OASC Newsletter
Ohio Association of Student Councils, April 2017
The Ohio Association of Student Councils is an organization dedicated to the teaching of leadership skills, organizational skills, and people skills valuable to the members and officers of all student organizations!
Join us for State Conference on April 27th - April 29th at Clinton-Massie High School! For more information, registration and award nominations please see the links below!
STATE CONFERENCE DOCUMENTS (All documents below can also be found on the State Conference event page on OASC's website)
- State Representative Informational Video
- State Representative Candidate Information Sheet
- State Representative Candidate Application (due April 5th)
- State Conference Information Packet
- State Conference Delegate Registration Form (due April 5th) (ONLY Advisors fill this out)
- State Conference Advisor/Adult Registration Form (due April 5th)
- Honor Council Digital Scrapbook & Slideshow Award Form (due April 5th)
Looking Back: Student Council & NHS Day with the Columbus Blue Jackets
On Thursday, March 7th, Student Council and NHS members travelled to Nationwide Arena for a leadership day with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Students kicked the day off by ice skating on the game ice!
Following the open skate, students listened to a panel of leaders within the Blue Jackets organization. They shared their personal stories of leadership, how they have ended up in their careers, and what leadership qualities they look for in candidates during interviews. Panelists included Greg Murray the CBJ PA Announcer, Joe Ditri the Director of Operations for Delaware North CBJ's catering & merchandise partners, Becky Magaw the Director of CBJ Human Resources, and Darla Owens the Manager of the CBJ Foundation.
Students went to dinner following an arena tour, and then stayed to watch the Columbus Blue Jackets get the win over the New Jersey Devils. When asked about how the event went, attendee Kennedy said "It was a wonderful time. Everything was so carefully organized so that we could have a great time. Overall, it was an excellent day, super fun and helpful in the way of learning how to develop better leadership skills." Thanks to all students and advisors who attended! We look forward to seeing you at next year's leadership day!
Looking Back: Winter Retreat
On March 11th & 12, Senior High and Middle Level delegates attended OASC's Winter Retreat at Camp Willson in Bellefontaine, Ohio. The theme of the weekend was Self Esteem. This was OASC's first retreat at Camp Willson, and the new location was a welcomed change! While we look to return to Proctor Center as a retreat site, Camp Willson is also a new location we are very much looking forward to using again as well!
Senior High Energizers
Senior High Self-Esteem Presentations
"Hi, my name is Joe..."
Senior High delegates watched this TedTalk by Brené Brown, a "researcher story teller" who studies human connection -- or ability to empathize, belong, love. She discusses how vulnerability works, deconstructs shame, and explains how we long for a sense of love & belonging. In line with the weekend's theme of Self-Esteem, Brown discusses her published theory that we can't have compassion for others before we have compassion for ourselves and believe we are worthy of both love and belonging.
Winter Retreat Movie: 42
Delegates watched 42, the story of Jackie Robinson - the legendary baseball player who broke Major League Baseball's color barrier when he joined the roster of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Facing unabashed racism from every side, Robinson was forced to demonstrate tremendous courage and restraint by not reacting in kind, knowing that any incident could destroy his hopes. Instead, Number 42 let his talent on the field do the talking—ultimately winning over fans and his teammates, silencing his critics, and paving the way for others to follow.
64th Annual State Conference - Service Project Reminder!
Clinton-Massie Student Council & OASC are partnering for the Annual State Conference Service Project. This year's project will be a toy drive that will help those who benefit from the Falcon Pack & Food Pantry Programs. Toys will be distributed during the 2017 holiday season to Clinton County families. We ask that you bring with you a new or gently used toy to donate to the students in the Clinton-Massie community. The toys will be dropped off at the display case in the main high school hallway at the start of the conference. Thank you for your participation - we look forward to seeing the number of toys OASC students can bring to Clinton-Massie later this April!
Looking Back: Winter & Spring Staff Training
OASC and iBELIEVE requires members of our staff team to continue their own growth & leadership development by attending staff trainings throughout the year. Staff members participated in one of two weekends of staff training on February 18th - 19th in Parkersburg WV, and February 25-26 in Columbus OH. Faculty members Dr. Marlene De La Cruz-Guzmán and Tommy Raimondi III from Ohio University facilitated a 2 hour diversity training. During this professional development, staff members engaged in meaningful discussion on the meaning of diversity & inclusion, and how we can use the privilege in our lives to become an ally for others who may be oppressed.
