At James Clemens High School, celebrating success in “Distinguished Student Leader” honors are SGA Advisor Melanie Turner, from left, HaeGi Oh, Jennifer Farner, Sydney Williams, Jonathan Marcus, Elisia Alampi, Collier Robinson, Destiny Garver, Principal Dr. Brian Clayton and John Jenkins. Not pictured are Tad Hutt and Shannon Raine and 2016 graduates Laurianna Beibide, Sarah Defalco, Joey Manzo, Raleigh Schmidt and Sydney Turner. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – Fifteen students at James Clemens High School have earned the title of “Distinguished Student Leader” after satisfying stringent requirements of the National Association of Student Councils.

These students are Student Government Association members and enrolled in the zero-block “Leadership” class that meets before the school day commences. They completed the NASC Student Leaders Program to earn their honor.

These students received the Distinguished Student Leader award:

* Seniors — Elisia Alampi, Jennifer Farner, Destiny Garver, Tad Hutt and John Jenkins.

* Juniors — Jonathan Marcus, HaeGi Oh, Shannon Rainey and Collier Robinson.

* Sophomore — Sydney Williams.

* James Clemens alumni — Laurianna Beibide, Sarah Defalco, Joey Manzo, Raleigh Schmidt and Sydney Turner.

These 15 James Clemens students are among “about 700 in the nation to achieve this national recognition, which is becoming a highly sought-after honor by student leaders across the country,” SGA Advisor Melanie Turner said. Turner also serves as advisor for Mu Alpha Theta and Math Department head.

Their rigorous application process involved a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates completion of numerous activities. They studied modules on leadership, goal setting, team building, decision making, problem solving, group dynamics, time management and personal organization.

The James Clemens students also reviewed meeting management, communication, evaluation service, civic engagement and personal leadership philosophy.

In addition, applicants must participate in an assessment meeting with advisors. The principal must review and verify completion of requirements. Student portfolios and applications are then forwarded to NASC for a final review.

James Clemens SGA is a member of NASC and Southern Association of Student Councils and is Vice President School of Alabama Student Council Association.

NASC and National Association of Secondary School Principals sponsor the Student Leaders Program.

The program gives schools a tool to enhance their efforts to develop student leaders and challenge students to work for recognition based on their abilities and knowledge about leadership.