As a SPC, what's the best way to separate myself from my peers?

Don't segregate yourself, if not influence the people within your sphere to be better.

Try to teach younger Joes, share your experience/knowledge and be an extension of your NCO support channel.

Lastly, ask your NCO what do you need from me as a soldier and a future leader to improve our teams/section/squad effectiveness.

It sounds like you are doing what you need to do. Step up when the opportunity presents itself, study your craft, pay particular attention to your equipment-weapons and vehicles. Know the TM’s inside and out. It is in the maintenance of your equipment where you can be most relevant at your grade. NCOs are always getting pulled to meetings and planning sessions. Become the one they can turn to who wants to lead and is technically proficient. I assure you there is something to learn. Do not get Cocky, nor overconfident. Thank you for your service.

1. Be more knowledgeable than decently- become an expert. 2. Lead when ever possible. 3.Get involved with your team/squad. 4. Help those having problems with a mission/assignment, etc.

See if there is any additional duties that you can take the lead on for your PLT. Ask for classes such as Field Sanitation or Small Arms maintenance. You can even make a tracker for your Platoons Vehicle maintenance.

Tactfully

Never complain. Never sham. Be the first choice for any task that's important.

SPC just knowing your job is very minimal to be consider set apart from your peers. You have to perform above your peers as far as the Total Soldier Concept. Meaning, PT, Weapons, Soldier Task and Drills, Personal Development (College), Professional Development (resident courses, distant learning) etc. Did you volunteer for the SoM Board, did you do well or win. Being good at your MOS is good, but that is only part of what is required of us as Soldiers and Leaders. It's like that all the way through the ranks, there is always more you can do to set yourself apart. The question is, do you have the dedication, patience and time to do it?

Study like crazy, and then Ask to go to the board. If they say your not ready for promotion board, then ask for soldier of the month board. If they say your not ready for that ask when the next mock board is. Do not take no for an answer.

Take charge of details and duties.
Study Army material (TMs, FMs, ADPs/ADRPs if you're feeling adventurous, etc...)
Train other, lower ranking soldiers on weak areas (PT, "Battle Drills," Level 1 Soldier Tasks)
Show desire to go to boards like Soldier of the Month
Just a few things that tend to make yourself stand out from your peers.

I know you still want to be part of the crowd, "E-4 Mafia" to certain extend. But there comes a time when you have to be yourself, grow up, and start figuring out where you want to go. You're the only person in charge of your own goals and obtain them, not your buddies. The important thing is that you need to master your job, take responsibilities when the opportunity comes. NCOs are always watching, they know. The way you conduct yourself speaks a lot about you too, be professional on all aspects of been a Soldier and a Leader.