Submitted by Mr. Eric White, Stuident Actiivities Coordinator, Highlands Intermediate School:
Highlands has done it again! For its exemplary record of leadership, service, and activities that serve to improve the school and community, Highlands Intermediate student council has been awarded a 2016 National Gold Council of Excellence Award by the National Association of Student Councils (NASC) for a second straight year! As the only middle school in the entire State, and just a handful nationwide, the entire Highlands Intermediate ohana couldn’t be more proud!
"Receiving an NASC National Gold Council of Excellence Award reflects the highest dedication on the part of the school to providing a strong, well-rounded student council program," said Ann Postlewaite, National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) student programs director. .NASC applauds the work of the National Gold Councils of Excellence and challenges them to continue their leadership and service to their schools and communities."
“Thank you to our great students and their Student Government advisor, Mr. Eric White, for their commitment and leadership. The Highlands Intermediate Student Council is dynamic and deserving of this prestigious award!” – Ms. Amy Martinson, Principal
“What an honor it is to receive this award for a second straight year! This award validates all the hard work, planning and sacrifices of every Highlands Student Council member throughout the 2016-17 school year. It’s bigger than us really — the NASC Gold Council of Excellence Award is actually a testament to the dedication of ALL Highlands students, faculty, staff and administrators working together to accomplish all the amazing, fun and meaningful activities throughout the entire school year. I love my job!“ – Mr. Eric White, Student Activities Coordinator
“It has been such an awesome experience to work with every single student council member throughout this past school year. We all spent so much time planning events and activities and it is great to see that our hard work has paid off!“ – Cade Sugiyama, Student Government President
To meet the requirements for the NASC National Council of Excellence Award, a student council must meet a variety of criteria. ln addition to basic requirements such as a written constitution, regular meetings, a democratic election process, and membership in NASC, councils demonstrate things such as leadership training for council members, teacher/staff appreciation activities, student recognition programs, school and community service projects, spirit activities, goal setting, financial planning, and active participation in state and national student council associations. Those councils awarded the gold level have successfully demonstrated the highest levels of leadership.
To learn more about the National Council of Excellence Award, visit unrvw.nasc.us/ncoe.
About NASC
Since 1931 , the goal of NASC has been to help all student councils become more effective organizations. NASC represents middle level and high school councils nationwide. lt creates the opportunity for students to become effective leaders, thus encouraging and influencing a positive school climate. NASC is a program of the NationalAssociation of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). For more information on NASC, visit www.nasc.us.
About NASSP
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States and 35 countries around the world. NASSP administers the National Honor Societv, National Junior Honor Societv, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Association of Student Councils. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, VA, visit www.nassp.org.
Photo courtesy of Highlands Intermediate School
Photo courtesy of Highlands Intermediate School
Photo courtesy of Highlands Intermediate School
Photo courtesy of Highlands Intermediate School
Photo courtesy of Highlands Intermediate School
Photo courtesy of Highlands Intermediate School
Photo courtesy of Highlands Intermediate School
Photo courtesy of Highlands Intermediate School