On March 19-21, students from Santa Fe High School travelled to Branson to participate in the Missouri Association of Student Councils State Convention. This event brings together more than 1,000 student leaders from schools throughout Missouri for a three-day convention. Highlights include guest speakers, student-led workshops and breakout sessions, a dance, campaigning and election of state officer schools, scholarships and award presentations. All member schools may bring a limited number of delegates and must be accompanied by an adult advisor. Attending from Santa Fe were: Student Council Sponsor Josh Hayes, senior Lilly Plattner, sophomore Sophia Lundy, and 8th graders Addison Beumer, Mackenzie Dooley, Maddison Judd, Destiny Medina and Hallie Schuster.

During the event, held at Branson High School, the MASC Honor Council Committee announced that Santa Fe High School Student Council was awarded the Missouri Association of Student Councils Honor Council Gold Award. The Santa Fe High School Student Council was recognized for its involvement at the local level, involvement in Trails West District Student Council, and involvement at the state level. Only 81 student councils in the state of Missouri met the criteria for the award this year.

The honor is based on an application submitted by each school. Criteria are established to honor those councils that have a comprehensive program in promoting student activities and student leadership. Activities include school service, school spirit, community service, student and teacher recognition, and leadership training activities.

Also during the event, Santa Fe StuCo member Lily Plattner received the Distinguished Student Leader Award. This award is presented to student leaders who are highly involved in council activities and who demonstrate superior student council leadership skills and knowledge. The recipient must be a high school senior who meets a minimum GPA, has good school citizenship, is active in their home council, performs community service during their time in high school, attends MASC events, and takes a leadership role in presenting on an event or leadership topic to their school or at an MASC event.

Student Councils and student leaders make a positive contribution to their schools and help to create a positive educational climate. MASC congratulates Santa Fe High School for providing an atmosphere where students and Student Council can play a vital role in your school. Special recognition also goes to the Student Council Advisors/Sponsors who help provide opportunities for Student Council members to develop leadership skills, and to the Principals and Superintendents for supporting their student leaders in all of their endeavors.