OASC Alumni Spotlight
Dana (Fernkorn) Mattern, Executive Board Member 1992-1993
What was your alma mater and when did you graduate? Elyria High School, 1993
What was you favorite OASC memory that sticks out in your mind? My favorite leadership/communication activity is how to make a peanut butter sandwich. I am taking my staff on a leadership/team building weekend camping trip and plan on using this activity and many others that I learned while attending an OASC event and while I served on the board.
How did the people you met while you were in the program influence you and your future? Some of my best friends I meet through OASC functions.
I can still sing the fight sound and if you ever have the chance to go to the Nationals Association of Student Council's Conference - DO IT - I still have all of my buttons and boy how they bring back memories.
What leadership positions did you hold within OASC? I served on the Executive Board from 92-93 under John Namey, the Executive Director.
How did OASC help prepare you for your future? The skills you will learn and the friends you will make might not make sense today, but you will be amazed how they will play out in your life in the future.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with today's student leaders? OASC is the BEST!
Lindsey Rose Bullinger, Middle Level Staff Member, 2004-2007
What was your alma mater and when did you graduate? Fort Jennings HS, 2007
Where do you live & what do you currently do today? I work in Public Policy in Davis, CA & Indianapolis, IN/Public Policy
What was your first OASC event & what is your favorite OASC song? My first event was 2002 Summer Workshop when I was in middle school. My favorite OASC songs are Here I Am (Bryan Adams) & Now and Forever.
What are some of your favorite OASC memories? This is hard; I have so many! Off the top of my head, I probably remember sneaking gummy bears in Connie's coffee maker during a summer workshop with Justin Spence. How about a fruity twist in Connie's morning coffee?!?
What are some lessons or skills you've taken with you over the years that you learned at OASC? I learned about various forms of leadership (how it isn't one-size-fits-all), self-acceptance and confidence, appreciating and leveraging differences in others, and more technical things like how to communicate, how to present, sell ideas, listen intentionally, recognize when to step up to lead and how to lead by following someone else's lead. As a result of my involvement in OASC, I became interested in public policy and governance and set a career path much different than my original desire.
What role did OASC play in your higher education? Because of the time I spent volunteering for OASC, I earned service-based scholarships that allowed me to go to a college I otherwise wouldn't have been able to afford, and get an education much different than I probably otherwise would have received.
What can current students gain by attending OASC programming?
It is a personal investment with an ROI that far exceeds any other program I have ever done or camp/event I have attended. OASC summer workshops (and other OASC events) were different than other camps I attended in my youth because I developed life skills, friendships, and mentorships that lasted, partly because of the other events throughout the year. I learned how to develop a professional network at an early age - without even knowing it!- which is a crucial skill regardless of the field or industry to which an individual aspires. I also learned more technical skills (e.g. communication, relatability, etc.) in a fun and effective manner with my peers who were also interested in becoming better leaders, communicators, and change-makers.
Do you still stay in touch with any other former OASC'ers you met while you were in the program? Heck yes! Too many to count. Short list: Ashley (Cecil) Hutchings, Molly Dull, Rachel Szala Grant, Leslie (Gress) Bucheit, Melissa Rocco, Holly Coats, Connie Miley!
Steve Graves, Senior High Staff Member, 1983-1984
What was your alma mater and when did you graduate? Chillicothe High School, 1984
What OASC experience(s) shaped you the most during your time with the program? The OASC experiences were exceptional for me. It's really hard to tell how my life would have played out had I not gotten involved with the OASC, but I like to think the OASC had a significant, positive impact on me. The summer workshops in particular were seminal in the development of a variety of life philosophies.
Where did you attend summer workshop and what lasting impacts did it have on you? I really grew up emotionally during a week at ol' Kenyon College. I learned a lot and think I became a much better leader at my high school. I left for college far more confident that I could succeed at whatever I chose to pursue. I've never been much involved in "student council" type activities since high school, but I use what I learned through student government and the OASC in my career as a college professor, particularly how to manage involvement in a blizzard of committees and professional organizations.
Where do you currently live, and do for a living? I'm currently the President of the California Geographical Society, an organization with a much different goal than the OASC, but I've tried hard to make our meetings and conferences as fun as the OASC events. A commitment to fellowship and genuine concern for the well being of others makes our organization not only great fun, but a positive influence on the lives and education of the students and faculty that have joined the California Geographical Society.
What else would you share with our current students? It's funny how many years it's been since I sang goofy songs with total strangers in tiny little college, but how often the echoes of what I learned back then ring loud and true still today. THANK YOU OASC - I hope you're still going strong today! Hail to the OASC!
