Members of the Lafayette Middle School Student Council won first place in five out of the eight categories they entered at the Southern Association of Student Council conference last week.

The annual SASC conference was held Oct. 10-14 and promotes leadership experience, exchange of ideas for middle school student council members across the South.

Student Council adviser Penny Allen said, “Winning the awards validate that our council is on the right path to create great leaders. Each time our school was called; I smiled bigger, I cheered louder, I cried a few more tears and my heart beat faster. I love being a small part of such an amazing group.”

Out of eight states, over 90 schools, and more than 1,000 students in attendance, Lafayette Middle School placed in the Middle Level Project of the Year: Cape Worthy Moments; Citizenship and Patriotism Project of the Year: Operations Internet Café; and the Leadership/Mentoring Project of the Year: Looking for a Few Good Leaders.

SASC also awards two individual middle level awards, and LMS Student Council members won both.

Levi Lott won the Oratory Award for sixth through ninth grade. The Middle Level Member of the Year was awarded to Macie Childers

Lott said it took a good bit of preparation for the speech contest, but it was worth it in the end. He said he felt honored to receive the award for his hard work.

Allen said at the end of the three-day conference, the members organized a pep rally that included ideas from the conference.

Within a few hours of arriving back to the school, the student council was bringing the conference to their middle school gym. This small gesture was more rewarding than any award.

Allen advised the LMS student council along with fellow adviser Jean Painter.

“Jean Painter and I are honored to work with such students. At the end of our weekly meetings, we are left thinking ‘How on Earth do these kids continue to come up with such great ideas,’” Allen said.

The council not only participated in student-led workshops, but also presented workshops. The students heard great speakers and participated in 10 different service projects in addition to winning numerous awards.

Allen said the students come to every council meeting prepared with new ideas and plans. Lafayette students play a big role in projects the councils are involved with.

“We are beyond honored to advise students with strong leadership skills,” Allen said. “It is so humbling to see our representatives go on to achieve great accomplishments. I am not surprised at the amount of success our students have had.

“Our LMS Student Council alumni created a leadership dynasty of legendary status. Members, present and past, lead by the motto: ‘Lead Big, Lead Bold, Lead Beyond.’”