HURON-SUPERIOR CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Spotlight on Servant Leadership: St. Mary's College Student Council Achieves National Gold Standard

At St. Mary's College (SMC) in Sault Ste. Marie, leadership isn't just about speeches and spirit days it's about sacrifice, service, and doing what is right when no one is watching. For the 2024-2025 academic year, that dedication was recognized at the national level when the SMC Student Council made up of Grade 11-12 students, was presented with the Gold Standard National Council of Excellence Award by the National Association of Student Councils (NASC) a distinction given to only 4% of all NASC member schools in North America.

"The NASC was thrilled with all of our work, in particular with the way in which the student council applies funds raised to the needs of our school and greater communities," said staff advisor Mario Rocchetta. 

This achievement is a testament to the work of both previous and current student leaders, who have made the council more than just a club. It's a reflection of the school's Catholic mission: to lead with love, to serve with joy, and to build a better world through faith in action.

"The bar is set very high at SMC in the expectations we have for our students, and they work hard to achieve that level, which shows in earning the Gold standard of Excellence from the National Student Council," said Christine Ferguson, library supervisor. "This distinction is the result of the efforts of our current and past councils, and current and past staff advisors who have helped to maintain the high standards."

A Recognition Rooted in Service

The National Gold Standard Award is not easily handed out. Councils must meet 22 foundational standards, including those related to constitutional governance, elections, service projects, and meetings. To reach Gold, councils must meet another 26 more advanced standards from advanced leadership development and school-wide impact to data-driven event planning and outreach beyond school walls.

"This award means the world to us because it came about authentically through the way we're treating other individuals," said Rocchetta. "There were no shortcuts. Just students working hard and being very giving of their hearts for the good of others."

A Legacy of Leadership Since 1956

Student Council has always played a central role in student life at SMC. The school's first council was formed in 1956, and over the years, it has grown into a pillar of community and culture. While names and responsibilities may have changed over the years, the council's commitment to goodness, discipline, and knowledge has never wavered.

Traditionally comprising an executive team president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer along with a variable number of convenors, the council provides a structure that blends democratic election and appointment by skill set.

To be considered for any role, students must meet the eligibility requirements, submit their application videos, CVs, and other relevant materials for consideration, and then participate in either an election or an interview. SMC's election process requires them to prepare a speech to deliver live to their peers, who then have the opportunity to vote for their candidate of choice.

"I'm proud that our kids want to be on the council and to make a difference within their school," said Ferguson. "I think it's important to note that they have put themselves out there to try for student council. I see a lot of personal growth in our students, which I feel makes this council so unique."

"Serving on the student council has been a very rewarding experience for me," said Marcus Palumbo, student council president for the 2022-2023 school year. "It allowed me to represent my fellow students, give back to the school, and be involved in something larger than myself. It was not just about planning events or attending meetings; it was about listening to others, making sure every voice was heard, and creating positive change. It made me feel more a part of my school community and proud to have a role in shaping our school environment."

For the 2023-2024 student council president, Tori Carbone, being in the role was one of her most enjoyable aspects of attending SMC.

"Being part of the student council as president last year was one of my favourite things about my time at SMC," Carbone said. "It gave me the chance to represent my peers, fight for student projects, and work towards making our school community more unified. On a personal level, it was important to be entrusted with that type of responsibility. I developed long-term relationships, learned how to handle difficulty in high-stress situations, and was proud to know that I was assisting in making a positive contribution to students' experiences."

More Than Just Events: A Culture of Collaboration and Student Development

The council's leadership model is not just event-planning it's creating a sustainable ecosystem of student empowerment. Every member is expected to contribute meaningfully, whether it's writing promotional materials, assisting with events, or mentoring junior students who can take their place as leaders in the future.

The planning begins months in advance, typically during the summer, when student leaders meet to talk about themes, budgeting, and assign duties. Meetings are weekly or even daily in the weeks leading up to major events. Throughout the year, these meetings cultivate a culture of open communication, collaborative problem-solving, and shared responsibility.

