South High was one of four schools to receive the honor, said Clyde Harrell, adviser to the Washington County Association of Student Councils.
Principal Richard Akers said it was the first time the school received the award. North Hagerstown High School received the award in 2004 and 1998.
"South Hagerstown High School worked very hard this year," said Harrell, supervisor of social studies for Washington County Public Schools.
Not only was the group able to maintain order and structure as a body, it also successfully engaged the student body, said South High history teacher Gene Ebersole, the SGA's faculty adviser.
South's SGA has organized at least one activity a month since school started, Dunham said.
One of those events was "Mr. South High."
"Pretty much like a beauty pageant, except it was for guys," said Chelsea Githens-Brewer, one of the event's organizers and SGA treasurer.
Chelsea, 17, said it initially was difficult to convince guys to sign up.
"They thought because it was a beauty pageant, they're going to put on dresses and stuff," said Chelsea, a senior.
But the event was a huge success, Chelsea said. Eleven South High boys entered the contest.
In addition to the pageant, the SGA raised $1,500 for the Hurricane Katrina relief effort and hosted two blood drives.
The student council also has lobbied locally and in Annapolis for more funding and for more say in decisions affecting schools.
"Who else knows better than the students?" Dunham asked.
With SGA elections approaching, the officers - all seniors - said they wanted something to pass to the next generation of SGA officers.
"Anybody can stand up and say, 'I want to run for president,'" said Courtney Summers, 18, the SGA's corresponding secretary.
Dunham already is posturing himself as Washington County's next lawmaker - under the theory that Sen. Donald F. Munson, R-Washington, will retire and that Del. Christopher B. Shank, R-Washington, will move to the Senate.
"That only leaves room for me," Dunham said.