Lucy O'Cull, OASC Middle Level State Representative: What Student Council Means to Me
When I was in sixth grade, I was presented with an amazing opportunity by my Student Council. My advisor wanted to take a group of council members to the OASC State Conference. I was so curious to find out what this organization was all about and I was constantly searching for more ways to become involved in student council. When I was chosen to go, I was so excited to attend the conference that my friends spoke so highly of in the past.
At my first conference I had a blast. State Conference was such an eyeopening experience for me. I met so many friends that I am still in touch with now. As the next State Conference rolled around, I was getting more involved in my own council and I wanted to get more involved with OASC. My advisor encouraged me to run for OASC State Board. At first I was not really sure about running, but as I looked through the requirements and the responsibilities, I just knew I wanted to be a representative. At State Conference I made it through the election process, and I became a Middle Level State Representative for OASC. My friends and family were so proud of me, and the joy I felt being elected was incredible.
I believe that being a State Representative has had a huge impact on my life. I have attended more events than ever before including summer workshop. It has been amazing to experience the “behind the scenes” of OASC magic. Working with the board, I met many amazing people that were always supporting of each and every person. Due to my time on the state board, I feel I am a stronger and more confident leader than ever before. My participation in OASC has inspired me to continue my student council career to the high school level. I hope to continue to stay involved in OASC even though my term as a state board member is sadly coming to an end. I am so grateful for my time spent with OASC and I am truly honored to have served as a Middle Level OASC State Representative.
Adviser Spotlight: Angela Hattman
Where do you advise & how did you get involved in OASC?
I moved to Columbus, OH four years ago to be closer to my family and took a job at Beechcroft High School, which is part of Columbus City Schools. As soon as I moved into my apartment, my high school geometry Teacher Theresa Klein and her son Patrick Klein reached out to me about an amazing foundation that they thought I would be interested in since I was an educator and passionate about helping students. I got involved with OASC through the iBelieve Foundation.
What do you see as the benefits of OASC?
OASC has taught my students the value of communication, networking, collaboration, and dedication through highly positive and engaging activities. My students have appreciated the diversity of the organization and their ability to meet people from all areas of the state. They are able to sustain those influential relationships throughout their school years at conferences and even into their collegiate years.
What's your favorite part about being a Student Council adviser?
My favorite part of being a Student Council adviser is watching my students grow in their relationships with others and developing their own unique leadership style.
Least favorite part?
My least favorite part of being a Student Council adviser is trying to find funds to support my students in attending conferences and transportation.
How do you think these skills are applicable outside of Student Council?
The character skills OASC is developing in my students will far outreach their days in high school. This skill set will take them into their future careers and prepare them for the rest of their adult life.
How has being an advisor helped you to grow?
I have learned to let go. My students need time to process and space to collaborate with others.
What's one piece of advice you would give to new/other StuCo advisers? Advice for the students?
My advice for new advisers would be to have a great relationship with your building level principal. My relationship with my principal has allowed my students to return to the building with their newly instilled leadership skills and facilitate leadership roles within the building. She grows their leadership skills outside of the classroom and leads them into district leadership positions as well.
iBELIEVE & OASC Summer Workshops - REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
SUMMER WORKSHOP REGISTRATION officially opened March 1st! Over 300 students have already registered to Join us during the summer of 2017 for one of EIGHT Senior High Workshops or TWO Middle Level Workshops being offered!
- June 18th - 22nd, West Liberty University (West Liberty, WV) - Senior High I, II & III
- June 25th - 29th, West Liberty University (West Liberty, WV) & Youngstown State University (Youngstown, OH) - Senior High I, II, III, & Middle Level
- July 9 -13th, Concord University (Athens, West Virginia) & Muskingum University (New Concord, OH) - Senior High I, II, & III
- July 16th - 20th, Eastern Kentucky University (Richmond, KY) - Senior High I ONLY, Muskingum University, (New Concord, OH) - Senior High I, II, & III
- July 23rd - 27th, Wright State University (Fairborn, OH) - Senior High I, II, III & Middle Level
Both iBELIEVE & OASC students can register for summer workshops HERE on the iBELIEVE website! We look forward to seeing you this summer!
**Note: Registration is on a "first come, first served" basis. Once a week/program level is full, both iBELIEVE & OASC delegates will need to select a different week. Due to program level size restrictions, we cannot overfill any week or program level of summer workshop.**
Sunday, Jun 18, 2017, 01:00 PM
West Virginia, Ohio & Kentucky
Contact us today!
Email: OASCoutreach@oasc-oh.org
Website: www.oasc-oh.org
Location: 124 Queens Crossing, Centerville, OH, United States
Phone: (937) 751-8530
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOASC/
Twitter: @oasc