March 03, 2023
Media Advisory: 400+ high school students at SIU for student councils’ convention March 9
CARBONDALE, Ill. — More than 400 high school students from about 15 high schools around the region, along with about two dozen of their advisers, will converge on Southern Illinois University Carbondale on March 9 for the annual Spring Convention of the Little Egypt District of Student Councils (LEDSC).
Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to cover the “All Systems Go…Out of This World” LEDSC District convention, which takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the SIU Student Center Ballrooms and adjacent Corker Lounge.
Student council representatives from high schools in Carbondale, Benton, Vienna, Carterville, Mount Vernon, Joppa, Gallatin County, Zeigler-Royalton, Marion, Anna-Jonesboro, Pope County, Elverado, Carmi-White County, Murphysboro and Johnston City have registered to attend. Until 11 a.m., participants will enjoy a college fair featuring information, displays and giveaways introducing them to university life and opportunities.
The students will participate in a variety of activities during the day.
Chancellor Austin Lane will welcome the high school students to campus at 9 a.m., and Saluki football coach Nick Hill will speak as well. The morning will include presentations by the LEDSC officials, board members and candidates. Ted Wiese, motivational speaker, will present the keynote address and lead activities 9:35-10:25 a.m., and the students will learn more about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and efforts to raise funds for the facility that treats those with childhood cancers and pediatric diseases.
Participants will divide up for breakout groups from 12:10 p.m. to 1:10 p.m., taking part in discussions and activities, including some with Wiese. District student council officer election results will be announced and awards presented 1:10 to 1:45 p.m.
Members of the media are welcome any time. The opening presentations, keynote address and breakout group times will especially provide good opportunities for photos, video and interviews.
For more information, contact Debra Hutson at dhutson@siu.edu.