Oskaloosa Student Council Gains Statewide Recognition

OHS Student Council Celebrates Meritorious Distinction, National Gold Status, Osky Students Earn Statewide Leadership Roles

OSKALOOSA, Iowa – Several students from Oskaloosa High School attended the Annual Iowa Student Leadership Conference, “Let Leadership Grow,” held at Iowa State University on October 27 and 28. Approximately 1,550 students and advisors from across Iowa gathered for the event.

The keynote speaker, “The Amazing Tei Street,” delivered an inspiring message that resonated with students, many of whom eagerly took photos with her throughout Monday.
Seventy-four Oskaloosa High School Student Council members attended, along with advisors Kim Gile and Jodi Steinlage and chaperone Stephanie Campbell. Gile also serves as the Iowa Student Council Executive Director for the State of Iowa.

Oskaloosa Student Council nominated Jonah DeVore, a sophomore, to run for a state officer position. He was one of seven students interviewed on the first day of the conference and was subsequently selected as one of four state officers on Sunday evening, competing for slots with students from across the state. Senior Ava Ridenour, a current state officer, and junior Kimberly Terpstra, a current state officer-elect, also took on leadership roles by participating as speakers at the conference.

The Oskaloosa Student Council Executive Board—comprised of Gabriella Stropes, Oliver Smith, Jonah DeVore, Cooper Rupprecht, Jhon Vicente-Gomez, and Rees Campbell—led a breakout session on the “Acts of Kindness” initiatives organized annually by the OHS Student Council. These acts include writing personal birthday cards for every student and staff member, helping with post-game gym clean-up, organizing visits to local nursing homes in December to engage in activities with residents, and preparing treats for all staff during National Education Week. Additionally, Sidney Thompson and Linus Morrison presented a session on balancing academics and athletics.

Oskaloosa Student Council was recognized at the conference as an Honor Council with Meritorious Distinction by the State of Iowa. They also received the National Gold Council of Excellence award, an honor awarded to only four councils in Iowa. To earn these distinctions, the student council historians assembled and submitted a portfolio of their activities for evaluation.

“Attending the Iowa Student Leadership Conference was an incredible opportunity for us to step into meaningful leadership roles that make a difference, both in our school and at the state level,” said Rees Campbell, publicity chairperson for the Oskaloosa High School student council. “Being part of the Oskaloosa Student Council, which is recognized as a National Gold Council of Excellence, speaks to the dedication of everyone involved—from our advisors to every council member who contributes. We’re fortunate to have a program that’s so highly respected, and it’s a privilege to represent Oskaloosa among schools across the state. This is all possible because of the support we get from our school and community.”