A year ago, I decided to apply for the NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award because I have always strived to excel in all areas of my life, including academics, leadership, and service. When I learned about the opportunity to be recognized for my hard work and dedication, I knew I wanted to take advantage of it. […]
Category: Student Leadership
Why I Applied for the Outstanding Achievement Award—and Why You Should Too
NJHSOAAOutstanding Achievement Award
Five Reasons to Attend the National Student Council Conference
Michael Flynn is the youth services coordinator for Estill County Middle School in Irvine, KY, and a longtime adviser for the school’s student council. He’ll be bringing 23 student council members to the National Student Council Conference happening January 31–February 2 in Chicago. The event is co-located with the National Honor Society Conference. Below, Flynn […]
National Student Council Conference
Honoring Our Veterans and Inspiring the Next Generation
Veterans Day holds a special place in my heart, both as a school leader and as the proud son of a Vietnam Veteran. My father served honorably and later dedicated himself to community service through our local VFW post. I grew up volunteering alongside him at events like our small town’s Rodeo and Apple Festival, […]
NASSP Principal of the Year Alumni Network
What Your Students Can Teach You About Elections
As a middle school principal, I live by the mantra “I never lose; I either win or learn.” This guiding principle instills trust in my students and staff, encouraging them to explore their innovative ideas. And if things don’t go as planned, we still grow from the experience. It’s about creating opportunities for students to […]
Middle School Leaders NetworkNASSP Principal of the Year Alumni NetworkWomen in School Leadership Network
Representing National Student Council at the White House
Last month, Kaylyn Woods, vice president of leadership development for the National Student Council (NSC), proudly represented student leaders from across the nation during an afternoon visit to the White House. The visit October 10th visit was part of a White House event in partnership with the National Partnership for Student Success.
NASCNational Student Council
Four Scholarship Resources for NHS Members
As a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), you’ve already demonstrated your commitment to academic excellence, leadership, service, and character. Now, it’s time to leverage your achievements and explore scholarship opportunities that can help fund your higher education. Here are four valuable scholarship resources to consider:
NHSNHS Scholarship
A Career Highlight for a Student Council Adviser
When I moved from being a high school English teacher to becoming the librarian at a middle school—and serving as a student council adviser at both levels—it was a big adjustment for me. Middle school kids are so different. They don’t always follow through on the things you would like them to, for instance. And […]
NASCNational Student Council
This Pride Month Holding Space for Us All
Walking the dirt street to reach my house, I hear a homophobic slur emanate from the car driving past me. A meek 12-year-old, I rush on in fear—fear of what they would do if they knew how right they were. “How do they know?” I ask myself. “Am I too masculine? Too feminine?” My identity […]
LGBTQ+ School Leaders Network
Elevating Student Voice in Our School Community and Beyond
One of my mantras as a principal in the community where I grew up and have served at each level of K–12 education originates from the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Today, we need an entire community of people to provide a safe, accepting, and supportive environment with all the resources […]
Students Gain National Voice Through Newly Elected Council
As the nation wrestles with critical issues from the future of education to democracy itself, student voices have been left out of the conversation—until now. NASSP recently held its first election for the newly created National Student Council. The ten students elected to the Council will advocate on behalf of millions of their peers on […]