Stanley Student Council Advisor Shandi Camino Named 2024 Advisor Of The Year
By Erika Littlefield,
MCP Intern
At this year’s North Dakota Association of Student Councils Leadership Conference in Bismarck, Shandi Camino, the Student Council advisor at Stanley High School, was honored with the 2024 Advisor of the Year award. Camino admitted she was initially unsure who would be receiving the award as she listened to the presentation. “At first, I was wondering who it was going to be,” she shared. “But as they described some of the accomplishments, I realized it was me.”
Camino’s recognition was met with overwhelming support from fellow advisors, many of whom approached her afterward to exchange contact information and seek her guidance in improving their own councils.
Camino has served as the Stanley Student Council advisor for eight years, a position she initially stepped into at the suggestion of the school principal. “The principal told me I was going to be the advisor - basically, he said I had to do it,” she recalled with a laugh. “It was super stressful at first, but also incredibly rewarding. Giving and helping is what makes the world go round.”
During her tenure, Camino has spearheaded numerous projects that have enhanced both the school and the broader community. These include organizing dog walks to support local animal shelters, hosting fundraisers for veterans, coordinating family events for elementary students, adding picnic tables and water fountains at the school, and countless other initiatives. Many of these contributions go unnoticed, but their impact is felt by students and community members alike.
Camino credits her success as an advisor to her strong communication skills and ability to balance the needs of students and administrators. “I make sure there’s an open line of communication, and I delegate responsibilities effectively to keep the peace,” she said. Her focus is on creating an environment where all voices are heard.
To ensure inclusivity, Camino introduced a representative position within the Student Council, allowing students who may not want to campaign for elected positions to still participate. “Students can just show up and share their ideas,” she explained. “The best Student Councils find ways to bring the school and community together by identifying what students really need.”
When asked about her most rewarding project, Camino pointed to the council’s first dog walk benefiting the Souris Valley Animal Shelter. “We didn’t have a huge turnout, but we filled an SUV with supplies and raised a jar full of money,” she said. “When we delivered everything to the shelter, they were in shock. That moment, seeing their gratitude, was the most rewarding experience.”
Camino is also known for her persistence in recruiting students to join the council. “I chase them down the hallway and keep asking until they join,” she joked. “Once they try it, they fall in love and stick with it throughout high school. I love helping each student find their unique contribution to the school or community.”