Student leaders are among the highest-achieving and most passionate minds in their school communities—and they’re supported by an equally passionate and dedicated group of advisers. Everyone involved in NASSP student leadership programs like the National Honor Society (NHS), the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), and National Student Council (NatStuCo) deserve to be recognized for their hard work, which is why numerous opportunities are available to celebrate your best and brightest.
NHS Scholarship
Each year, NHS awards $2 million to 600 deserving senior members, with the national winner taking home $25,000 to help them achieve their higher education goals.

NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award
This award recognizes 500 exceptional NJHS students with $500, to be placed in a college savings account program-managed by Oppenheimer Funds (OFI Private Investments) as part of the New Mexico Education Trust Board’s 529 college savings plan: The Education Plan.
Edward Rynearson National Adviser of the Year Award
The Edward Rynearson Adviser of the Year Award was established to recognize outstanding National Honor Society advisers for their leadership and commitment to the purposes of NHS. Each award year, one NHS adviser is selected among the submissions. Recipients receive complimentary registration to a LEAD Conference of their choice, a feature in an issue of Advise magazine, a plaque recognizing their leadership, and a $500 award.
NatStuCo National Council of Excellence Award
This award recognizes middle level and high school student councils that consistently provide quality leadership activities and service to their schools and communities. They can earn Council of Excellence recognition by meeting the 23 basic indicators at the high school level and 17 indicators at the middle level—or by meeting an additional 26 and 23 indicators, respectively, to earn the Gold Council of Excellence designation.
NatStuCo Distinguished Student Leader Program
High school students who earn the NatStuCo Distinguished Student Leader designation have demonstrated exemplary leadership abilities through a variety of tasks focused on building leadership knowledge and improving skills. They have also shown they’ve met the award criteria by creating a personal leadership portfolio, which serves as a valuable record of their achievements and commitment as a leader.
NatStuCo Emerging Student Leader Program
Created specifically for middle level students, the Emerging Student Leader program identifies outstanding student council leaders who have made significant strides in developing their skills as young leaders. Students who earn this designation have shown strong leadership aptitude and a willingness to continue improving.
Warren E. Shull Adviser of the Year Award
Each year, the Warren E. Shull Adviser of the Year Award is presented to two student council advisers—one each at the middle and high school levels—who demonstrate exemplary character, leadership, and commitment to young people and their development as student leaders.