Our Student Council finished the school year with a trifecta of awards, both state and regional:

• In April, StuCo closed out their role as the State President School at the 89th Annual Texas Association of Student Councils State Conference. IWA is the first private school in Texas to earn this honor. Bella Garza emceed the gathering of the largest convention of student leaders in the world. Sister Lauren, Sister Carmel, and our principal, Cathy Stephen, were in attendance as Bella gave her presidential address to the 4,000 attendees.
• Our student council received TASC Sweepstakes School Recognition for the 4th year in a row, meaning they received recognition for Energy and Environment Awareness; Drug, Alcohol, Safety, and Health Awareness; Pride and Patriotism; Community Service; and were also named an Outstanding Student Council. TASC Sweepstakes is usually received by less than 250 schools across the state. 
• StuCo was named a 2025 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils for the 3rd year in a row. A student council must meet a variety of criteria to earn the National Gold Council of Excellence Award. In addition to basic requirements such as a written constitution, regular meetings and a democratic election process, the councils must have demonstrated successful sponsorship and participation in activities such as leadership development and service to the school and community. This is an honor that less than 400 schools across the nation receive.

Reflecting on their accomplishments, IWA's Student Council advisor, Antoinette Hernandez, says, "This year was a whirlwind as IWA served as the TASC State President School. Bella and our council were able to make connections across the state, and Incarnate Word is now well known in the TASC community. Our students' work included weekends and travel--a huge commitment-- but the girls did not waiver, and completed their academic classes with stellar results as well.

"Receiving state and national recognition is a testament to our council's hard work and the impact they made on our school and community," Ms. Hernandez adds. "It is truly an honor to be their advisor."