Northwest High School student council advisor wins state award

The Texas Association of Student Councils honored Northwest High School Student Council Advisor Mary Whittenberg with the Texas Star Award, one of the organization’s top honors for exceptional student council advisors.

The award recognizes student council advisors, staff members or alumni for exceptional service to students and their organizations over more than 30 years. Ms. Whittenberg, who has served as a student council advisor for more than three decades, was honored during the TASC awards ceremony and at the Northwest ISD Board of Trustees meeting September 14. 

“I was completely shocked. I had no idea,” said Ms. Whittenberg. “As I read the letters of support, I cried. I had no idea that people actually thought that much of me.” 

Ms. Whittenberg, a career and technical education teacher, began her career at Northwest High School in 1986 and became the student council advisor in 1988. In the years since, she has helped students lead and participate in community service projects with organizations including Habitat for Humanity and the Tarrant Area Food Bank, as well as blood drives and other service initiatives. 

One of her proudest accomplishments as an advisor was helping host the 2008 TASC state conference. Students from across Texas came together for the conference, volunteering in the community and raising money to help build a Habitat for Humanity home.

Ms. Whittenberg’s nomination was submitted by her peers throughout TASC, as well as former and current students who shared letters of recommendation. Among them was Mallory Upton, the current student council vice president.

“Mary Whittenberg deserves this award because she gives her time, her energy, and her heart to every student she meets. She doesn’t just teach leadership, she lives it,” said Ms. Upton. “The impact she has made cannot be measured by the number of workshops she has led or the years she has served, but by the thousands of lives she has changed along the way.”

That impact was evident during the September 14 board meeting, when several of Ms. Whittenberg’s students attended her recognition. Northwest High School junior Maycie McMinn was among them.

“She is just so amazing,” said Maycie. “She’s funny, she’s kind, and I feel supported by her every day. If I’m having a bad day, I know I can go to her. If I need help with anything, I know she’ll be there. She has impacted the lives of so many students over the years, and she’s truly one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met.”

Ms. Whittenberg has spent more than three decades helping students develop leadership skills, serve their community and find their place within their school. 

The Texas Star Award recognizes Ms. Whittenberg’s years of service, but perhaps her greatest legacy is the lasting impact she has made on generations of Northwest High School students.