The Hilsman Middle School Student Council continued its proud tradition of outstanding achievement last month, winning five statewide awards at the Georgia Association of Student Councils (GASC) annual convention. The convention, held at Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, gives student leaders across the state the opportunity to connect, share their experiences, and learn from each other. Twenty-six Hilsman students were in attendance.
For the second consecutive school year, Hilsman was recognized by GASC as a Council of Excellence. This award is given to middle and high school student councils that demonstrate integrity in their work throughout the year and commitment in serving their fellow students, school community, and the community at large.
The Hilsman Council also received state awards for four service projects they worked on, including:
the Outstanding Leadership Project Award for the pollinator garden they started on the Hilsman campus and their work on the Great Southeast Pollinator Census research project in 2025
the Outstanding Leadership Development Award for their student leader workshop with students at Whit Davis Elementary School
the Outstanding Relation Project Award for their involvement in the Barnett Shoals Elementary School Fall Festival
the Outstanding Recognition Project Award for the planning and execution of their own Student Council Awards Banquet.
Additionally, eight council members graduated from the GASC Junior State Certification Leadership Program, which included online classes and the completion of a capstone project: Aurelia DeWald, Emerson DeDufour, Jay Patel, John Ashely Reese, Jolie Garrett, Kylie Pierson, Mical Yacob, and Ryan Watkins. Watkins and Reese and DeDufour and Garrett were selected to present their projects at the state convention. Meanwhile, sixth-grade member Kyle Demott gave a speech at the convention titled, “Rock the State: Lead the Age of Environmental Leadership.
Formed in 2019, the council provides students in grades 6-8 with many great opportunities for building leadership traits and participating in school and community service projects. The council’s motto is, Lead. Serve. Inspire.” The council has now received 17 state awards over the past five years, including the Quenzer Loving Cup (the GASC’s highest honor) in 2024. The council is under the supervision of lead faculty advisor, and previous state Middle School Student Council Advisor of the Year, Barbara Gaertig. Other faculty advisors include fellow Hilsman teachers Vanice Walker, Tyshaney Mungin, and Rodrigo Valadez.