Student Council

2025 TASIS Dorado Student Council Earns National Gold Council of Excellence Award for Fifth Consecutive Year

For the fifth consecutive year, the TASIS Dorado Student Council has been recognized as a National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils (NASC). This honor celebrates outstanding student leadership, service, and contributions to the school and broader community. The NASC program is supported by its parent organization, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

Throughout the 2024–2025 school year, the TASIS Dorado Student Council continued to elevate student life and foster community engagement through a dynamic slate of initiatives aligned with the school’s values. From promoting kindness and unity to celebrating school spirit and supporting meaningful causes, the Council empowered students to lead with purpose while making a lasting impact.

“The student council at TASIS Dorado just pulled off something extraordinary,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “Their student-driven change has earned them national recognition as a National Gold Council of Excellence, proving that when young people are given the chance to lead, they turn their vision into real-world impact.”

Sara Hernández, Director of Upper School, shared, “Earning the National Gold Council of Excellence Award for the fifth consecutive year is no small feat, and I couldn’t be prouder of our incredible Student Council Executive Board and advisor Karen Miranda. This honor reflects not only their consistent leadership and creativity but also their deep commitment to service, school spirit, and community impact. Year after year, they set the bar higher, not for the recognition, but because they genuinely care about making TASIS Dorado a better place for every student. Congratulations on this well-deserved and inspiring achievement. Bear Pride!”

“As this marks my final year in Student Council, this award holds special significance for me and the entire TASIS Dorado Student Council,” said Mariana Inclán, Student Council President. “It not only highlights the selfless leadership of our members but also showcases our accomplishments and commitment to serving our school community. We take great pride in what we have achieved together, and this recognition stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of all the Student Council officers who have tirelessly worked to make a meaningful difference in our community.”

“This year, the TASIS Dorado Student Council worked with great purpose and pride,” said Karen Miranda, Student Council Advisor. “From the beginning, we dedicated ourselves to promoting the school’s vision and values through our annual theme, ensuring it remained at the heart of all our initiatives. We successfully organized Kindness Week, encouraging widespread student participation and fostering a spirit of unity across the school. To further build community spirit and student engagement, we hosted activities such as Spirit Week, Merry Week, and various contests that celebrated student life. Additionally, we raised funds for the Susan G. Komen Foundation through a tulip campaign, extending our impact beyond campus. The unwavering support from the TASIS Dorado community made these accomplishments possible and was instrumental in helping us meet the standards required for this meaningful recognition.”

To qualify for the National Gold Council of Excellence Award, student councils must meet a range of criteria, including a written constitution, regular meetings, a democratic election process, and demonstrated success in leadership development and service projects that benefit both the school and the broader community.

Learn more about the National Council of Excellence Awards at www.natstuco.org.

TASIS Dorado Student Council Earns Top National Award for the Fourth Consecutive Year

For its exemplary record of leadership, service, and activities that improve the school and community, for the fourth consecutive year, the TASIS Dorado student council has been recognized as a 2024 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils (NASC). The NASC program is supported by its parent organization, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

This year's Student Council worked tirelessly to increase its presence in the student body and collaborate with the school administration on initiatives that would positively impact the school community. Their main goal was to ensure that every student's voice was heard by organizing activities and contests showcasing students' talents from PPK to 12th grade. They also aimed to include the elementary division in their activities to foster the important idea that we are one school and one community. Working alongside the administration, the council successfully organized weeks to create awareness and address topics relevant to the students, such as Kindness Week, where they promoted healthy habits for school and life.

“Receiving a National Gold Council of Excellence Award reflects the amazing dedication of the students and school to make their community a better place,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “TASIS Dorado has gone above and beyond in elevating student voices to ensure they are establishing a positive climate and culture, as well as fostering academic and social growth for all.”

Alana Fuentes, StuCo President, shares, “I am so proud of everything the Student Council has accomplished this year. With the hard work of all the members, we were able to obtain this award. It has been so rewarding seeing all StuCo members and the student body genuinely enjoying activities and creating bonds with each other. As this is my last year, I can definitely say that it is an honor to have been given the opportunity to be a part of a supportive, driven, and united Student Council. This award is a testament to our efforts, and I hope everyone feels pride in this since it would not have been possible without the support of our entire school community.”

