Uxbridge High School Student Council Receives Top National Award

 

For its exemplary record of leadership, service and activities that improve the school and community, the Uxbridge High School Student Council has been recognized as a 2023 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Student Council (NatStuCo). The NatStuCo program is supported by its parent organization, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

 

Comprised of students across all five of UHS’ grades and committed to supporting links between school and community, and under the direction of Ms. Sheila Bernard, the UHS Student Council tirelessly works to promote and foster school spirit, connections to community, and service to others. The Student Council at UHS coordinates school-wide events such as Spirit Week and Homecoming Dance, collects donations for the food pantry, coordinates partnerships with underserved populations, and volunteers to help teachers tidy classrooms. The Council regularly recognizes staff members, administrators, and other community organizations through its ongoing outreach and activities, and the Council is often called upon to support community initiatives.

 

“Exceptional student councils are a hallmark of exceptional schools,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “The Uxbridge High School  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.”

 

“In modeling the standards of the Student Council, particularly in the past year, the students have sought a level of inclusiveness, reaching out to less represented groups, supporting efforts with unified athletics, and creating ways for the school to connect beyond its academic mission,” said UHS Principal Michael Rubin, who also serves as the NASSP State Coordinator for Massachusetts. “The students are always in search of new ways to create and tether relationships with other schools in our district, community organizations, and even the staff. I am beyond proud of this recognition and am humbled by  the efforts of the students and their advisor.”

 

“The students that I get to work with on a daily basis are exceptional,” said Mrs. Bernard. “The number of hours that they put into helping our school and community are countless. They put others before themselves, and strive to make our school, community, and the world a better place.  It is a pleasure to advise them. The growth they make each year as individuals and as a group makes me proud. They are the future leaders of our world, and I am confident they will continue to make changes to make our world a better place for all.” 

 

This year’s student officers include President Matthew DiLibero, Vice President Luke Esposito, Secretary Morgan Ouellette, Treasurer James Bernard, Historian Ben Roerden, PR Meghan Smith, and Delegates Kellen Lachapelle and Abby Oliveira. Some of the organization’s events that led to this award include their organization of the annual Homecoming events and pep rally, volunteer efforts at town meetings, providing support for youth events across town, promoting inclusion through their partnership with Special Olympics Massachusetts, and engaging in town-wide cleanups. UHS has earned Gold or Silver Council Awards at the state level each year since 2013; this marks the first National recognition for UHS.

 

“Truly, this recognition tells the rest of the nation what we already know about UHS: our students are among the best anywhere,” said Mr. Rubin. “Ms. Bernard’s influence as an advisor, the community-centered focus, and the willingness of this Council to find ways to enhance our school can serve as a model for schools across the U.S. In fact, when I mentioned that we had earned this distinction to the state Student Council coordinator [Middleborough High School Principal Paul Branagan], he shared that he was not surprised. Clearly, Ms. Bernard and UHS’ reputations precede themselves!”

 

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.

 

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 NatStuCo.org. 

About NASSP
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of middle level and high school principals and other school leaders across the United States. NASSP seeks to transform education through school leadership, recognizing that the fulfillment of each student’s potential relies on great leaders in every school committed to the success of each student. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society and National Student Council.

For more information about NASSP visit nassp.org or call 703-860-0200.