North Carolina Association of Student Councils
Nationals/Mars Hill Edition
August 2016 Volume 91 Edition 3
www.ncasc.us
National Conference
From June 22nd to June 26th, a group of individuals from the North Carolina Association of Student Councils gathered together (after months and months of planning) to attend the National Association of Student Councils Conference in Portland, Oregon. At Century High School, many advisors and students from NASC learned many new skills they can’t wait to use with the rest of us! While having tons of fun, they came back ready to make the association better as a whole. Below is a memoir written by Central District Vice Chair Jenna Nabors describing her vast range of experiences she collected at the conference. Thanks, Jenna!
NCASC Takes on NASC
The NASC trip for the NCASC was an experience like no other, and it all began at the airport. Robert Frost said that "two roads diverged", but for the NCASC, our journey to Portland, Oregon actually had three roads. Our group of nine delegates and six advisors was split up! Some of us went to Dallas, others went to Los Angeles, and I went with rest to Phoenix for our layover flights. But on June 22, we all made it to the beautiful state of Oregon. Once settled, we toured downtown Portland, where we went to the International Rose Test Garden to see over 7,000 rose plants, and we also went to the iconic Voodoo Doughnuts where we ordered the most unusual doughnuts imaginable. The following day, we rode the MAX into town and went on the Heart of the Gorge River Trip, which spans 120 miles. On the trip, the delegation was able to learn more about Oregon and also about one another. Later that evening, the Oregon Association of Student Councils planned a welcome party for all of the NASC delegates at a bowling alley and arcade named Big Al's. Here, delegates could meet one another before the conference began the next day. I also learned some very interesting Stuco chants and games.
On June 24, 2016, the NASC Conference at Century High School officially began. We met our state guides in our state room, and then went to the first general session. Before it began, everyone was on their feet, while a Zumba instructor energized the crowd. Then, the opening keynote speaker, Mark Scharenbroich, combined entertainment and motivation to encourage people to compliment others and be less concerned with comparison and more concerned with making a difference. From here, advisors went to their workshop and delegates could decide which workshops they wanted to attend. The workshops ranged in topics from kindness to community service to public speaking. I went to a workshop on a popular service project on "Yuda Bands", and another workshop that focused on ice breaker games. Delegates then went to watch a play that described four different personality types so that the delegates could understand the different leadership styles. Just as I learned at Mars Hill, I'm a teal/blue because I am passionate and focus on the feelings of others while leading. After this play, we went to more workshops. I went to one that focused on the importance of kindness and teamwork, another that incorporated music to inspire students to acknowledge their gifts and talents, and another one about being a legendary leader. After the long day we went back to the gym for reflections.
The next day I saw on the app that there was a NASC photo scavenger hunt so I must say I spent most of my free time doing that. I also met some delegates from Oklahoma and learned how to play the polar bear game! Along with doing that, I went to more workshops and grew closer and closer to the North Carolina delegation. Those were the highlights of that day.
Then on the last day, I heard some phenomenal and influential speakers. I also engaged in t-shirt trading which was probably the most intense activity I have ever been a part of during Stuco! Delegates had tables with shirts and hats and fanny packs set up and were tough bargainers. But in the end, I ended up with two shirts, so I was pleased. The conference ended and as a whole it was truly extraordinary.
However, our journey wasn't over. We went up to the Timberline Lodge and toured the historic building. Afterwards, we rode on a ski lift and hiked up some of Mount Hood. Despite my fear of heights, the sight was truly beautiful. After we left, stopped for lunch, we were headed to the airport for our flight home. Overall, the NASC trip was successful, exciting, and an experience I will never forget. I am so grateful to be a part of the NCASC and to have experienced this wonderful opportunity with the most amazing people.
Pictures!
“There were many helpful workshops that we were able to attend at the National Conference. From learning new ice breakers to use back at home to learning how to get things done through different levels of administration, the National Conference was definitely a huge no-brainer to go to. I’m so satisfied with all of the aspects of the workshop along with all of the fun I had. Hope to go with much more of you guys next year!” -Ashton Lawson, Student at North Surry High School (Go Hounds!)
Those who attended the National Conference were Elliott Mathis, Henry Foust, Daron Atkins, Ashton Lawson, Ardeshir Pirzadeh, Lawson Rink, Hannah McCarthy, Jenna Nabors, Danielle Sofio, Elizabeth Thompson, Joe Friedman, Alissa Provencher, John McCleod, and Keysha Mayfield. Give them a HUGE hand for wanting to better their local student councils and NCASC as a whole!
