RHS Leadership Students Earn Gold Awards at National and State Levels

The RHS Student Leadership group earned both the 2025 National Association of Student Councils’ Gold Council of Excellence Award and the Missouri Association of Student Councils (MASC) Honor Council Gold Award for their outstanding comprehensive program in promoting student-centered service activities that promote school spirit, service to the school community and beyond, student and teacher recognition and leadership training. 

Due to tornados that hit Poplar Bluff during the MASC Convention in mid-March, the state award ceremony was held remotely. During the virtual celebration, in addition to learning the group won the state’s highest award, RHS senior Egypt Draper received the Distinguished Student Leader Award for her unwavering commitment to Student Leadership. 

At the national level, only 460 high school student councils earned the prestigious gold award. RHS was one of only 16 in Missouri to receive this national honor.

Kailyn Ware, sponsor of Student Leadership, said she is continually amazed at hard her students work to help create a meaningful and memorable high school experience for their peers and their commitment to serving their community.

 "Through the Leadership program, students discover their potential and inspire to ignite a spark of change throughout the community,” said Ware. “Their work is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and passion they pour into serving RHS, one action at a time."

Some of the highlights that RHS Student Leadership students have organized during the 2024-2025 school year include: the Homecoming Dance/ Parade, Make-A-Wish fundraising, the Adopt A Family program that provides holiday gifts for Ritenour families in need; veterans' appreciation gifts and lunches for staff; Unified Bowling and Friendship Dance with their Special School District buddies; a canned food drive in November; Canned Food Drive and “Staffulty” Appreciation Week.