Royse City, TX (April 30, 2024) — For its exemplary record of leadership, service and activities that improve the school and community, the Royse City High School Student Council has been recognized as a 2024 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils (NASC). The NASC program is supported by its parent organization, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). This is the third consecutive year for the council to earn this prestigious designation. In order to achieve this, council leaders and Advisor Leah Voth put together an extensive portfolio of their initiatives, events, and accomplishments that yielded positive impacts on their campus, community, district, and state. They presented this portfolio to building Principal Brooke McMaster, who then approved and endorsed them for the recognition. After a waiting period, they learned that National Student Council had designated them, along with 72 other high schools in the state of Texas, as the most elite “Gold Council of Excellence” honorees.
“Royse City High School Student Council has a reputation of commitment to service, leadership, and community engagement. Throughout this past year, they have consistently demonstrated incredible commitment to community service and initiated numerous impactful projects that have positively influenced our school and the broader community. The 150 members and leaders of RCHS Student Council’s outstanding character, resilience, and passion leave no doubt in my mind that they are deserving of this prestigious recognition,” Royse City High School Principal Brooke McMaster said.
“It has been a great year and experience getting to serve our campus as the Student Council Vice-President! This award symbolizes the hard work and time we as a council have put in to foster a sense of school spirit, serve others, highlight our amazing staff and students, and embrace tradition. I’m so grateful for this experience and our amazing advisors Leah Voth, Lisa Davis, as well as Christiana Davis for supporting us along the way,” Senior Vice-President Adeline Nenzou said.
“Receiving a National Gold Council of Excellence Award reflects the amazing dedication of the students and school to make their community a better place,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “Royse City Student Council 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 people that I’ve gotten to know in my time with Student Council have shaped the way I live, and I am extremely grateful to experience what I have experienced with this amazing organization,” Senior Officer Annahlee Smith said.
“As a Student Council officer, I’ve seen firsthand the power of unity and teamwork to bring about positive change. From organizing events to advocating for student needs, every moment on the council has deepened my understanding of leadership and service. Through the obstacles we’ve faced and the successes that we’ve celebrated together, I’ve learned the importance of cooperation, communication, and adaptation in reaching our common goals. Being a part of such a diverse and passionate community has given me a strong sense of responsibility and purpose. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue learning and growing with my fellow council members this next school year,” Junior Officer and 2024-2025 President Presley Hancock said.
“This award is a tangible recognition for the intensive and continual efforts, especially those behind the scenes for which they don’t receive any praise or acknowledgement, that the student body leaders of Royse City High School demonstrate year after year with integrity, fidelity, and passion. These young adults make my life better; and I learn from them as much as they learn from me. Each school year, we renew our purpose, our vision, and our unified and unwavering commitments to making our school and community the best that they can be. It is an immense honor to be counted among the most elite councils in the nation, and I could not be more proud. This award is the apex of achievement in student leadership circles and truly represents the best of the best councils across our great nation,” Advisor Leah Voth said.
A student council must meet a variety of criteria to earn the National Gold 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.
Press release submitted by Adi Bryant, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News. Courtesy photo.
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