AURORA – The National Association of Student Councils (NASC) has named 23 Colorado high schools student councils a National Council of Excellence (NCOE), with 21 earning Gold Council status.
In addition, three student councils – at Central, Manitou Springs and Mountain Range – have achieved “Decade of Excellence” status by receiving NCOE honors for the past 10 years!
“Congratulations to all the Colorado schools recognized as National Councils of Excellence,” said Assistant Commissioner Rashaan Davis, who oversees Student Leadership at the state level. “This is a national recognition that goes to councils that are very active on the local, state, and national levels. Knowing that this award goes to so many of our schools, I am excited about the direction of Student Leadership in our state.”
Abraham Lincoln, The Academy of Charter Schools, Arvada West, Boulder, Brighton, Broomfield, Central, Durango, Eagle Ridge Academy, Fountain-Fort Carson, Highlands Ranch, Horizon, Legacy, Lewis Palmer, Loveland, Manitou Springs, Mountain Range, Peak to Peak Charter, Riverdale Ridge, Stargate Charter and Westminster were all recognized as Gold Councils with Northglenn and Rangeview also being honored with an NCOE student council.
“Student councils are a perfect environment to help teach skills outside of the academic curriculum such as leadership, civic responsibility, and organization and planning,” Davis continued. “Our schools are creating a culture of positive role models for all students in their school as they lead school spirit events, fundraisers, and community engagement activities.”
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.