Johnston High School Student Council Receives Top National Award

JOHNSTON, Ia. (April 7, 2023) — The Johnston High School Student Council has been named a 2023 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Student Council (NatStuCo) for its exemplary record of leadership, service and activities that improve the school and community. 

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

“Exceptional student councils are a hallmark of exceptional schools,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “The Johnston High School Student Council has taken student leadership to the next level, creating a culture promoting scholarship and citizenship that resonates far beyond their team. I’m delighted to recognize their hard work with the National Gold Council of Excellence Award for their commitment to service, leadership and uplifting the voices of their peers.”

The recognition comes in a year that the JHS Student Council has dedicated itself to serving others. Throughout the year, they collected warm clothing and outerwear, food and necessities, and JHS gear for the community, staff and students. They have also collected items for care packages for those undergoing treatment for cancer in the Des Moines area. 

“We’ve enlisted many volunteers during our early dismissal Wednesdays to clean up our schools, the grounds, and write Valentine and Easter cards to campers and residents of retirement homes,” said Rachel Jensen, co-sponsor of the JHS Student Council. “We raised money for different charities within our community with our Winter Dance, Winter Olympics and Trunk or Treat. We donated the proceeds to the Johnston Partnership, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and will use the rest of the money to complete our care packages.” 

Beyond service activities, the JHS Student Council held its annual Homecoming festivities and had a successful and fun Rock Around the Clock evening, community parade and an outdoor movie at the Johnston Town Center. They hosted their second annual Senior Sunrise, and will host their first Senior Sunset next month. They’ll finish out the year celebrating seniors with a Glow Run, Senior Challenge and Senior Week. 

“I love how our student council not only spreads a good promotion of school spirit to JHS, but in our whole community as well,” said Maggie Miner, president of the JHS Student Council. “Everyone, members and sponsors, has a huge role and impact in our school and it’s amazing to be a part of a club that helps the morale of our school and the overall educational environment for  the students.”

A student council must meet a variety of criteria to earn the National Council of Excellence Award. In addition to basic requirements such as a written constitution, regular meetings and a democratic election process, the councils must have demonstrated successful sponsorship and participation in activities such as leadership development and service to the school and community. Learn more about the award here.