Gloucester High School Student Council Earns National Award
[Gloucester, VA] – For its exemplary record of leadership, service and activities that improve the school and community, the Gloucester High School student council has been recognized as a 2025 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).
To win this award, the SCA had to complete over 50 requirements in different categories including council governance and operations, service, school spirit, civics, and leadership. The SCA continued and expanded on initiatives like Motivational Mondays, showing staff appreciation, spirit weeks, and pep rallies, all designed to improve school spirit and culture. Additionally, they added some activities like food and supply drives for the school and community, a voter registration information booth, and academic rallies to recognize student academic achievement. Leadership activities were incorporated into their meetings and they attended the VHSL leadership conference to continue to develop their leadership skills. Another large task undertaken was the revision of the SCAs constitution, which was ratified to now allow more students in the school to participate in a more meaningful way.
“The student council at Gloucester High School 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.”
GHS SCA President Bailey Wilson remarked that “During my time here at GHS, the SCA has done a complete 180. For example, my freshman year, we didn’t get the chance to have a pep rally. This year, my senior year, we are going to have five. The participation in the SCA has also increased. We have grown and flourished throughout the years, and I am so honored and thankful to have been part of it.”
“I couldn’t be more proud of our SCA,” said GHS principal Stefan Mygas. “Their dedication, leadership, and commitment to making a positive impact on our school community truly shine through—and this award is a testament to that. They've set an incredible example for their peers, and I’m honored to see their hard work recognized on this level.”
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. Gloucester High School was one of 22 Virginia schools to earn this award.
Learn more about the National Council of Excellence Awards.