There are many organizations dedicated,
in some fashion or another, to the betterment of our society and culture, our
American way of life, if you will. Some
are designed for the needs of the business community while others are focused on
the arts and humanities. The Southern
Association of Student Councils centers its attention on a segment of our
society that represents the future of our nation in virtually every respect –
the new leadership. The Southern Association of Student
Councils began in 1932 when Central High School of Memphis, Tennessee, invited
several schools in Since 1932, member schools have
served as hosts to the annual conference except during World War II, when it was
necessary to discontinue them. From 1932
to 1946, the Head Advisor to SASC was Charles F. Allen. He said, “There is probably no greater field
for initiating and stimulating practical citizenship than student council work
in the modern secondary school.” During
his years as Head Advisor SASC encouraged the formation of a state association
in each of the fourteen member states. Succeeding Mr. Allen as Head Advisor
for SASC were Dr. Srygley (1946-51), J. L. Burks (1952-59), D. D. Gentry (1960),
Oneta Cummings (1960-69), Dan Waguespack (1970-72), and Curtis Vanadore
(1973-75). The title of Head Advisor was
changed to Executive Director and Patricia B. Ireland served in that capacity
from 1975 until 2011. The currect Executive Director of the organization is
Marquita Thomas (2011-present).
Although the structure of the
Southern Association of Student Councils has changed throughout the years, the
philosophy on which it was built is still a reality today. Student Councils representing member schools
throughout the fifteen member state region (Missouri was added in the 1980’s)
still convene once a year to provide leadership training practical experience in
democratic principles, an exchange of ideas, and an exposure to different life
styles as guests in the host school community.
Believing that we can no longer live in a world where our interests are
limited to the people and problems of our immediate community, the Southern
Association of Student Councils continues to offer student council members
throughout the region a chance to grow and expand their knowledge through travel
and shared experience. This objective is
as real today as it was in 1932. The
Southern Association of Student Councils is proud of its heritage and
history. It congratulates the member
schools who have supported it through the years and applauds those schools which
have served as conference host. SASC
pledges many more years of challenging conferences for the young leaders who ARE
the Southern Association of Student Councils.
View our conference history here.