For its exemplary record of leadership, service and activities that improve the school and community, the Combs High School student council has been recognized as a 2024 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).
Among the noteworthy accomplishments of the Combs High School student council during the 2023-2024 school year were:
- Publication of "Cody Coyote's Lessons in Leadership," a book providing examples of multifaceted leadership skills to the student body.
- Coordination, design and promotion of the homecoming parade and activities to rally community support and provide community service opportunities for volunteers.
- Organization and coordination of candlelight vigil ceremonies honoring two fallen Coyotes.
- Participation in the Perry Spirit Conference as well as the sending of eight delegates to the AASC summer leadership experience and President's Luncheon presentation.
- Planning and execution of all four school-wide sports assemblies and multicultural assembly.
In addition, the Combs High School student council utilized their Homecoming Bonfire event as a community service project, transforming the annual activity into a class competition to help clean up surrounding areas and neighborhoods. The materials collected from this clean up were used to fuel the bonfire, and consisted of over 52,325 cubic feet of dumped wood, vegetation and refuse from the community. This is just one demonstration of the council’s commitment to promote environmentalism in the community in the form of direct civic engagement.
“Receiving a National Gold Council of Excellence Award reflects the amazing dedication of the students and school to make their community a better place,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “Combs High School has gone above and beyond in elevating student voice to ensure they are establishing a positive climate and culture, as well as fostering academic and social growth for all.”
"We're exceptionally proud to see our Combs High School student council receive the National Gold Council of Excellence Award for the third year in a row," said Carl Hill, assistant principal at Combs High School. "Combs is one of only three Arizona high schools to receive this prestigious national award, and we thank the entire Coyote community for their assistance in earning this recognition. "
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. Click here to learn more about the National Council of Excellence Awards.
"I am really proud of the council and all of their hard work," said Charlotte O'Brien, Combs High School student body president. "This award is just one of the ways that hard work is reflected. We are all honored and excited to achieve such an accomplishment and even more determined to keep up the good work."
For more information about Combs High School or the J.O. Combs Unified School District, visit jocombs.org or call 480-987-5300.
