For its exemplary record of leadership, service, and activities that serve to improve the school and community, the Garnet Valley High School Student Council has been recognized as a 2021 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Student Council (NatStuCo). 

“Receiving a National Gold Council of Excellence Award reflects the highest dedication on the part of the school to providing a strong, well-rounded student council program,” said Ann Postlewaite, National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) student programs director. “NatStuCo applauds the work of the National Gold Councils of Excellence and challenges them to continue their leadership and service to their schools and communities.”

Student Council officers Sydney Pyon, Jada Dye, Stephanie Roberts, Alan Lehrfield, Samantha Loan, Magdalena Waters, and Gregory Lederdor are absolutely thrilled that all of Garnet Valley’s endeavors have been recognized at the national level. Pyon, President of the Council, expresses: “I am so incredibly proud of everything that our Council has achieved in this past year. Given the circumstances, we have had to come together more than ever and been creative with finding new ways to serve our community and people in need. I honestly think this is one of the most successful years yet for our Council, which is ironic, and it is so rewarding to see our accomplishments being recognized.” The members of the Student Council are so grateful for this amazing acknowledgement and could not have done it without the encouraging support of Garnet Valley’s teachers and community, especially advisors Ms. Kimberly Griego-Boruch and Señor Glenn Abrams. Their flexibility and willingness to help mold the Council in a safe and positive environment is undeniable. Especially in a pandemic, our students were grateful to have the opportunity to participate in traditional Council events despite the challenging yet rewarding efforts made. Dye, vice president of the council acknowledges: “It is so exciting to have received this award for the third consecutive year! I am so proud of what our Council has been able to accomplish even while being in a pandemic. While gathering and having all of our normal events wasn’t as easy this year, we were still able to remain flexible and have just as much of a positive impact on our community. It truly shows that no matter what, we can make things happen!” 

To meet the requirements for the National Council of Excellence Award, a student council must meet a variety of criteria. In addition to basic requirements such as a written constitution, regular meetings, a democratic election process, the councils have demonstrated successful sponsorship and participation in activities such as leadership development and service to the school and community. Councils awarded the gold level of the award have successfully demonstrated the highest levels of leadership. The Garnet Valley High School Student Council has received this standard not only once, but now for the seventh time in history.