Celebrating Leadership, Service, and Impact Across Michigan Schools
The MASC/MAHS Michigan Student Leadership and MASSP State Leadership Awards recognize and celebrate the individuals, student groups, and administrators who set the standard for excellence in leadership. These awards are more than honors, they are teaching tools. By applying, students and advisers learn the value of service, reflection, and recognition while strengthening school culture and leadership programs.
2026 STATE AWARD RECIPIENTS
Adviser Leadership Award – Adviser of the Year
Advisers are the heart of student leadership. This award honors an MASC/MAHS member adviser whose dedication to improving school culture and student lives goes above and beyond. By recognizing these mentors, we highlight the power of adult leadership in guiding the next generation of student leaders.
Application Focus: Evidence of leadership development, mentorship, and school culture impact.
Student Leadership Awards – Individual Honors
Student of the Year
Awarded to one student from a member school who demonstrates active involvement in student council/government, class council, leadership classes, or honor society. This recognition inspires students to step into leadership roles and take ownership of their school culture.
Application Focus: Leadership roles, contributions, and vision for continued growth.
Unsung Hero
Celebrating students who lead quietly without titles or recognition, this award honors those who consistently contribute with selflessness and commitment. It reinforces the truth that leadership is not always about position, but about service.
Application Focus: Examples of consistent, behind-the-scenes impact.
School & Organization Leadership Awards – Group/Program Excellence
Award of Excellence
The highest honor for student organizations. Recognizes schools that exemplify strong organization, student growth, meaningful service, and visionary programming. The application process itself guides groups to reflect, improve, and create lasting change.
Application Focus: Program design, evaluation, and impact on school culture.
Exceptional Service Project
Spotlighting community service in action, this award honors schools for standout service projects that are well-organized, challenging, and impactful – like blood drives, food collections, or community clean-ups.
Application Focus: Project planning, execution, and community outcomes.
The Quilt Award
Recognizes leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Honors schools that take purposeful, tangible actions to promote
equity, celebrate diversity, and build connections that foster harmony and inclusion.
Application Focus: DEI initiatives, measurable impact, and student engagement.
Tonya Charity Award
Given to the school with the greatest philanthropy effort for the MASC/MAHS State Charity of the Year. This award celebrates generosity, teamwork, and the power of students to make a real difference through fundraising
and service.
Application Focus: Philanthropy goals, funds raised, and impact stories.
STAR School Award
Honors schools where leadership extends throughout the student body. Schools earn recognition through attendance at events, hosting programs, and empowering students to step into leadership roles. STAR schools also mentor new schools, promoting growth across the state.
Application Focus: Overall student leadership culture, outreach, and program participation.
Administrator Leadership Awards – Principal/Assistant Principal of the Year
Leadership at the building level sets the tone for student and staff success. This award honors exemplary middle and high school principals and assistant principals who embody excellence, innovation, and a student-centered vision.
Their recognition sets a benchmark for administrative leadership across Michigan.
Application Focus: Nomination narratives showcasing leadership, culture building, and school-wide impact.
Why Apply?
Applying for a State Leadership Award is more than just competing for recognition, it’s a chance to:
- Reflect and Grow: Schools and individuals take stock of their leadership journey.
- Celebrate Service: Showcase the work that impacts school culture and communities.
- Inspire Others: Serve as a model of excellence for peers across Michigan.