Mars Hill Summer Workshop
Having everything from the Olympics to folk dancing, ice cream at every meal to late night snack excursions, 2:00 AM magic card writing to hugs and goodbyes, Mars Hill is truly a magical place. Thanks to all of you that attended the workshop. If you were not able to attend this year, we missed you and hope you can come next year! Keynote speakers Chris Seifert and Andy Costanzo truly made this year one to remember with their crazy antics. Below we have a memoir from Sydney Edwards, a student from North Surry High School, on her thoughts about Mars Hill.
“For me, Mars Hill is home. This was my 3rd year at the hill and I have never regretted going. If you want to learn about leadership, have fun, meet life long friends, or make tons of memories, then make sure the Mars Hill Summer Workshop is one of your events on your bucket list. From the enthusiastic Olympics to the more settled sessions, Mars Hill is a great place to be for a week! You can learn an abundance of useful skills to bring home to your councils. I hope to see you next year!”
Below is another memoir written by Griffin “Gib” Hill.
“Before returning to the Hill for my second year, I wondered how this experience would stack up against my first year. On the first day, after meeting my roommate and the other council members, I knew it was going to exceed my expectations. Being a part of a returning council was a great experience as it allowed my council (Council H) to circumvent the awkward first day and a half. As the week went on, events such as Folk Dancing taught me valuable skills, such as being able to carry on a conversation with people whom I have just met. And speaking of Folk Dancing, if you've never seen Colby do the Charleston step, you're really missing out.
Another great aspect of the workshop was our amazing sponsors from Pennsylvania. Andy and Chris were some of the most phenomenal speakers I've had the privilege to listen to. Both men brought their (real) energy, which shows just how passionate they are about the importance of leadership while also giving us great strategies for motivating ourselves and others. However my favorite aspect to their sessions occurred when we learned the “Weenie Man” song, which will always be one of my favorite memories of NCASC. In conclusion, I'd like to thank Colby Cochran and Elliot Mathis
for another great week as I can only imagine how difficult it is to plan and to coordinate such an engaging and valuable workshop.”
A huge thank you to everyone that sent me pictures to put in this special edition newsletter! Thank you guys so much for being awesome! Until next month, happy reading!
STATE OFFICERS
President School: Leesville Road High School
Student Representative, Ardeshir Pirzadeh
Adviser, Keysha Mayfield
President Elect School: Alexander Central High School
Student Representative, Lauren Lackey
Adviser, Kim Brown
1st Vice President School: East Rowan High School
Student Representative, Sawyer Russell
Adviser, Kate Cecconi
2nd Vice President School: Marvin Ridge Middle School
Student Representative, Alex Kappos
Adviser, Lisa Hansen
Secretary School: North Surry High School
Student Representative, Caleb Cooke
Adviser, Daron Atkins
Communications Officer School: Massey Hill Classical High School
Student Representative, Hannah McCarthy
Adviser, Dali Emami
EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICERS
Eastern District Chair School: Havelock High School
Student Representative, Alyssa Brashear
Adviser, John McLeod
Eastern District High School Vice Chair School: Roanoke Rapids High School
Student Representative, Kimberly Pampilo
Adviser, Gary Edwards
CENTRAL DISTRICT OFFICERS
Central District Chair School: Douglas Byrd High School
Student Representative, Jeremy Ruis
Adviser, Robert Bass
Central District High School Vice Chair School: Massey Hill Classical High School
Student Representative, Jenna Nabors
Adviser, Dali Emami
Central District Middle School Vice Chair School: Gray’s Creek Middle School’
Student Representative, Candi Slappe
Adviser, Sue Cooper
WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICERS
Western District Chair School: Union Academy
Student Representative, Taylor Babb
Adviser, Amy Plyler
Western District High School Vice Chair School: Sun Valley High School
Student Representative, Lucas Motsinger
Adviser, Emily Vespo
Western District Middle School Vice Chair School: Bradley Middle School
Student Representative, Grace Kenney
Adviser, Jennifer Weter
NCASC Board of Directors
Executive Director, Colby Cochran
Assistant Executive Director, Elliott Mathis
Eastern District Director, John McLeod
Central District Director, Henry Foust
Western District Director, Charlotte Cherry
If you have any articles, pictures or just something goofy you would like to submit please drop us a note,
(Caleb Cooke: or Daron Atkins: ) Check back in every month! We will bring you some really cool things and hopefully make you smile.