Airport High School’s Student Council has been honored with a top national award.

The council has been recognized as a 2023 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Student Council. It’s the sixth time in recent years that Airport High’s Student Council has received the honor, which is given annually to schools with an exemplary record of leadership, service, and activities that aim to improve the school and community. 

Among requirements of a National Council of Excellence Award, a council must demonstrate successful sponsorship and participation in activities such as leadership development and service to the school and community. Councils like Airport’s, which are awarded at the gold level, have successfully demonstrated the highest levels of leadership.

“Exceptional student councils are a hallmark of exceptional schools,” said Chief Executive Officer Ronn Nozoe of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. “The Airport High School Student Council has taken student leadership to the next level, creating a culture promoting scholarship and citizenship that resonates far beyond their team. I’m delighted to recognize their hard work with the National Gold Council of Excellence Award for their commitment to service, leadership and uplifting the voices of their peers.”

This year, the Lexington Two high school has focused on student and community engagement with events like the annual Trick-Or-Treat Lane and Winter Wonderland, the National Student Council noted. They also supported fellow students with events including spirit days, homecoming, and Coming Home. The council also continues work toward its goal for the biggest fundraiser of the year, Charity Drive, which raises money to help send kids with cancer to Camp Kemo each summer.

“The students at Airport hold a special place in my heart. They are not just students, but family,” said Odaliz Martinez-Cruz, Airport’s student government advisor and school activities director. “I am extremely proud of the hard work that they have put into making our activities successful. They have persevered to surpass any obstacle in their way and have shown true leadership skills.  It is an honor to continue the Airport council’s legacy in obtaining the National Gold Council of Excellence.”