Northwest Middle School Teacher Named SC Student Council Middle Level Advisor of the Year

Brian Mekler, a social studies teacher at Northwest Middle School, was named the South Carolina Middle Level Advisor of the Year by the South Carolina Association of Student Councils. As the State Advisor, Mekler was also named Region 3 Finalist for the 2020 Warren E. Shull Student Council National Advisor of the Year Award sponsored by the National Student Council (NatStuCo) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

NASSP plans to announce the National Advisor of the Year on Wednesday, April 22.

Mekler was chosen for the honor because of the work he has done with Northwest Middle School’s student council. Four years ago, as a first-year teacher, Mekler assumed the role of student council advisor with a team of two students and a kitty of $14. Over time, he grew the school’s program to a robust membership of more than 40 council members who are building a culture of school spirit and pride through leadership. Their projects include monthly events that benefits the school and the greater community. Mekler’s students say it is evident that he has made a very positive impact at school.

“The finalists for the Warren E. Shull Award are skilled educators who epitomize the commitment student council advisers make to promote leadership, service, and civic engagement as qualities of good citizens through student council,” said Nara Lee, Director of NASSP Student Leadership. “National Student Council congratulates Brian Mekler for his exemplary efforts to nurture and develop these qualities in middle level students who are just beginning their journey as leaders.”