Lowry High School recently received a National Student Council Award for distinguishing itself in leadership and service, fostering student voices and promoting student engagement in its projects and activities.
This is the second year in a row that Lowry's student council has received the award.
Superintendent Dave Jensen said he commends the students' time and dedication on behalf of the high school and the community.
"We appreciate each of the students and staff who have helped to make the student council a two-time national award winner," he said.
Tanya Grady, who runs the student council, said the students in her class stay busy throughout the year with a lengthy list of projects and activities. Each student is required to do community service throughout the year, but that's just the beginning of their involvement in the school and community.
One of the biggest projects the council helps with each year just passed - Operation Easter, the community Easter egg hunt. The students help out at the event in various ways including spreading out the eggs on the fields. This year, they also set up a booth offering free temporary tattoos and coloring. The students also helped judge the coloring contest.
The group's next project is selling raffle tickets for a quilt for the annual LaRena Smith Bengoa Run, Ride or Walk for the Cure, set for May 10.
Throughout the school year, the student council organizes staff appreciation activities, students of the month, pep assemblies, dances, they create decorations and posters and serve as liaisons for sports teams.
Grady said one thing that makes the Lowry student council stand out above others is their pride.
"They are very proud of their work and want to make the school a good place," she said. They are also proud of Winnemucca and their community.
Grady said the fact that student council is a class at Lowry also helps with the group's productivity. Most schools do not have that luxury, she said.
Another big project on the horizon for the student council is the school's annual Academic Assembly of Excellence on May 15, which is sponsored by the mining foundation for the school district. While the foundation purchases the awards and prizes, the council organizes the whole event from top to bottom.
The assembly is a way to honor many students in the school, not just those who have the highest GPAs. Grady said 3/4 of Lowry students are recognized for things from improving grades to having a good attitude and school spirit. One of the goals of the assembly is to motivate those students who aren't being recognized to become more involved and improve their grades.
Grady said the National Student Council Award is just one more way to recognize the Lowry student council for all the effort it puts in to the school and community.
Student body President Taylor LaTray gave credit elsewhere. She said the main reason the Lowry student council is successful and has received the honor for two years is Grady's guidance and leadership.
LaTray said the council works hard throughout the year to make students enjoy school and have more school spirit. It's about bettering the lives of all students at Lowry she said, not just her own.
According to the National Association of Student Councils, a council receives recognition if it "consistently provides(s) quality leadership activities and service to their schools." The awards are given to middle school and high school councils.
Each council that earns the recognition receives: a certification proclaiming its achievement, a letter from NASC recognizing and congratulating the student leaders and the school, a press release for local media, inclusion of the school name on the winners' list published by NASC, recognition during the NASC National Conference, eligibility to purchase special recognition items designed specifically for National Council of Excellence award winners and special seal in JPG format.
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