Standards of Excellence

The most difficult and prestigious award presented by NJASC; schools can receive it only once every five years. Participating student councils will conduct a rigorous self-evaluation and then be evaluated by a visiting team from another participating school. Completed evaluations are submitted to the State Officer in charge of Special Projects, and then the award winners are decided upon by the State Officers. Any interested school must attend an informational workshop at the Fall Conference in October to apply for this program.

Application Process

There will be a meeting for any school interested in joining the 2026 Standards of Excellence program at the Fall Conference in October 2025. After this meeting, any school intending to participate must e-mail the 2025 Executive Member for Special Projects by November 26, 2025.

CLICK HERE to view/download the 2026 Standards of Excellence program criteria

Recent Honorees

2025 STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

  • College Achieve Charter School of Asbury Park - Samantha Loesch, Advisor
  • Hillside High School - Noreen Deutsch, Advisor
  • Liberty Middle School - Alyssa Sylvester & Vincent DeJesus, Advisors
  • Readington Middle School - Brian O'Neill & Erica Applegate, Advisors

These schools will be eligible to apply for participation in the 2030 Standards of Excellence program at the Fall Business Meeting in October 2029.

2024 STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

  • Bayonne High School - Carolina Barone, Advisor
  • Cherry Hill High School East - M. Katie Radbill, Advisor
  • East Brunswick High School - Bonnie Benkard, Advisor
  • South Brunswick High School - Harlee Olsen, Advisor

These schools will be eligible to apply for participation in the 2029 Standards of Excellence program at the Fall Business Meeting in October 2028.

2023 STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

  • Franklin High School - Rob Freedman, Advisor
  • Kinnelon High School - Hannah Sappio, Advisor
  • Warren Hills Regional High School - Penny Giamoni, Advisor

These schools will be eligible to apply for participation in the 2028 Standards of Excellence program at the Fall Business Meeting in October 2027.

2022 STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

  • Neptune High School - Catherine Crelin, Advisor
  • Summit High School - Winnie Caetta, Advisor

These schools will be eligible to apply for participation in the 2027 Standards of Excellence program at the Fall Business Meeting in October 2026.