Three members of Chicago Christian High School’s student council have successfully completed the National Association of Student Councils (NASC) Student Leaders Program, each earning national certification as student leaders. These students are three of approximately 100 students nationwide to earn the award during the past year.

The rigorous application process involved the creation of a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates excellence in a number of activities including modules on leadership, goal setting, team building, decision making, problem solving, group dynamics, time management and personal leadership philosophy. In addition, they participated in an assessment meeting with their advisers and principals to verify the completion of the requirements. The portfolios were then forwarded to NASC for a final review and approval.

Celaine Haan (Homer Glen), Julie Kamp (Frankfort), and Josh Seiter (Evergreen Park), were approved and awarded for they efforts after completing these tasks and the application process in June of this past year. Using their certification, Julie took over as President, Celaine as Officer at large, and Josh as Vice President.

As the Officer at Large, Celaine, an honor roll student and member of the 2A State Championship Volleyball Team, is asked to oversee all the council’s committee chairs and class leaders as well as facilitate and organize meetings for the council. Celaine mentions that it was “A lot of work,” but she was glad to do it because she learned a lot about her style of leadership, and the strengths that she has as a leader.

Julie, a Track State Champion in the 3200m relay and an honor roll student, remembers the challenge of putting together a 40 page portfolio. As President, she is grateful for the experience she went through earning certification because the tasks they had to complete were excellent prepartion for college, and they helped her learn more about organization and leadership.

Josh, a member of the soccer and track teams in addition to being an honor roll student, says that the main reason he took on this task was to learn about his leadership style and to gain the expereince of leading meetings and groups of people. He also mentioned that it was “important to get out of his comfort zone” when it came to being involved in leadership.

Congratulations to each of these students on a year of hard work. Their dedication to becoming certified student leaders has already made an impact on the school environment, and on their peers. Previous seniors set the bar high for student leadership at Chicago Christian, and these three students have continued to challenge their peers and their school to that level of leadership.

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