WEST COLUMBIA, SC – This weekend, Airport High School will be the power seat for government – student government, that is.
The Lexington Two school is the host site for the South Carolina Association of Student Councils (SCASC) annual conference, set for March 11-13. High school student leaders from across the state, representing 45 schools, will be attending the event, which includes workshops, swap shops, general sessions, guest speakers and elections for state officers, along with evening entertainment like a movie night and dance. Nearly 500 people are expected to attend.
Airport’s 25 council members have spent the past few weeks getting ready for the event, including decorating the school, organizing workshops and guest speakers, and putting together goodie bags for delegates. They’ve also been collecting items for a first-ever statewide charity donation project, an idea launched by current SCASC President and Airport High student Liz Schaffer.
“One of my favorite things that I have been able to bring about through my presidency is that for the first time, South Carolina will be submitting a state service project to be judged at the national level,” Schaffer said. “Our mission is to raise comfort and hygiene items for children in the state foster care system.”
Christy Wingard, an advisor for Airport’s Student Council, said all events are in-person, the first time association members have been together in two years amid COVID.
“We are definitely ready to show off our beautiful campus,” said Wingard. “Our council is going to be in full attendance and excited to host!”
Wingard hopes attendees will learn new leadership skills, meet new people and be inspired. One of the highlights of the weekend is the annual awards banquet, recognizing outstanding work by the state’s councils.
“Our Airport council has been working hard all year to bring about this convention,” Schaffer said, “and I am grateful we get the chance to show off all the hard work!”