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Recognition
The Connecticut Association of Student Councils offers a number of awards to recognize the hard work of both local Student Councils/Governments as well as their advisors and student leaders. We also encourage all Student Councils/Governments to apply for NASC awards. Click on a button below to jump to the section you want, or scroll through all of the sections.
Council/Government Recognition
CASC Council of Excellence Award (HS)
NASC National Council of Excellence (MS/HS)
CASC
Council of Excellence (HS)
The Council of Excellence Award has been designed to honor commitment to student leadership development in our state association through following the standards for Connecticut’s student councils and governments. We know there is so much special work that goes on everyday in your schools that help students develop their leadership potential. Please take time to compile the information on the checklist so that your school can be recognized. We hope that student councils and governments can use this award as a stepping-stone towards achieving NASC recognition.
THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 15, 2025
2024 Recipients:
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​Connecticut IB Academy - Gold
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Woodland Regional High School - Platinum
NASC
National Council of Excellence (MS/HS)
Strong Student Councils are essential to strong schools. NASC’s National Council of Excellence (NCOE) Awards recognize and celebrate middle and high school Student Councils that meet high standards and demonstrate evidence of student service, leadership, voice, and engagement.
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2024 Recipients from CT:​​
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Woodland Regional High School - Gold
Student Leader Recognition
CASC Student Leadership Award (HS)
CASC Unsung Hero Award (MS/HS)
NASC Distinguished Student Leader Program (HS)
NASC Emerging Student Leader Program (MS)
US Senate Youth Program (HS)
State Board of Education (HS)
CASC
Student Leadership Award (HS)
The CASC Student Leadership Award recognizes individual students for their outstanding and far-reaching achievements as well as their potential in their student leadership experiences and development.
Voting should be held amongst your student council/ government members to decide the student you will be nominating for this award. This award is presented to one high school student at the spring convention.
THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 15, 2025
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Past 5 Recipients:
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​2025 - Now accepting applications!​
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2024 - ​Jayda McKerley, CIBA
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2023 - Charli Hughes, WRHS
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2022 - Yasmeen Galal, WRHS
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2021 - No award given, COVID
CASC
Unsung Hero Award (MS/HS)
The Unsung Hero Award recognizes individual students whose contributions often go overlooked. These students do all that they do for the love of improving their school and community, not to seek recognition or from want of an incentive and this award acts as a thank you for all the things that they do.
Voting should be held amongst your student council/government members to decide the student you will be nominating for this Award.
THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 15, 2025
2025 MS Recipient:
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Now accepting applications!​
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2025 HS Recipient:
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Now accepting applications!​
NASC
Distinguished Student Leader Program (HS)
The NASC Distinguished Student Leader Program is a recognition initiative designed for high school students in NASC member schools who demonstrate outstanding leadership skills. Participants complete a series of leadership tasks and activities, culminating in the creation of a comprehensive portfolio that showcases evidence of their leadership journey across various domains such as goal setting, team building, and civic engagement. Upon successful completion, students are awarded the title of NASC Distinguished Student Leader, a prestigious accolade acknowledging their commitment and excellence in student leadership.​
NASC
Emerging Student leader Program (MS)
Great leaders are not born—they practice—and the best practice starts early. NASC’s Emerging Student Leader program is tailored specifically for middle level students in NASC member schools who have made significant strides in developing their skills as young leaders. Participants work with their student council adviser to complete the Emerging Student Leader Skills Checklist, tracking the required number of indicators in each of the core areas defined in the program, such as speaking, leadership, and service skills. Upon successful completion and submission, students are awarded the title of NASC Emerging Student Leader, a prestigious accolade acknowledging their commitment and excellence in student leadership.
United States Senate
US Senate Youth Program (HS)
he United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is an intensive week-long educational experience and scholarship sponsored by the United States Senate for outstanding high school students who are interested in pursuing careers in public service. High school junior and seniors may qualify to apply through leadership positions they currently hold per the USSYP official criteria for the current 2024-2025 academic year. All student leadership positions are subject to the judgement and verification of the state selection administrators.
Connecticut
State Board of Education (HS)
Since July 1998, two Grade 12 public school students have held positions on the Connecticut State Board of Education ("Board"). These students, appointed by the Governor, serve one-year terms starting July 1 each year.
Every year, the Governor selects two public school students entering their senior year to serve on the Board for a one-year term (July 1, through June 30). Student members actively participate in discussions about education policy and offer valuable perspectives during Board deliberations, although they do not have voting rights. We encourage you to consider applying for a position on the Board.
Advisor Recognition
CASC Ron Nedovich Advisor of the Year Award (MS/HS)
CASC Friend of the Association
NASC Warren E. Shell Advisor of the Year Award (MS/HS)
CASC
Ron Nedovich Advisor of the Year Award (MS/HS)
The Ron Nedovich Advisor of the Year Award honors the former Executive Director of CASC, who dedicated himself to student and leadership development. This award recognizes the contributions of all advisers across the state, highlighting their vital role in student education.
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​THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 15, 2025
Past 5 Recipients:
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​2025 - Now accepting applications!​
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2024 - Casey LaMonaca, ND-WH
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2023 - Terri Franzi, Thomaston HS
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2022 - Christopher Tomlin, WRHS
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2021 - No award given, COVID
CASC
Friend of the Association
An annual award presented to an individual and/or organization that has been a strong advocate of our Association and the development of student leadership in particular.
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2025 Recipient:
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Now accepting applications!​
NASC
Warren E. Shull Award (MS/HS)
Each year, the Warren E. Shull Award is presented to middle level and high school student council advisers who demonstrate exemplary character, leadership, and commitment to young people and their development as student leaders.
CASC Nominates the recipient of the Ron Nedovich Advisor of the Year Award for this award.