Blog
How School Leaders Can Support Immigrant Students and Families
School leaders have a unique role to play when it comes to supporting and partnering with immigrant families. As a leader, you can set the tone and create a vision for what kind of school community you wish to see. Of course, it’s not your job alone, but we have seen again and again that...
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, School Leadership
National Student Council Shares Insights on Gun Violence Prevention With White House and Federal Officials
Last month, the National Student Council (NSC) offered its recommendations on gun violence prevention and safety to White House and federal officials. In a December 17 letter, NSC President Anjali Verma writing on behalf of the NSC gave feedback on active shooter drills, mental health, and safe firearm storage. NSC is a flagship student leadership...
Education Policy, School Safety, Student Leadership
How a Dog Shaped My Leadership
Seven years ago, my family brought home a fluffy Siberian Husky named Rustam. At first, I didn’t feel connected to him. He was energetic, unpredictable, and honestly, a bit intimidating. I was unsure how to handle his wild personality and felt frustrated by his constant need for attention. (more…)
Student Leadership
The Mental Health Crisis in the Digital Age
My guess is, if you’re a student reading this post, you’re on your phone. Nevertheless, however you found your way here, welcome. (more…)
Mental Health/Wellness, Student Leadership
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...
School Leadership, Student Leadership
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,...
School Leadership, Student Leadership
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. (more…)
Student Leadership
Student-Led Philanthropy With LLS
As educational leaders, we know one thing for sure: Our students are amazing! I am happy to say that another organization, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), knows this too. During the 2023–24 school year, a group of students at New Jersey’s Burlington City High School (BCHS) partnered with LLS’s student-led, philanthropic program, Student Visionaries...
Guest Blogs
The Power of One: How a Single AP Course Can Transform Students’ Futures
Some of the benefits of Advanced Placement® (AP)—including building skills for college and career and providing an opportunity to earn college credit and placement—are familiar to many educators. (more…)
Uncategorized
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: (more…)
Student Leadership
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+, Mental Health/Wellness, Student Leadership
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...
Uncategorized
Reflecting on Our Progress During Mental Health Awareness Month
My voice matters. Seeking change is welcomed. I am supported. These three sentences best reflect my experience with NASC, NHS, and my role as a facilitator with NASSP’s Student Leadership Network on Mental Health and Well-Being. (more…)
Mental Health/Wellness, Student Leadership
Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month and Happy Endings
The month of May kicks off Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, and I am overjoyed to be writing about what this special month means to me. I think it is amazing that we have a month that celebrates the incredible achievements of leaders who come from Asian American and Pacific Islander backgrounds,...
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Student Leadership
It’s Our Turn to Lead
Maurits Acosta at the LEAD Conference in November. Photo by Allyssa Hynes/NASSP. It was close to midnight on March 7th. I stood in the East Room of the White House as a delegate representing Florida to the 62nd annual U.S. Senate Youth Program. Just a few months earlier, I walked through the very same room...
Student Leadership
Digital SAT: Connecting More Students to More Opportunities
Recently, high school students across the globe began navigating a new testing experience: the digital SAT®. (more…)
Guest Blogs
A School Full of Distinguished Student Leaders
Here at Lancaster Central High School in Lancaster, NY, more than 300 of our students have been recognized through the National Association of Student Councils’ Distinguished Student Leader Program over the years. As the school’s Student Union (what we call our student council) adviser and co-director of our Leadership Academy, I’m proud that we’re a...
Student Leadership
Transforming Futures: How Educators Can Ignite Passion for Law and STEM Careers in Middle and High School Students
In the fast-paced global job market of today, the fields of law and STEM offer not just growth, but explosive growth opportunities. Middle and high school students are at a stage where they can explore various career options and develop a passion for subjects that align with their interests, skills, and the demands of the...
Guest Blogs
NHS Fundraiser Brings Out Diverse Talent
Every January, William Mason High School in Mason, OH, hosts one of its biggest events of the year: the NHS talent show. It’s a fundraiser for community groups, and this year’s show raised almost $2,200 for the Lindner Center of HOPE’s treatment program for adolescents. (more…)
Student Leadership
California Student Wins Top National Honor Society Award
Chosen from nearly 17,000 applicants, the National Honor Society (NHS) named Ella Mayor, a senior at Santa Susana High School in Simi Valley, CA, the $25,000 National Honor Society Scholarship winner. NHS is supported by its parent organization, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), which also administers the National Association of Student Councils. “This scholarship means more than...
Student Leadership