For its exemplary record of leadership, service, and activities that serve to improve the school and community, the Forest Hills High School student council has been recognized as a 2020 National Gold Council of Excellence by National Student Council (NatStuCo).
“Receiving a 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 Nara Lee, National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Director of Student Leadership. “NatStuCo applauds the work of the National Gold Councils of Excellence and challenges them to continue their leadership and service to their schools and communities.”
FHHS Student Body Vice President, Emma Deason, was in charge of the committee that completed the application and uploaded projects to the NatStuco Database. Emma admitted that while at first she was both nervous and stressed out at times with the task before her, finding out that FHHS Student Council was being recognized as National Gold Council of Excellence made it worthwhile. Emma goes on to say “Completing projects like Gold Council shows how impactful and amazing Student Council can be and why I have and will always love STUCO.”
“This recognition is a true testimony to the quality of student leaders at Forest Hills High School” says Bryan Rudolph, FHHS Student Council Co-Adviser. He shared that the process of completing this portfolio was led and completed by students which makes him very proud. Rudolph also stated “This certification by NatSTUCO has been great for our organization because it serves as a checklist of what a great Student Council should do, and we are fortunate to have a GREAT Student Council.”
Forest Hills High School Principal Dr. Kevin Plue finds that the Student Council being recognized as a Gold Council comes as no big surprise. “Every activity at FHHS organized by STUCO is very well planned,” says Plue. He stated that the FHHS Student Council is dedicated to excellence in not just planning every activity which ranges from pep rallies to Stop the Bop fundraisers, but their dedication to building student leaders. Dr. Plue also added that he believes the current Student Council at FHHS embodies the school motto for this year “Whatever It Takes.”
To meet the requirements for the National Council of Excellence Award, a student council must meet a variety of criteria. In addition to basic requirements such as a written constitution, regular meetings, and a democratic election process, the councils have demonstrated successful sponsorship and participation in activities such as leadership development and service to the school and community. Councils awarded the gold level of the award have successfully demonstrated the highest levels of leadership.
About National Student Council
National Student Council (NatStuCo) provides and promotes professional development and leadership training to student council advisers who, in turn, teach leadership skills to student council members. NatStuCo is dedicated to preparing and empowering student leaders to better serve their schools and communities. For more information, visit www.NatStuCo.org.
About NASSP
For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, Virginia, visit www.nassp.org or call 703-860-0200.
