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
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
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
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