"My presidency experience made me grow in ways I never imagined," Carbone said. "Academically, I learned to be more organized and efficiently manage my time among council duties, academics, and extracurricular activities. As a leader, I became more confident in public speaking, in making decisions, and in listening to differing opinions. I also learned that excellent leadership is about serving others and being consistent even when things got stressful or did not turn out as planned," she continued.

Signature Events with True Impact

The council hosts a number of events each year that are the hallmarks of the school calendar and unite the entire SMC community. Here's a look at just a few:

• Welcome Week & Grade 9 Orientation: Providing a safe, enjoyable introduction to SMC for new students through games, team-building, and tours.
• Homecoming & Halloween Week: Spirit days, costume contests, and community-developing initiatives that set the tone for the year.
• Haunted House Fundraiser: Transforming school spaces into haunted walkthroughs as a fundraiser for Lunches for Learning, Tracy's Dream and our Cancer Clinic.
• Winter & Spring Formals: Semi-formal dances that are major fundraisers. Last year's and this year's senior and junior formals raised over $5,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.
• SMC World Cup: A new and already well-liked event celebrating cultural diversity through soccer and traditional dress, while raising money for the Twinkie Foundation.

These activities, along with others, help students form bonds across grades and backgrounds, showing them that school is more than just tests and textbooks it's about belonging.

Leadership and Impact

At SMC, the Student Council is entirely student-led, with members leading meetings, creating events, and handling day-to-day business. Advisors are there to advise and approve, but the ultimate responsibility lies with the students. It is an arrangement that allows for leadership to be experienced, not just learned.

The Student Council plays a crucial role in shaping school culture. As SMC's oldest student club, members volunteer their time without receiving course credit, driven by a strong sense of service and a commitment to community. Their efforts impact nearly every aspect of student life and help create the warm, family-like atmosphere SMC is renowned for.

"Serving on the student council helped me grow in many ways," said Palumbo. "I developed confidence in speaking in front of groups and how to communicate more effectively, especially when working with different personalities. I also learned how to better manage my time between school, football, and council projects. Above all, it taught me about teamwork and persistence. Not everything was easy to accomplish, but I learned that being a leader means listening, working together, compromising, and following through."

Balancing council work with a full schedule of academics, sports, and student life can be challenging. To stay on top of it all, the Council utilizes year-long planning documents and focuses on collaboration and forward-thinking skills that benefit students not just in school, but also afterward.

Future Plans and Advice

With new members joining this fall, SMC's Student Council is already thinking ahead and planning how to maintain and expand its reach within the school community.

"Currently, Student Council is looking to end this school year with the same enthusiasm and energy with which we started," Rocchetta said. "We'll also pass the baton to next year's council to start planning for September. They meet as early as late June, during the summer vacation, and in the days leading up to our first day of school. The task is always the same to bring SMC students and staff together so that we serve our community as we learn goodness, discipline and knowledge."

The council is also facing the future, with a clear determination for growth, introspection, and inclusiveness.

"Being designated a National Gold Council of Excellence is one thing striving to maintain that excellence year in and year out in the future will now be at the forefront of all that we do," Rocchetta. "We will not, however, become caught up in the title. Instead, the plan is to continue to serve others through our Catholic faith and through the numerous, fun initiatives around our school."

Mentorship will be just as vital in the future. The council will host additional open forums, student voice surveys, and leadership workshops to ensure that every SMC person feels invited to the table.

"My advice would be: go for it!" said Palumbo. "You don't have to be the loudest or most outgoing person to be a great leader. If you care about your school and want to make a difference, you're already qualified. Be willing to listen, to work hard, and to serve with your fellow students. And don't be afraid to speak up even small suggestions can lead to great improvements. It's a chance to learn, to give back, and to be part of something special."

Carbone echoed Palumbo's sentiments: "I would tell anyone thinking about joining the council to go for it. Even if you're unsure at first, the experience is worth it. Don't be afraid to speak up or suggest new ideas. Some of our best initiatives came from small conversations or bold suggestions. Be ready to work with others, stay open-minded, and lead with your heart. It's not about being perfect. It's a matter of being committed and caring about the people you're representing."

As they gaze toward the horizon, SMC's Student Council remains grounded in their mission: to serve, uplift, and lead with heart. The Gold Standard isn't a destination it's a reminder of what is possible when passion, purpose, and people come together.