Sara Hernández, Upper School Director, said, “It brings me immense pride that our TASIS Dorado Student Council has been honored with the 2024 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils (NASC)! This remarkable achievement is a testament to our student council members' exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and innovative initiatives. Their commitment to promoting community engagement and maintaining the highest standards of excellence is an inspiration to us all. Congratulations to our remarkable Student Council and advisor Karen Miranda on this well-deserved recognition!”

A student council must meet various criteria to earn the National Gold Council of Excellence Award. In addition to basic requirements such as a written constitution, regular meetings, and a democratic election process, the councils must have demonstrated successful sponsorship and participation in activities such as leadership development and service to the school and community. Learn more about the National Council of Excellence Awards at www.natstuco.org.

About National Student Council

National Student Council (NatStuCo) provides and promotes professional development and leadership training to student council advisers who, in turn, teach leadership skills to student council members. NatStuCo is dedicated to preparing and empowering student leaders to better serve their schools and communities. For more information, visit www.NatStuCo.org.

About NASSP

For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, Virginia, visit www.nassp.org or call 703-860-0200.

For its exemplary record of leadership, service, and activities that improve the school and community, the TASIS student council has been recognized as a 2023 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Student Council (NatStuCo) for the third consecutive year. The NatStuCo program is supported by its parent organization, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

"Exceptional student councils are a hallmark of exceptional schools," said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. "The TASIS Dorado Student Council has taken student leadership to the next level, creating a culture promoting scholarship and citizenship that resonates far beyond their team. I'm delighted to recognize their hard work with the National Gold Council of Excellence Award for their commitment to service, leadership, and uplifting the voices of their peers."

"We're incredibly proud of our Student Council Executive Board and advisor Karen Miranda for their remarkable achievement of receiving the National Gold Council of Excellence Award three years in a row. Your exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment have brought immense joy and pride to our school. We are grateful for your dedication and hard work. Go Bears!" - Upper School Director Sara Hernández.

TD Student Council advisor Karen Miranda praised her executive board on this award: "It's no secret that the last three years have been quite difficult, with many ups and downs and new challenges. However, our Student Council banded together and embraced these challenges, and their commitment never wavered. They set out to better our school and move forward from the obstacles of the last three years. The Executive Board, working alongside each class board, created a fantastic year full of activities for our student body and school community. They not only represented our students' voices but also aimed to be role models for an inclusive and positive school environment. This Council is leaving its mark by improving its presence through daily announcements, social media posts, and direct conversations with students, faculty, staff, and parents. For them, communication was the key to achieving all their goals and celebrating the success of all our school members. This award recognizes our Council's representatives' effort, dedication, and commitment and confirms the positive impact this year's Student Council has had on our school. I am incredibly proud of the example and legacy this year's Council leaves behind for our school and community. I want to especially highlight the work and dedication of our Executive Board members: Natalia Pérez '23, José Puig '23, Alana Fuentes '24, Nicolás Casanova '24, and Mariana Inclán '25. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and Bear Pride!"

TD Student Council president Natalia Pérez De León remarked that receiving the Gold National Student Council Status Award is an honor. "I am eternally grateful for the executive board that dedicated their time, hard work, and determination while being enthusiastic student body representatives. I couldn't have asked for a better team! We are incredibly proud of every 6th to 12th-grade council member who embodied service and voice, contributing to the recognition we are being awarded. In addition, I want to recognize our adviser, Ms. Karen, that has taken the Council with such patience and excellence. She made us work the extra mile, and because of this, we accomplished our goals while enjoying every step of the way. Being part of such a great council and amazing team has been a privilege for each of us!"

A student council must meet a variety of criteria to earn the National Council of Excellence Award. In addition to basic requirements such as a written constitution, regular meetings, and a democratic election process, the councils must have demonstrated successful sponsorship and participation in activities such as leadership development and service to the school and community. Learn more about the award at www.natstuco.org.

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About National Student Council

National Student Council (NatStuCo) provides and promotes professional development and leadership training to student council advisers who, in turn, teach leadership skills to student council members. NatStuCo is dedicated to preparing and empowering student leaders to better serve their schools and communities. For more information, visit www.NatStuCo.org.

