Written by:
Eric White
Student Activities Coordinator
Highlands Intermediate School
Pearl City, HI — 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 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).
The 2024 – 2025 school year exceeded expectations by providing the best, most fun and memorable experience possible for the nearly 900 students at Highlands Intermediate! The Highlands Student Council was able to accomplish this by implementing the Nintendo school theme to the maximum in all student activities and school organizations. Starting with the super amazing Welcome Back Assembly 2024 “Game On!”, the fun didn’t stop through the dozens of other amazing themed events throughout the year! On top of that, every goal set by the Highlands Student Council at the beginning of the year was met and exceeded! Wow! Wow! Wow!
“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. “Highlands Intermediate 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.”
“This is my 17th year as Student Activities Coordinator at Highlands Intermediate School and every year I ask myself, “How are we going to top this year? How can it get better than this?” Sure enough, we did it… and by leaps and bounds! This was the most amazing school year ever! I just want to thank this year’s Student Council for putting in the work and having the dedication to making our activities and our program the best it could be!” Mr. White, Highlands Intermediate Student Activities Coordinator
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. Learn more about the National Council of Excellence Awards.
Photos courtesy of Eric White
