For its exemplary record of leadership, service, and activities that serve to improve the school and community, the South Lakes High School student council has been recognized as a 2018 national Gold Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils. To meet the requirements for the award, a student council must meet a variety of criteria, including having a written constitution, holding regular meetings, and having a democratic election process.  Councils must also demonstrate such things as leadership training for council members, teacher-staff appreciation activities, student recognition programs, school and community service projects, spirit activities, goal setting, financial planning, and active participation in state and national student council associations. Councils awarded the gold level of the award have successfully demonstrated the highest levels of leadership. Last month, South Lakes’ student government also was recognized at the state level with the Virginia Student Councils Association’s Achievement Award and they received the Outstanding Student Council Project Award for their leadership workshop with Terraset Elementary students.