“Dude, be nice,” they said, and that’s just what some Bishop Stang students did.

About a week ago, members of Bishop Stang’s Student Council held “Dude Be Nice Week,” an event organized to promote positivity at the school. During the week, students figured out different ways they could brighten up each day for each other, the faculty, and the staff.

“It brought a lot of good energy into the school,” said Nora Hebshie, a guidance counselor and Student Council Staff representative. “They recognize custodial staff, the administrative assistants . . . they really surprise them. They thought they were coming in for a meeting and the Student Council surprised them with donuts and ‘Thank You’ cards.”

Hebshie said Dude Be Nice Week was just one example of the 100-plus member Student Council’s ways of contributing to a kind and caring culture at the school.

“They’re some really great young adults,” she said.

Over the course of the year, students involved have donated their time at local charitable organizations like Gifts to Give and My Brother’s Keeper. They’ve volunteered at the Special Olympics, and they’ve participated in Project Purple, a local anti-substance abuse program that helps families and individuals dealing with related issues.

Recently, the group was recognized by the National Association of Student Councils as a 2015 NASC National Gold Council of Excellence, with Student Council Member and Dartmouth resident Lindsey Madeira taking home the unsung Hero Award.

“There’s really just a huge emphasis on getting involved,” said junior Kate Sheerin, who will serve as the Council’s president next school year. “It sets apart the students that want to make a change and help.”

Junior Helena Shea said that as a Student Council representative to the school’s Academic Board, she’s been able to help provide student feedback to the higher-ups.

“We got to see what worked best and helped create a more collaborative environment,” she said.

Sophomore Jane Kuphal said through the Southeast Student Advisory Council (made up of reps from over 100 area schools), they’ve had their voices heard at the state level.

“There’s a survey that is going to — eventually, hopefully — be distributed to schools to show the lack of civic education (at schools in general),” she said about a recent workshop collaboration with the regional group. “(The survey has been) brought up to Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Changes have actually been made through this whole advisory council, which is awesome.”

The workshops also spawned the Dude Be Nice Week, another example of students going out of their way to better themselves and the school.

“Students were doing it that weren’t part of Student Council,” said Shea. “It really spread positive energy around school.”

“If we can do more things to get kids outside of the Student Council involved, then I think our Student Council will really benefit from that,” added Sheerin.