National Student Council has recognized Bellport High School Student Council as a 2021 National Council of Excellence for the organization’s exemplary record of leadership, service and activities that improve the school and community.

“I am really proud of the students for all of their hard work, even with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” student council adviser Ellen Hoffman said. “And I would like to extend a thank you to the principals for all of their help and support with our projects.”

NatStuCo’s goal is to prepare and empower student leaders to better serve their communities. To meet the requirements for the National Council of Excellence Award, Bellport High School Student Council submitted information about three activities that demonstrated leadership development and service to the school and community, Hoffman explained. The highlighted activities included Trick or Treat Street, an annual safe Halloween festival for the district and community’s students. Christmas in a Shoebox, a drive to distribute wrapped gifts and toys in decorated shoeboxes for the holiday season, was also submitted. Finally, members provided information about last year’s tile project in which Class of 2020 seniors decorated tiles illustrating their perceptions of school and life during the pandemic. The tiles will be mounted on one of the high school walls this year.

President Jack Frankie said that what sets Bellport High School Student Council apart from others is “our drive and motivation to put a foot forward to help the school and the community.”

“Receiving a National Council of Excellence Award reflects dedication on the part of the school to provide a strong, well-rounded student council program,” National Association of Secondary Principals Director of Student Leadership Nara Lee said. “NatStuCo applauds the work of the National Councils of Excellence and challenges them to continue their leadership and service to their schools and communities.”

The South Country Central School District administration congratulates the student council on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to witnessing the organizations amazing work in the community.