ASA Attends the S.C. Association of Student Councils State Convention 2023
AIKEN SCHOLARS ACADEMY ATTENDS THE SC ASSOCIATION OF STUDENT COUNCILS (SCASC) STATE CONVENTION 2023; BRINGS HOME GOLD AND ADVISOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
The SCASC State Convention 2023 was held this past weekend, March 17 through 19 at Sumter High School in Sumter, South Carolina. The SCASC was organized as a non-profit, student led organization, to develop student leadership, good citizenship, and cooperation among the student councils in the state.
ASA teachers, Ms. Sharonda Hannah and Mrs. Amanda Waymer, along with Scholars Isabella Peralta, Zephanae Liis, Kaia McMullen, Sakura Suri, Steven McVey, Cody Goldschmidt, Madison Coffman, and Haruka Suri participated in events such as workshops, swap shops, and general sessions over the three-day event with topics focusing on leadership. Speakers included Lori Speaks, with over 20 years in education as a former classroom teacher, wife of a high school administrator, mother, and Student Activities Coordinator. Also speaking was Carrington Rashon Murray, a 2013 recipient of the Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholarship, graduating from the University of South Carolina Columbia where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. In May of 2020, he received a Master of Science and Educational Specialist dual degree from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Carrington is a licensed School Counselor and Clinical Mental Health Counselor and is employed as a High School Counselor. The goal of the event is to inspire student leaders to act within their communities and build on the values of integrity, respect, and service.
An awards banquet ended the weekend with Aiken Scholars bringing home awards for 3rd place scrapbook and being recognized as Gold Council members. The Gold Council is part of the Honor Council Recognition Program, a program where a description of activities and services the student council has provided to their school are submitted, the council is then awarded points to qualify for one of three categories; Bronze, Silver, or Gold.
Zephanae Liis was entered into the Terry McCoy Leadership Hall of Fame for having qualities that embody the beliefs of Mr. McCoy such as courage, leadership, passion, enthusiasm, and teamwork. Terry McCoy served as Executive Director of SCASC beginning in 1985 and served for 23 years in this role. Mr. McCoy was well respected by many, being involved in many civic and charitable organizations.
Finally, Aiken Scholars Academy would like to recognize our own Ms. Sharonda Hannah for being awarded the High School Advisor of the Year award for 2023. Ms. Hannah was chosen through a committee review of an application process and letters written by the principal of Aiken Scholars Academy, community leaders, and her students.
We are beyond proud of the hard work and dedication of our Scholars and teachers.