athletes display sportsman-like conduct. Everything we decide goes back to the athletic directors’ meeting and the Maine Principals Association. They tweak the ideas, then implement them.”

They have already seen results. According to Roberts, “We have talked about how the sportsmanship is in the Mountain Valley Conference and how we could improve on the sportsmanship during the game as well as from the fans that come out and watch the sporting events.”

Hall added, “On the sports field, language and attitude have changed. For example, if someone falls, you help them up, regardless if they are a teammate or competitor.”

Roberts plays lacrosse and football. Currently, Hall competes in field hockey and alpine skiing. She has played basketball and softball.

This year’s focus is on distracted driving.

Roberts said, “We have the texting and driving posters up in the cafeteria and around the school.”

The school also planned a Keeping Students Safe program during May.

Each school’s athletic director selects the students, but the committee has developed a set of attributes that make a good representative.

Roberts said, “Being a leader in the classroom as well as on the playing fields is important. Being on the honor roll and having good sportsmanship on the playing field during a sporting event is a way to demonstrate leadership.”

In addition to helping their school and athletic conference, students gain personal skills. Hall explained, “I can speak in front of groups. I’ve made friends. All the people are awesome.”

Meetings happen three to four times a year, usually between sport seasons. In order to share ideas between meetings, the students have a Facebook page.

“If we see something we like, we post it or if we have an idea, we share,” Hall said.

Mountain Valley Conference schools include Boothbay, Carrabec, Dirigo, Hall-Dale, Lisbon, Madison, Monmouth, Mt. Abram, Mountain Valley, Oak Hill, St. Dom’s, Spruce Mountain, Telstar, Winthrop and Wiscasset.