A winning streak

BVH ASB earns the National Gold Council of Excellence for the 4th year in a row

Laurinne Eugenio, Editor-in-Chief|May 12, 2022

Provided by BVH counselors Instagram

BVH ASB is recognized for the 2022 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Student Council (NatStuCo.) on April 6 for the fourth year in a row.

Recently, Bonita Vista High (BVH) ASB demonstrated “Baron Pride” and a commendable record of leadership, service and activities that serve to improve the school. As a result, they were recognized for the 2022 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Student Council (NatStuCo.) on April 6 for the fourth year in a row. Those who achieve the award exhibit great leadership and are able to meet the requirements set by the National Student Council organization.

“I was super grateful and excited for such an amazing opportunity. I was glad to continue the legacy with it being our fourth year winning this award. It made me super proud of the officers and our ASB for all the hard work we’ve done throughout this hectic year,” Associated Student Body (ASB) President and senior Jasmine Huerta said. 

Based on the official website of the NatStuCo., student councils that earn national recognition, “consistently provide quality leadership activities and service to their schools and communities. The National Gold Council of Excellence award is awarded to those councils that demonstrate the highest levels of leadership as well as meet additional standards as set by NatStuCo.” 

According to ASB Vice President and senior Michael Dimapilis, in order for student councils to achieve the award, they must show that the school promotes a safe and positive school environment. For one of ASB’s projects, they posted a P3 Tips video on their YouTube channel in an effort to raise awareness of the application and ensure a welcoming school culture. The P3 Intel is a tip management system that allows the community to submit anonymous tips about crime-related acts to Crime Stoppers programs and law enforcement agencies.

“The P3 tips app helps protect our school [and] whenever there’s an incident, [students] could report it. In addition, we executed spirit activities which help maintain and reinforce a positive school environment for the student body,” Dimapilis said. 

Spirit commissioner, ASB president for the 2022-2023 school year and junior Inagrees with the sentiments of both Huerta and Dimapilis regarding the challenges faced by the ASB that made the award feel more difficult to attain. Transitioning into in-person school and adapting to COVID-19 regulations made it difficult for the ASB to plan as well as execute school activities. 

“We faced a lot of regulations when we got back [from the pandemic]. It was hard to put on [events] that typically would be achievable in past years [and] it was hard to get student engagement,” Ruiz said. “When everyone came back, it felt like the spirit here had died or the wanting to be at school felt really low.”

As a graduating senior, Dimapilis reflected on his time in the ASB for the past three years. He emphasized the importance of staying dedicated to the ASB whilst not forgetting to “have fun”. 

“While it may seem like ASB is this group of people that work a lot, it’s really fun. You’re able to learn leadership and develop bonds between people,” Dimapilis said. “If it wasn’t for ASB, then my high school experience would have been bland. Not only because I joined ASB because it’s a fun environment to be in but also because of the contributions that I’ve made to help make [the school] a fun environment for everyone. I hope that work ethic carries on to the new ASB members.”

Moving forward, as a freshly elected ASB officer for the upcoming school year, Ruiz feels ecstatic about what next year will bring. Overall, she feels “ready to bring full force back with the ASB.” 

“I want to have a great year for the ASB and the entire school. I want them to bring a lot of creativity and be collaborative with one another. I want ideas not only circulating around with ASB kids but also the whole school so we can have everyone’s input,” Ruiz said. “There are a lot of events I want to plan; I’m really excited and looking forward to all that so hopefully we could win that award again.”