NASC 2016

Leadership is one the most coveted clubs/classes in schools nationwide. Leadership starts in middle school and evolves to student government. Leadership continues to give students an upperhand on college applications and opens doors for countless students. The NASC conference held at Century High School was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The conference brings together people from numerous states and countries to share methods and participate in workshops about topics such as bullying, character development. There was even a mentalist seminar. Not only did the conference bring together people from all different walks of life, but it also brought many non-leadership kids to the leadership family. “The NASC conference became an opportunity to strengthen our leadership class, but also to open up doors for CHS students outside of leadership. Many of the state-guides were not affiliated with student government, but through the conference, they were able to attend workshops that covered communication, school diversity, social safety, and so many other crucial topics that can better any educational community,” stated freshman at University of Oregon and former CHS leadership kid, Wendy Roman.

“My biggest take away was definitely meeting new people. Also, I was able to interact with more people from school as well while working together.” says sophomore Tyanna Hoang. “The days leading up to the conference and the conference was exhausting. However, everyone from teachers to students to community volunteers, walked away with lighter hearts and bigger smiles, as this conference was the epitome of unity.” said Roman. Clearly, the conference and all that came with it was a labor of loves for all those who participated.

Aside from the workshops, many fun activities were available for the attendees of the conference, including an “illumination” that took place during the general session. Roman had the opportunity to introduce Hillsboro School District’s Mariachi band, Una Voz. “The entire conference was a standout, but on the first day I was able to introduce Hillsboro School District’s Mariachi Band- in Spanish. Being on that stage and speaking my native language in front of over a thousand people was utterly breathtaking… Their performance was the vitality of tradition and beautiful in its Mexican honored culture.”

“The state I was responsible for was Minnesota, one of the largest groups of delegates that attended.” stated Hoang, also commenting that “The workshops were really memorable, because the ones I went to really inspired me to think outside the box in an effort to help others”

Roman credits Ms. Julie Kasper, saying “her unwavering dedication brought such a momentous event to our little corner of the world… She is the true MVP of this experience.” Ms.Kasper was the one to send out an application for century several years ago, in 2011, and her desire to host the conference has paid off, as it has united Century in a way it has never been before.

“On Sunday, as I drove home with my best friend Lauren Weber, I was heavy with fatigue but my heart felt so light and my face hurt from smiling. During the conference, I realized that Century is so much more than just a school… Century is more than just four walls. It’s made up of advisors and teachers who genuinely care about their students. It’s made up of kids who were willing to give up their summer and become a part of something much bigger than themselves. Century is a community. Century is a family and during NASC we were able to open our doors to incredible people from all over and say ‘Welcome to our home.’” Roman was just one of many to have such a revelation, so powerful that the NASC conference can only be considered a success.