About NASSP

For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, Virginia, visit www.nassp.org or call 703-860-0200.

"Receiving a National Gold Council of Excellence Award shows the utmost dedication a school's students, leaders, and staff have made to making their community a better place," said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. "TASIS Dorado has gone above and beyond in elevating student voice to ensure they are establishing a positive climate and culture, as well as fostering academic and social growth for all."

"We want to send a very heartfelt congratulations to our Student Council Executive Board and Mr. Garrison Knapp for earning a National Gold Council of Excellence Award for the second consecutive year. This Board exemplifies leadership. Their tireless effort has brought so much joy and pride to our school. We thank you for your hard work and dedication. Bear Pride!" says Director of High School Sara Hernández.

It is a great honor for the Student Council to receive the Gold Status Award. This recognition truly serves as a symbol of our team's outstanding commitment, hard work, and spirit this year. I want to thank our advisor, Mr. G, for his unconditional support and leadership, the Executive Board for their relentless dedication, and every council member for their continuous enthusiasm to serve the student body. I am incredibly proud to be a part of such an amazing council!" Liliana Dávila '22, Student Council president, exclaimed.

"The challenges this council and board faced, as we returned back to campus, were unprecedented as these leaders were thrust into positions of leadership after three academic years away. The amount of mentoring and role-modeling that takes place on a daily basis from our older to younger students is crucial but has been non-existent due to the pandemic. This Executive Board took a thorough look at all our activities and reassessed if these activities were mission-aligned and how they serve the school. Liliana was instrumental in re-establishing the foundation of the Student Council, as well as the purpose for future Student Leaders to build on. For that, we are extremely grateful and appreciate her hard work and that of Natalia Pérez, José Puig, and Alana Fuentes," praised Student Council Advisor Mr. Garrison Knapp.

To meet the requirements for the National Gold Council of Excellence Award, a student council must meet a variety of criteria. In addition to basic requirements such as a written constitution, regular meetings, and a democratic election process, the councils have demonstrated successful sponsorship and participation in activities such as leadership development and service to the school and community.

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About National Student Council

National Student Council (NatStuCo) provides and promotes professional development and leadership training to student council advisers who, in turn, teach leadership skills to student council members. NatStuCo is dedicated to preparing and empowering student leaders to better serve their schools and communities. For more information, visit www.NatStuCo.org.

About NASSP

For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, Virginia, visit www.nassp.org or call 703-860-0200.

Dorado, Puerto Rico (April 8, 2021) — For its exemplary record of leadership, service, and activities that serve to improve the school and community, the TASIS Dorado student council has been recognized as a 2021 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Student Council (NatStuCo).

“Receiving a National Gold Council of Excellence Award reflects the highest dedication on the part of the school to providing a strong, well-rounded student council program,” said Nara Lee, National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Director of Student Leadership. “NatStuCo applauds the work of the National Gold Councils of Excellence and challenges them to continue their leadership and service to their schools and communities.”

Ms. Sara Hernández, TASIS Dorado Upper School Principal, praised the work of the council: “I am proud that the TASIS Dorado Student Council has been awarded the recognition of the 2021 National Gold Council of Excellence Award. I want to thank Dean Garrison Knapp for his hard work, leadership, and commitment to the Student Council. Furthermore, I am incredibly proud of the Executive Board's hard work and all the students that form part of the Student Council. They did amazing things for the school and community amid the pandemic. Furthermore, they are ambassadors of our school, and their leadership and continued pursuit of building community in the student body are noteworthy. Congratulations to all!”

“Receiving the Gold Status as Student Council members means a lot more than just recognition. It is a reminder of all the hard work we have put in throughout the years as Student Council members in order to surpass every challenge and obstacle we have faced. This recognition demonstrates our hard work, dedication, and love in order to serve and represent the student body, providing them motivation throughout this difficult year. It is a great honor for all of us to be able to serve our school as student leaders and I hope that as the years pass the Student Council is able to keep developing and achieving great goals. Thank you to all of the members and especially to Mr. G for always guiding us and being the best advisor we could all ask for.” said Valeria Pérez, 2021 TD Student Council President.

