Student Council Farewell Bonding 2026 "The Last Splash!"

Student Government President Ashlynn Peralta and Secretary Sophia Marie Kim went absolutely all out for the Student Council’s final bonding event of the year! Diving headfirst into a thrilling "Water Play" theme, they packed the day with high-drenching games specifically designed to leave everyone completely soaked. The competition heated up with a few rounds of a high-stakes water balloon spoon race and a frantic game of pass-the-water-cup, but the absolute highlight was the epic finale: a massive 8th graders vs. 7th graders water balloon fight. In the closing moments of the chaotic battle, the students united for one final mission—completely drenching our very own Mr. White! It was a brilliantly planned, fun-packed event that wrapped up the year with endless laughter and smiles all around. — Mikayla Mathis, Dance Committee

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.

Student Council Induction Ceremony 2026

The Highlands Intermediate School library transformed into a hub of leadership for our Student Government Induction Ceremony! Hosting the event right in our own library made the day feel incredibly special. The room was packed with proud families, staff, and distinguished guests, including local State Representatives, Senators, and Principals from across the Leeward District.  The energy stayed high all afternoon thanks to our fantastic emcees, Mr. White and our student government officers. They kept the crowd laughing and moving through the program smoothly. A major highlight was celebrating our dedicated two-year council members and presenting the official National Student Council Award certificates for national excellence.  It wouldn't be a Highlands event without some humor, so we wrapped up with the Student Council "Funny Awards." These lighthearted certificates highlighted the hilarious personalities and inside jokes of our council members. From the inspiring speeches to the final laughs, the entire ceremony was an absolute blast!  Sophia Marie Kim, Student Government Secretary

Leeward District Student Council 25-26

Student government members from schools across the Leeward district came together at Kapolei Middle School for the Leeward District Student Council 2026 meeting. The gathering gave student leaders the opportunity to represent their schools, meet new people, and share ideas with other SG members from across the district. Before the official meeting started, students participated in a fun icebreaker activity to help everyone feel more comfortable and relaxed. The activity helped students connect with one another and successfully created a welcoming, energetic environment. During the meeting, students focused on collaboration and leadership development by:

• Discussing school environments and sharing common student concerns.
• Highlighting successful events and activities their respective student governments hosted throughout the year.
• Exchanging unique perspectives and learning from the diverse experiences of schools across the Leeward district.

The meeting was a fantastic opportunity for these student leaders to strengthen their communication skills, build lasting friendships, and continue growing as impactful leaders in their schools and communities. Shanell Saelua, Student Government Treasurer

Student Council Christmas Bonding 2025

The holiday spirit was officially in full swing as the Highlands Intermediate Student Council gathered for a night of pure festive magic and winter cheer at our 2025 Christmas Bonding celebration! The room turned into a cozy holiday village as we kicked off the evening with our highly anticipated Secret Santa exchange, unwrapping thoughtful gifts, sharing laughs, and spreading plenty of merry cheer. To keep our energy high, we shared a massive holiday potluck packed with an incredible spread of delicious home-cooked dishes, favorite snacks, and festive treats brought in by everyone on the team. Next, the ultimate holiday engineering challenge began as we split up into different teams for an epic gingerbread house building competition. With classic holiday tunes playing in the background, frosting flew, gingerbread walls were stacked high, and creativity went completely through the roof as each group designed sweet architectural masterpieces packed with gumdrops, candy canes, and festive decorations. It was the perfect winter getaway to collaborate outside of our usual meetings, bond like a true holiday family, and strengthen our leadership team. A massive thank you to everyone who brought their bright holiday spirit, amazing food, and creative energy to make this festive event such a sweet, unforgettable success! — Solomon Young, 8th Grade Class President