By Shawn Hogendorf, Correspondent 

The Prior Lake High School Student Council received the Outstanding Student Council award during the State Student Council Convention held April 11 to 13 in Marshall.

The Student Council was one of four student councils in the state to receive the highest award given to student councils in Minnesota. This is the sixth time in school history the Student Council received the Outstanding Student Council award. The last time was in 2004.

The award is given to student councils that demonstrate outstanding leadership and involvement to their school and district, as well as having substantial participation at the divisional, state and national levels.

PLHS Student Council members have a lot of pride, dedication and commitment to the school, said Student Council Advisor David Brown.

“They know their work plays a significant role in the atmosphere and culture of the school,” he said. “These students don’t just show up and go home. They come early, give their time and effort to make things happen and often stay late. This is all done in spite of a rigorous academic schedule and many have to deal with work and activities, as well.”

The award was judged on a portfolio the Council submitted based on state-established criteria.

The portfolio is basically all the work the Council has done throughout the year, put in paper form, said Student Council President Matt Bruns.

The portfolio includes examples of the agendas, photos of the Council during meetings, various programs the Council worked on and PowerPoint presentations the Council has given over the course of the year.

“I think the thing that made us stand out this year was our involvement at the state and national level, in addition to the work in our portfolio,” Bruns said.

The Council didn’t have anyone represent them at the national level last year, Vice President Kristi Basa added. This year, sophomore Megan Cahill represented the Council on the executive board of the state level and will attend the national student council conference, she said.

“We do a lot of work behind the scenes at school,” said Treasurer Sara Rock. “A lot of things we do go unnoticed, so it’s nice to be recognized.”

The Student Council has four events left this year.

The Council will host a talent show that is open to the public at the Prior Lake High School auditorium, 7575 150th St., Savage, at 7 p.m. on May 12. The cost of tickets is $3 for students and $5 for adults.

They will also host a Battle of the Bands event at Twin Oaks Middle School, 15860 Fish Point Road, at 7 p.m. on May 14, a Black Light dance at Prior Lake High School at 8 p.m. on May 16 and the Laker Olympics on the school track, Saturday May 17.

  Shawn Hogendorf can be reached at shogendorf@swpub.com.