STEM Academy student council earns top national award

The student council at STEM Academy High School, which operates at the University of Texas Permian Basin, recently earned the distinction as a 2023 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Student Council.

To earn this honor, a student council must have a written constitution, regular meetings and a democratic election process, while also demonstrating successful sponsorship and participation in activities such as leadership development and service to the school and community, according to Ector County ISD. Learn more about the award here.

STEM Academy was awarded at the district level for meeting minimum standards in all four state categories including DASH, Pride and Patriotism, Energy and Environment, and Community Service, the school district states. The campus scores were high enough to earn STEM Academy a sweetstakes and recognition as an Outstanding Student Council. STEM Academy will also serve as the District 8 President school for the 2023-2024 school year.

“Exceptional student councils are a hallmark of exceptional schools.”

“Exceptional student councils are a hallmark of exceptional schools,” said Ronn Nozoe, CEO of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, which is the parent organization of the National Student Council. “The STEM Academy 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.”

STEM Academy Principal Dr. Cody Griffin says hard work by students and their sponsor Ms. Keli Gunn deserve this honor.

“The students work hard to make relationships between peers and teachers a priority,” he said. “The student council makes sure that monthly socials and community involvement foster strong relationships with peers and teachers.”

Added Gunn, “This achievement is the result of the ambition and goal-setting of our leadership team for the last year. The leadership crafted an entire year on exceeding the minimum standards of a Gold Council of Excellence.”