Recognized: CMHS receives Gold Council Award

Clatskanie High School has received the Gold Council Award, a recognition for having a high-achieving leadership program.

Clatskanie High School was one of 21 high schools and five middle schools in the state that received recognition. The school was awarded the Gold Council Award at the OASC Spring Leadership Conference in April.

The award, sponsored by the Oregon Association of Student Councils (OASC), sets high standards for student councils and leadership programs and honors them if they can reach or exceed these goals. CMHS Principal Laurie Maughan said the award was “well deserved,” and explained the importance of a good leadership program.

“The strong leadership program at CMHS brings student voice to what happens every day in the building. It is a way for students to serve and develop the school community in a way that benefits everyone,” Maughan said. “I am so proud of our student leaders! They work hard and learn a little about leading and serving others every day.”

The leadership programs begin by setting goals in the fall and actively participating in leadership activities and events throughout the year. Nina Brewer is the Leadership Advisor at CMHS, and she said the leadership team came together to create goals before the year even started.

“Each year, we start with a summer retreat for the Executive Student Officers to set their goals and vision for the year, as well as plan for events,” Brewer said. “ The Leadership class plans and hosts dances, spirit weeks, assemblies, etc.”

In order to receive the award, programs must create and encourage activities that promote inclusivity among all students at the school and provide a series of events that include a variety of different areas/disciplines in the school.

Nina Brewer is the Leadership Advisor at CMHS, and she explained that there are four categories leadership programs are graded on: Leadership Development, Procedures & Organization, Activities, and Reflection. Clatskanie High School earned 203 of a possible 223 points to reach the Gold level of achievement.

“Points are also awarded for students being involved in leadership procedurals like budgeting and formal meetings, as well as planning and evaluating, and collaboratively working with admin,” Brewer said.

Along with involvement in the school, they must also demonstrate that they are gaining valuable leadership and professional skills that they can take with them outside of school. Brewer detailed some of the ways students in leadership gave back to the Clatskanie community outside of school.

“All students in the leadership class are also required to participate in a minimum of 30 hours of community service throughout the year,” Brewer said. “Some of the community events include hosting Red Cross Blood Drives (3 a year), donating food and gifts to Turning Point during the holidays, and fundraising for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.”

About the OASC

The OASC, founded in 1949 and sponsored by The Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) and the Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA).

“One of the most important lessons we’ve learned supporting our youth leaders is that leadership is not an exclusive attribute– our student leaders are in every corner of Oregon’s schools. They directly affect the climate and culture of their schools, often extending their influence into the community and beyond. The programs awarded this level of recognition have exhibited how their student leaders show an incredible level of commitment to servant leadership. They have included their peers in school activities, developed and implemented impactful events for their community, and maintained a positive and creative approach to improving their school environment,” OASC Executive Director Miles Palacios said.

This nonprofit serves middle and high school students and advisers from around the state. They provide conferences, workshops, online newsletters and summer leadership camps designed to heighten student leadership development and improve school culture.

In the last few years, OASC has also added a Capitol Ambassador program and has begun organizing with affinity groups. The association is guided by their mission statement:

Committed to leadership development with a vision for service, involvement and action.