Dean of Students and founding TASIS Dorado Student Council adviser Garrison Knapp has led the Council for 15 years. “The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy.” -Martin Luther King Jr. With the year that our students have experienced, it brings me great pride that our Student Council is being recognized at the highest level by the National Association of Student Councils. The 2021 National Gold Council of Excellence award signifies our Executive Board, led by Valeria Pérez, has demonstrated true meaningful, and impactful servant leadership. This board always had the best interests of the Student Body at the forefront of their ideas and worked endlessly in order to carry them out. This Student Council has been able to raise the bar and set a new standard of excellence for TASIS Dorado’s future leaders and councils to aspire to.” proudly said, Dean Garrison Knapp.

To meet the requirements for the National Council of Excellence Award, a student council must meet a variety of criteria. In addition to basic requirements such as a written constitution, regular meetings, a democratic election process, the councils have demonstrated successful sponsorship and participation in activities such as leadership development and service to the school and community. Councils awarded the gold level of the award have successfully demonstrated the highest levels of leadership.

About National Student Council

National Student Council (NatStuCo) provides and promotes professional development and leadership training to student council advisers who, in turn, teach leadership skills to student council members. NatStuCo is dedicated to preparing and empowering student leaders to better serve their schools and communities. For more information, visit www.NatStuCo.org.

About NASSP

For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, Virginia, visit www.nassp.org or call 703-860-0200.

National Student Council National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)

April 17, 2020 — For its exemplary record of leadership, service, and activities that serve to improve the school and community, The TASIS School in Dorado student council has been recognized as a 2020 National Council of Excellence by National Student Council (NatStuCo).

"Receiving a National Council of Excellence Award reflects dedication on the part of the school to providing a strong, well-rounded student council program," said Nara Lee, National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Director of Student Leadership. "NatStuCo applauds the work of the National Councils of Excellence and challenges them to continue their leadership and service to their schools and communities."

To meet the requirements for the National Council of Excellence Award, a student council must meet a variety of criteria. In addition to basic requirements such as a written constitution, regular meetings, a democratic election process, the councils have demonstrated successful sponsorship and participation in activities such as leadership development and service to the school and community. Councils awarded receiving the award have successfully met all required criteria based on standards established by the National Student Council.

Ms. Sara Hernández, TASIS Dorado Upper School Principal, praised the work of the council: "I am proud that the TASIS Dorado Student Council has been awarded the recognition of the 2020 National Council of Excellence Award. I want to thank Dean Garrison Knapp for all of his hard work, leadership, and commitment to the Student Council. Furthermore, I am incredibly proud of all the students that form part of the Student Council. They are ambassadors of our school, and their leadership and their continued pursuit of building community in the student body are noteworthy."

"It is a true honor for the Student Council and the school to receive this recognition. To me, this is more than just an award. It is a reflection of the Student Council's unity, spirit, voice, chemistry, and love to serve the student body. This wouldn't have been possible without our team, our supportive StuCo members, and our wonderful Papa G. (Garrison Knapp)," said Eva Soler, 2020 TD Student Council President.

Dean of Students and founding TASIS Dorado Student Council adviser Garrison Knapp has led the Council for 14 years. "I am beyond thrilled and excited that our Council has earned this distinction. It says a lot about our Student Council and current Executive Board led by Eva Soler. I also would like to take the time to thank all the past members and presidents, Cecilia Joy '11, Aniceto Solares '11, Riley Steele '12, Isabel Fortuño '13, Julián Fiallo '14, Gonzalo Alcalde '15, Samuel Fortuño '16, Patrick Beliard '17, Ana Fiallo '18, and Jorge Blasini '19, for what they did to help establish the Council. This organization is all about teamwork, collaboration, and supporting one another in order to help serve the school and community," proudly said Dean Garrison Knapp.

The 2019-2020 student council members are president Eva Soler '20, vice-president Valeria Pérez '21, Secretary Pablo Casanova '21, and Liliana Dávila '22, Treasurer. Congratulations to all!

#TDBearPride #TDGlobalLeaders

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About National Student Council

National Student Council (NatStuCo) provides and promotes professional development and leadership training to student council advisers who, in turn, teach leadership skills to student council members. NatStuCo is dedicated to preparing and empowering student leaders to better serve their schools and communities. For more information, visit www.NatStuCo.org.

About NASSP
For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, Virginia, visit www.nassp.org or call 703-860-0200.