Western hosts Wyoming Association of Student Councils Convention
Western Wyoming Community College and Rock Springs High School jointly hosted the 65th Wyoming Association of Student Councils’ yearly state convention at Western on November 15 and 16, 2021.
The Wyoming Association of Student Councils (WASC) is a non-profit member association for Wyoming high schools. The Convention saw over 670 student council delegates from 58 schools on campus. The event featured keynote speaker Caleb Campbell, a Native American Dancer, and presentations by Make a Wish Foundation, Vitalint Blood Drive, WYOTalk, and Western.
Western's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and the Student Life Department
co-sponsored a Native American Jingle Dress Dancer, Delaina Becenti. The 18-year-old
from Green River, Wyoming brought awareness about Native American culture and hardships to
the students of WASC, Western students, and staff. Becenti spoke about her culture
and performed two dances that are performed in the indigenous culture for healing.
Keynote speaker Caleb Campbell, lieutenant in the United States Army and NFL linebacker, spoke
to WASC and Western students about the state of mental health in the United States.
He described his struggles with coming to terms with depression and feelings of self-doubt
that led him to a dark place in life. He was able to find his "authentic" self and
now helps the Teen Truth organization by sharing his experiences with students all
around the country.
“We were excited to host the annual WASC conference in Rock Springs this year with
the help of the Student Councils from Rock Springs High School, Green River High School,
and Farson-Eden High School. We were amazed at the turnout of student leaders from
all over the state of Wyoming and deeply appreciate the partnership with Western Wyoming
Community College to be able to host the conference on their beautiful college campus
and provide the students with a college experience. The conference was a huge success, and
we look forward to bringing the conference back to Sweetwater County again in the
future,” stated Amberlee Beardslee, Student Council Advisor at Rock Spring High School.
WASC attendees were able to learn about Western’s student clubs, academic programs,
and support services to showcase opportunities offered by the College. Students received a campus tour, including tours of housing. They also had a chance
to experience the College’s dining services by eating in Mitchell’s Dining Hall.
“The WASC students brought such positive energy and enthusiasm to the conference. It
was exciting to see their professionalism and how much they care about the governance
of Wyoming high schools. Western is excited for those who choose to attend Western
in the future and become part of our Student Government Association and help contribute
to the College. The future of Wyoming is in excellent hands with these future leaders,”
stated Dr. Dustin Conover, Dean of Students at Western.
Western is an award-winning institution known for its affordability and small class sizes. To learn why students choose Western, visit www.westernwyoming.edu/academics/top-reasons-why.php.