Student Council Earns National Gold Council of Excellence Award 2026

For its exemplary record of leadership, service, and activities that improve the school and community, the Highlands Intermediate Student Council has been recognized as a 2026 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).

The 2025–2026 school year exceeded expectations because of the fun and memorable activities the Student Council provided for the nearly 900 students at Highlands Intermediate! The council was able to accomplish this by implementing the "Livin’ the Dream!!" theme to the maximum in all student activities and school events. Starting with the amazing Welcome Back Assembly 2025, the momentum continued through dozens of other themed events like Highlands Haunted House 13: "It!" and the recent Valentine's Dance 2026, "Love In The Multiverse." The Highlands Intermediate Student Council has now received this prestigious award for 12 consecutive years. This year's Student Council is the biggest in its history standing at 41members!

“The student council at Highlands Intermediate just pulled off something extraordinary,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “Their student-driven change has earned them national recognition as a National Gold Council of Excellence, proving that when young people are given the chance to lead, they turn their vision into real-world impact.”

“In my 19 years as Student Activities Coordinator at Highlands Intermediate, I find myself asking every year: ‘How can we possibly top this?’ Yet, somehow, this council didn't just meet the bar—they cleared it by leaps and bounds,” said Mr. White, Highlands Intermediate Student Activities Coordinator. “This has been, without a doubt, the most incredible school year yet. I am so proud of this group's tireless work ethic and their dedication to making our program the absolute best it could be for our students and community.”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.

Honolulu City Council Recognition 2024

What an absolute honor it was to hear that we were to receive a Honolulu City Council Recognition at Honolulu Hale on Friday - August 9 from Councilwoman Okimoto! When we arrived we were welcomed to the Honolulu City Hall by the most wonderful media director, Mrs. Jocelyn. Councilwoman Okimoto gave all a huge welcome with warm hugs and leis as we watched the other groups being honored such as the Genki Ball Project, the Mililani High School Girls Varsity Softball Championship team, Malama Rising, 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture, and even Kahikinaokalā Kalima who saved some tourist drowning at China Walls. When it was our turn we were put on live television. We walked up on stage, took pictures for the camera and even shook all 9 of the Honolulu City Council Members' hands! We want to give a huge shout out to Student Council 23-24 for putting together an epic year of activities that resulted in this most amazing awared!!! Lennon White, 8th Grade President

Highlands Student Council Is A National Gold Council of Excellence 2021!

On behalf of National Student Council, it is our pleasure to recognize the Highlands Intermediate School Student Council as a 2021 National Gold Council of Excellence. Winning the National Gold Council of Excellence Award is testament to the highest standards of quality that your council consistently demonstrates in its operation, and its projects and activities. NatStuCo Gold Councils of Excellence are the models of quality for which other student councils should strive to become. Congratulations again on winning ‘Gold’. You can be justifiably proud of the outstanding contributions that you and your student leaders make in your school and community.

Highlands Intermediate Receives National Student Council Award For 4th Straight Year!

Highlands has done it again! For its exemplary record of leadership, service, and activities that serve to improve the school and community, Highlands Intermediate Student Council has been awarded a 2018 National Gold Council of Excellence Award by the National Student Council (NatStuCo) for a fourth straight year! As the only middle school in the entire State, and just a handful nationwide, the entire Highlands Intermediate ohana couldn’t be more proud! 

"Receiving an NASC National Gold Council of Excellence Award reflects the highest dedication on the part of the school to providing a strong, well-rounded student council program," said Ann Postlewaite, National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) student programs director. “NatStuCo applauds the work of the National Gold Councils of Excellence and challenges them to continue their leadership and service to their schools and communities." 

To meet the requirements for the NASC National Council of Excellence Award, a student council must meet a variety of criteria. ln addition to basic requirements such as a written constitution, regular meetings, a democratic election process, and membership in NASC, councils demonstrate things such as leadership training for council members, teacher/staff appreciation activities, student recognition programs, school and community service projects, spirit activities, goal setting, financial planning, and active participation in state and national student council associations. Those councils awarded the gold level have successfully demonstrated the highest levels of leadership. 

National Student Council provides and promotes professional development and leadership training to student council adviser 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 www.NatStuCo.org 

Highlands StuCo Does It Again! 2016 NASC Gold Council of Excellence Award

Highlands does it again! The Highlands Intermediate Student Council has be awarded the 2016 NASC Gold Council of Excellence Award. We are honored to be recognized on a national level with other councils from across the country that exhibit the same passion and energy towards their schools. The 2016 NASC Gold Council of Excellence Award is for an exemplary record of leadership, service, and activities that serve to improve the school and community. Yay, us ;)  Jaeda, 8th Grade VP

Midweek Features Highlands StuCo Award

Highlands Displays Quality Leadership

May 27, 2015 at 11:58 am  |  www.midweek.com/highlands-displays-quality-leadership/  

Pearl Highlands Intermediate has been awarded a 2015 National Gold Council of Excellence Award from National Association of Student Councils (NACS) for its community leadership, service and activities.  NASC’s goal is to help student councils around the nation become more effective organizations.  “We are proud of our student leaders and their commitment to school improvement,” stated principal Amy Martinson. “We applaud Mr. Eric White, the student activities coordinator, for his leadership.”  In order to receive such recognition, Pearl Highlands Elementary’s student council had to uphold its written constitution, have regular meetings, conduct a democratic election process and more.  The student council also had to demonstrate leadership training for its members, teachers and staff, and sponsor appreciation activities, student-recognition programs, school and community service projects, goal setting, financial planning and more.  According to NASC, schools like Pearl Highlands that earn the excellence award displayed the highest levels of leadership. For more information, visit www.nasc.us/national-councils-of-excellence

MyPearlCity Features Highlands StuCo Award

http://www.mypearlcity.com/story/education/highlands-intermediate-receives-national-student-council-award