Common app short answer, student councilors (Advice on shortening)

I am 9 words over the 150 word limit. Any advice, critics?

Student councilors are prominent figures in my school. Not only because of our shiny pins or because of our representation of the student body, but because we are always ready to lend a hand to a fellow mountaineer. This camaraderie is what first impelled me to join the student council in my sophomore year and what keeps me in today. As I met great new friends, and saw the amazing things we were doing, I realized this was more than a club; this was a family.
Going to meetings and organizing different school and charity events has become more of a hobby than a duty. Gathering with all types of intelligent students from underclassmen to upperclassmen everyday, exchanging ideas and then watching them come to fruition in the following weeks or months never fails to amaze me. This teamwork is imperative as senior class president, now that I must organize the senior prom and all the other senior events.

Not only because of our shiny pins or because of our representation of the student body, but because we are always ready to lend a hand to a fellow mountaineer.

what keeps me in today <--------- is a little vague, specify?

The ending is a little hanging, does not really close...

any suggestions on how to end it more solidly, make it flow smoother. I can do it, its just the word limit which interferes.

Student councilors are prominent figures in my school. We are prominent not only because of our shiny pins or because of our representation of the student body, but because we are always ready to lend a hand to a fellow mountaineer. As a member, I also met great new friends, saw amazing accomplishments being made, and ultimately realized this was more than a club; this was a family.

Going to meetings and organizing various school and charity events has become more of a hobby than a duty. Gathering with all types of intelligent students from all grade levels, exchanging ideas, and then watching them come to fruition in the following weeks or months never fails to amaze me. Now that I am class president, I rely on their teamwork even more than ever as I organize the senior prom and other senior events.

How about this?

that actually cut it down perfectly. Thank you Kevin :]
Do you think it is a good summery of my activity though?

I think it's great. Happy Christmas!

:)

Kevin