[Manitou Springs, CO] (Apr. 6, 2023)—For its exemplary record of leadership, service and activities that improve the school and community, the Manitou Springs High School student council has been recognized as a 2023 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Student Council (NatStuCo) for the tenth year in a row. The NatStuCo program is supported by its parent organization, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

“Winning the National Gold Council of Excellence Award is testament to the highest standards of quality that your council consistently demonstrates in its operation, its projects and activities. ” Jeff R. Sherrill, Senior Program Manager, Leading and Learning at NASSP, said. “NatStuCo Gold Councils of Excellence are the models of quality for which other student councils should strive to become.”

MSHS has now received this award ten years in a row, so this year they have received the National Gold Council of Excellence for a decade award. MSHS is the second high school to receive this honor.

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

“I am very proud to be a co-advisor of a group of students that have been working very hard to get where they are,” Ingrid Perez, Spanish and Student Council co-advisor at MSHS, said. “I am simply humble to be part of their hard work.”

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