IRMO – For its exemplary record of leadership, service and activities that improve the school and community, the Irmo High School Student Council, affectionately known as Irmo StuCo, has been recognized as a 2025 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).
The Irmo High School Student Council has made a lasting impact on Irmo culture through innovative leadership and student engagement. This year, they organized multiple successful events, including Spirit Weeks, community service drives, and the largest-attended Homecoming in recent school history. They’ve also amplified student voices by utilizing social media and school announcements as a forum to foster communication between students and administration. Additionally, council members have represented Irmo at local, regional, and state leadership conferences, showcasing their commitment to excellence beyond the classroom.
“The student council at Irmo High School just pulled off something extraordinary,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “Their student-driven change has earned them national recognition as a National Gold Council of Excellence, proving that when young people are given the chance to lead, they turn their vision into real-world impact.”
Baxley Baker, Irmo Student Body President, said, “Earning the National Gold Council of Excellence is an outstanding achievement and exemplifies the dedication and energy Irmo StuCo devotes to serve our school and community. It is an honor to be the Student Body President of this organization and school, and I am proud and ecstatic that this remarkable group of servant-leaders earned the recognition they deserved.” Samantha Wilkerson, junior and Public Relations Committee member, echoed this sentiment, “From hosting our Annual Senior Goodwill Brunch to being awarded the Student Council Coalition’s Student Government of the Year award to planning Prom, this year has been huge for us.”
“This is our second consecutive year receiving this recognition,” said Eric Coleman, Student Council Advisor. “All 57 of our members put their hearts and souls into all of the work they do, so it is rewarding to see them acknowledged for their efforts.”
Dr. Kaaren Hampton, Principal of Irmo High School, said, “Irmo Student Council is a force to be reckoned with! It is my immense pleasure to know that their hard work has landed them here. I am proud of these students, their elected leaders, and their advisor for working diligently to make Irmo High School a place where all students feel welcomed and the Irmo community a place to call home. Kudos to you, Irmo StuCo!”
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.
