National Association of Student Councils Awards Lincoln & DPS their first National Award

Posted April 11, 2024

For  Immediate Release 

April 11, 2024

National Association of Student Councils Awards Lincoln & DPS their first National Award

Denver, Co  —For its exemplary record of leadership, service and activities that improve the school and community, the Abraham Lincoln 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). Abraham Lincoln High School is the first high school in Denver Public School to be awarded this National Award.

Lincoln High School’s Student Council is a group of elected and volunteer students working together with an adult advisor within the framework of a constitution or bylaws to provide a means for student expression and assistance in school affairs and activities, give opportunities for student experience in leadership and encourage student, faculty, and community relations. Lincoln’s Student Council has been Led by Ms. Tafoya for the past 9 years.

“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. “Lincoln High School has gone above and beyond in elevating student voices to ensure they are establishing a positive climate and culture, as well as fostering academic and social growth for all.”

“We are excited and proud of our students involved with the Student Council. Receiving this award exemplifies the hard work and leadership by both our student leaders and our Activities Director Cassandra Tafoya.  Our students are capable of doing extraordinary things and this recognition validates that” said Principal Esquibel.

“Being recognized and receiving the 2024 National Gold Council of Excellence makes me feel proud of the works that ALHS STUCO has accomplished over the years to make it to this level. Student councils usually don’t get acknowledged enough for the amount of work and dedication we put in to promote leadership, commitment, strategic planning and making fun high school events happen. For Abraham Lincoln High School’s student council to be the first school in DPS receiving this honor, it not only means a lot to not only the school but the students council representative who contributed to create a school with National Gold Council of Excellence recognition and the students who supported our program. I’m beyond proud of my school and especially student council members who were involved for us to receive this award today. I’m grateful that NATSTUCO recognized our school to be a part of their  2024 National Gold Council of Excellence.” – Kendy Nguyen

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. Learn more about the National Council of Excellence Awards.


# # #

YearSchool NameSchool StateRecognition Level
2024Abraham Lincoln High School      CO             Gold

Click here to view the full list of schools across the country awarded in 2024: