Johnston High School Student Council earns top national award

JOHNSTON, IA. (April 6, 2022)— The Johnston High School Student Council has been recognized as a 2022 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Student Council (NatStuCo).

Winning this award is testament to the highest standards of quality that the student council consistently demonstrates in its operation, projects and activities. The award recognizes an exemplary record of leadership, service and activities that serve to improve the school and community. Recipients are considered role models for other student councils.

“Receiving a National Gold Council of Excellence Award shows the utmost dedication a school’s students, leaders, and staff have made to making their community a better place,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “Johnston has gone above and beyond in elevating student voice to ensure they are establishing a positive climate and culture, as well as fostering academic and social growth for all.”

The JHS Student Council has 80 members with six holding an executive office position. The council has hosted more than 30 different events this past year that have allowed student participation as well as community participation. Throughout the course of this year, the council has raised over $6,000 for many different organizations including the Johnston Partnership, American Cancer Society and Ellipsis.

“This is my first year on student council and it has been a lot of fun,” said sophomore Claire Moorman. “I have met new friends and it has been a great way to get involved and be a leader in our school. My favorite activities I have helped run were Trunk or Treat, Rock Around the Clock, and Winter Olympics. My favorite things I have participated in planning so far are Dress Up Days, and raising money for our community and school.”

Advisor Kari Gray agrees that working with JHS Student Council is rewarding.

“It has been an honor to work with the JHS Student Council for the last nine years in some manner and as an advisor,” Gray said. “This position allows me to help our students, staff and community; what better way to give back. Our students are amazing, caring, and show initiative in all we do. I could not be prouder of this group.”

To meet the requirements for the National Gold 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, 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.

The NatStuCo program is supported by its parent organization, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).