OASC state convention: finding the courage within
By Olivia Garrett
Pictured are Heidi Jones (left) and Teihani Swain (right), taken by Olivia Garrett
The Oklahoma Student Council Association held its annual state convention November 11th through the 13th, and its undeniable triumph will mark it as one of their most successful conventions to date. Owasso hosted the event for the first time in decades, causing anticipation to be higher than ever in the weeks leading up to the monumental occasion. Student council members each worked early mornings, long lunches and late nights, showcasing their full dedication to the immense preparation the convention demanded.
“Cohesively working with each other hasn’t been easy, but it’s definitely brought us all closer together,” STUCO officer Natalee King admits.
Pictured are Lyberty Stender (left), Shelly Cachero (middle), and America Huerta (right) as they greet incoming guests. Image provided by Natalee King.
No matter how hard the students worked, they never lost their positive morale. Beginning each morning of the convention with a booming greeting, students jumped, cheered and danced at the front doors as they welcomed the neighboring schools. All through the building, students filled the halls with warm laughs and loving conversation. With smiling faces and eager minds, the attendees socialized with newcomers, reunited with old friends and prepared for the first activities of the weekend.
“It’s great to be around like-minded people,” STUCO member Makalie Bahruth smiles. “There’s just a great energy [at state], it’s filled with people who really care about being here.”
Attendees kept this same energy entering their first general session (a group of spoken messages), as various speakers shared their views and beliefs for the future of the Oklahoma student council. Students listened attentively as the speakers taught on how to become a better leader, student and friend. Exploring the fundamentals of being a good leader, the overall theme of the weekend was finding “the courage within.” The message was all about being your true self, gaining the confidence to try new things and having the courage to make real change in the world.
Bahruth claims, “You make so many new friends [at state] you wouldn’t have made otherwise… you really have the confidence to go up to [visitors] and talk about anything.”
The ever-supportive environment of the convention created a space where students could uplift each other and help others become the best version of themselves. Following these inspiring sessions, students moved into various breakout groups, where they could experience a more personal connection to the messages and people around them. The sessions consisted of ice-breaker activities, lessons in leadership and sharing meals with friends.
“That’s probably my favorite part [of state]; you get to see everyone having fun together and meeting each other, and it just makes you feel good,” Bahruth happily adds.
After the educational activities were done for the day, students were able to let loose at the evening's student mixer. Held in the school’s indoor facility, students got to play field games, dance to music and socialize. Students exited the facility that night sweaty, inspired and most of all, happy, not one leaving without a tired smile across their face.
Photo taken by Olivia Garrett
Council officer Seth Vann stresses the importance of state as he professes, “State is a big deal. Students from all around come [to state] to add new ideas and make our organization better.”
One of the main objectives of the convention is to vote for a new president. Delegates from each school consult on a decision as the presidential candidates campaign throughout the weekend. This process helps the members learn more about the strategies and ideas of their student government and take an active part in determining them. This year, the Fairview High School presidential candidate took the victory, later being gladly accepted into the position by the previous president’s affectionate farewell speech.
“This has been such a successful convention… I’m super proud of everyone who made this happen,” council teacher Shannon Beck proudly proclaims.
Advisors, students and every part of the organization experienced an undeniable feeling of satisfaction following their contribution to such a significant convention. The event effectively brought people together, furthered the state of the current student government and taught important lessons of bravery and determination. Through new friends, new ideas and new confidence, hundreds of student council members each found their own courage within.