2010 State Convention

This year's StuCo state convention, held in Arlington, Tx, was a great success. Hosted by South Lake Carroll Highschool, and emceed by state officers: William Hayes, Kolby Flowers, Taylor Vestal, and Alexandria Vandiver, along with conference coordinator Amanda Presmyk, 941 schools in TASC enjoyed the biggest congregation of student councils in the entire world. The theme for TASC this year "The Time is Now. Our World. Our Responsibility. Period." was represented throughout the conference and general sessions with representation of support for TASC endorsed charitable organizations and project ideas brought forth by student councils across the state, and by several inspirational speakers. Key note speaker Stephen Hawkins got over 4400 students and sponsors to not only laugh, but think about the future and what it is to own one's own time. Craig Ceilberger ended the last general Session with an inspiring presentation educating all the students about the program he began to develop as a twelve-year-old called "Free The Children." Friday night the entire convention had the thrilling opportunity to attend six flags. "AAAAAAA!" Also, an unexpected guest, Jason Castro, performed Thursday afternoon supporting the Malaria No More Foundation as candidates displayed their platforms and campaigned. After weeks of planning and days of advertising, the results for the new TASC 2010 executive board was announced Saturday morning. Ore City High School was elected Parliamentarian, Northwest High School was elected Secretary, Klein Forest was elected Vice President, and Texas High was elected president. Congratulations for all schools, and good luck for this upcoming year!

Elena Urbina, Stacie O'Shea, and Leah Villarreal
AMCHS committee heads

State Conference

Attending the Student Council State Convention last year was definitely the highlight of my junior year. Although I belonged to the small number of non-exec Stuco members going on the trip and was initially very hesitant to spend half the week with people I didn’t know that well, it only took a few hours to feel accepted into Consol’s StuCo family. Since our council decided to run for State office on the C.A.R.E. week platform, our StuCo State experience started long before the convention itself. With daily workdays cutting ribbons, organizing bracelets, and practicing our skit, we were bonded and ready for State. The convention itself was a unique and wonderful experience. Consol campaigned for State Secretary among 4500 Student Council members from around the State. The other students were so energetic and respectful and willing to listen to what we had to say. We spent the most time with our own council, but everyone had made several acquaintances. Our school had an awesome poster presentation and a very influential skit to present to TASC and I just felt so proud to be a part of AMC StuCo. The most amazing part of the whole experience was our last large assembly where we won the State Secretary position. We did it!

For the 2010 State Conference, here is a brief overview of the schedule of events:

Thursday, April 8: Registration and Opening General Session

Friday, April 9: Meeting Candidates, General Session, Campaigning, Voting, SIX FLAGS!

Saturday, April 10: Closing General Session

You can go to http://www.tasconline.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=3#Schedule for a more detailed conference schedule.

Hope everyone is excited for this year’s TASC State Conference in Arlington, Texas!

– Catherine Koola, AMCHS Parliamentarian

Conference Countdown!!

It's almost here.... GET EXCITED!

Who's Running for Office

The following schools are running for office this year! We have a large number of candidates, so be ready for some fierce competition :)I can't wait to be amazed by some awesome platforms!

President:
Allen
Keller
North Shore Sr.
Texas

Vice President:
Alief Elsik
Bruceville-Eddy
Klein Forest

Secretary:
Brazoswood
Eagle Pass
Northwest

Parlimentarian:
Kingwood Park
Ore City

TASC Endorsed Programs

Is your student council looking for some new projects to get involved with? Well, TASC has some endorsed programs that are perfect for your school. You can read these short summaries of each program and find out more about them online.



Project V.O.T.E. (Voters of Tomorrow through Education)

This is a non-partisan program that politically informs students so that they are prepared and able to vote to better their futures. The project includes a comprehensive curriculum adaptable to all students.

Pennies For Patients

The Pennies for Patients program is a simple, yet effective, nation-wide fundraiser in which student council members collect spare change to raise vital funds for cancer research and patient aid services through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Check out http://www.schoolandyouth.org/school/Controller?action=loadContent&itemid=309135 to find out some more awesome information!

Project Example: A&M Consolidated High School distributes the Pennies for Patients boxes (given by the organization after contact) to all student council members and gives them two weeks to collect as much change as possible. Our student council works off of a point system and for every five dollars they raise in donations, they receive one point.


The Make-A-Wish Foundation

This is an organization which has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. A network of nearly 25,000 volunteers enables the Make-A-Wish Foundation to serve these children. Volunteers serve as wish granters, fundraisers, special events assistants, and in numerous other capacities. This foundation strives to increase hope, joy, and strength of children struggling with their health. TASC encourages schools to get involved with the foundation.

Project Example: A&M Consolidated High School decided to write letters to Santa Clause during the Christmas season to give to Macy's. For every letter received, Macy's donated a dollar to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. With over 2000 letters, the school was able to directly donate over $2000 to the foundation. By donation money, more wishes can be granted and the children can be happier despite their current struggle.


There are more to be blogged on at a later date.... to be continued:)

Travel Safety Tips

-To avoid becoming a target, do not dress as though an affluent tourist.
-Try to travel as light as possible to promote quickness.
-Carry minimum amounts of valuables, credit cards, cash, and passports.
-Use traveler's checks instead of cash.
-Leave a copy of your itinerary with family and friends in case of an emergency.
-Stay in larger hotels between floors 2 and 7 (high enough to avoid crime, but low enough for fire equipment).
-Never discuss travel plans or other personal matters with people you don't know.
-Only take taxis clearly identified with official markings.
-If and whenever possible, travel with others.

Construction Notice!

The Student Corner will be under construction for a week, so please forgive any changes and late responses! Be ready for awesome new changes!