Laurens – Laurens County School District 55 is on Fall Break for teachers and students, but for many student leaders who serve on the Laurens District 55 High School Student Council (LDHS SC), the first few days have been full days of working to finalize preparations and to execute plans for the 2025 South Carolina Association of Student Councils (SCASC) District 6 (D6) Rally. The event took place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at LDHS.
The SCASC is a non-profit organization that believes that every student has leadership potential. The SCASC fosters cooperation among student councils in South Carolina and provides resources and opportunities to develop and grow leaders. The LDHS SC is part of the SCASC, and at the 77th Annual State Convention in March, eleventh-grader Weston B. Coggins, the LDHS Student Body Vice President, was elected by his peers as Chair of SCASC District 6. Sara Beth Field, LDHS SC Secretary, was also elected at the State Convention as the SCASC D6 Vice Chair.
As SCASC District 6 Chair, Weston had a challenging task of conceptualizing and leading the District 6 Take the Golden Ticket Rally. Among his duties were overall planning and sponsorship. It was a true test to rise to SCASC Director of Operations Roger Mizes’ words, “Do it right, make it big, give it class.”
Through genuine collaborative leadership, Weston worked harmoniously with the LDHS Student Council, SCASC student leaders, and volunteers. Mary Ellis Power, LDHS SC President & SCASC Parliamentarian, was a key supporter of the event, bringing ideas and feedback and leading the D6 Pep Rally. Sara Beth Field was essential in workshop planning and coordinating with the session speakers. Mrs. Brooke Yarbrough, LDHS SC Advisor and SCASC Assistant Executive Director, along with co-advisor Carson Adkins, offered guidance and support throughout the process. Ashley Coggins, Mrs. Cassie Power, and Mrs. Jamie Field served as adult volunteers who were delighted to take direction from Weston and the LDHS SC.
Ashley Coggins, Academic Interventionist at Hickory Tavern School, is also the mother of Weston Coggins. She expressed how proud she is of Weston being elected as D6 Chair and leading the rally. “I am thoroughly impressed by how, at such a young age, he could coordinate such a huge event. It’s been months in the making. I’m so excited to see it all come together. I’ve been in anticipation since the Student Council State Convention in March to see the fruits of all their labor.”
On the day of the D6 Take the Golden Ticket Rally, members from D6 schools were warmly welcomed by the LDHS SC with smiles, dances, and cheers. Registration was followed by breakfast in the LDHS Commons, where delegates buzzed with excitement as they read over their packets and figured out the workshops they were assigned to attend.
Eighth-grade student and Laurens Middle School (LMS) Student Council Vice President Graycen Coggins shared why she came to the D6 Rally. “I’m here to learn more about leadership and what I can bring to the school.”
Seventh-grade student and HTS Student Council Treasurer Emerson Cole echoed Graycen’s thoughts, but added that she also came to have fun, while eleventh-grade student and Newberry High School Student Council Executive Secretary Ashley Acosta elaborated that she was there to learn, have fun, as well as to be an inspiration to others and guide new participants through the rally.
At the General Session, Weston Coggins, Sara Beth Field, and Kade Hamilton (D6 Second Vice Chair) did a welcome, an explanation of the theme, and recognition of guests and delegates. Guests included SCASC Officers- Xion Goldsmith (District 1 Chair), PJ Hubbard (District 1 Vice Chair), Ella Leaphart (District 3 Chair), Kamryn Cagle (District 5 Chair), Henry Harmon (State Historian), Mary Ellis Power, Lilly Cook (SCASC Secretary), Julia White (SCASC Second Vice President), Leah Scarmeas (SCASC Vice President), and Heidi Alcazar (SCASC President). Also recognized were Brooke Yarbrough, Carson Adkins, Dianne Hartness (Newberry HS SC Advisor), Roger Mize, Amanda Pinson (Westside HS Advisor & SCASC Executive Director), LCSD 55 Superintendent Dr. Jody Penland, LDHS Principal Compton, and Jakeh Cooper (Keynote Speaker). SCASC District 6 schools present were Carver Middle School, Laurens Middle School, Hickory Tavern Middle School, McCracken Middle School, Newberry Middle School, Starr-Iva Middle School, Broome High School, Crescent High School, Laurens District 55 High School, Newberry High School, Spartanburg High School, Thornwell Charter School, T.L. Hanna High School, and Westside High School.
After the SCASC Officers pumped up the crowd with cheers, chants, and claps, Dr. Penland took to the stage and emphasized how kindness impacts others and encouraged the delegates to be kind. Principal Compton wished delegates a great day of leadership and collaboration and thanked them for their service and commitment to make schools a better place for everyone. Jakeh Cooper, Owner of Big Air Laurens, shared his personal story and thoughts on what a “golden leader” should do or have: have a moral compass, take responsibility, lead by example, and be proactive. He also challenged the audience to think about the prompt, “As a leader, if you can make a change to the betterment of the human race, what would it be and how can you act upon it?” Four brave students - Nikeria, Jalen, Brooke, and Zy shared thoughts on how they can respect others, stand up for what is right, and model how to get up when pushed down.
Student-led leadership workshops followed the General Session, and in the afternoon, the Swap Shops (rapid small group discussions) preceded the Pep Rally.
Twelfth-grade student and LDHS Student Body Treasurer Izalon Williams said, “I hope the delegates leave today’s rally with greater understanding of leadership and of their purpose.”
LCSD 55 Superintendent Dr. Penland said, “I am incredibly proud of our LDHS Student Council for hosting such a successful and inspiring event under the leadership of Mrs. Brooke Yarbrough and Mr. Carson Adkins. A special congratulations to Weston Coggins on being elected as the D6 Chair and for leading the day with such confidence. I hope all of the student council members who attended left feeling energized and were able to take away leadership skills that they will be able to use for the rest of their lives.”
Weston is humbled by this experience and opportunity to lead and grow. “I am passionate about SCASC because, through attending these events, I have been able to find myself as a leader and learned how to lead others the right way. Being a part of this organization has shown me that there are people out there who are just like me, who are passionate about what they do, and who like to have fun while doing it.”
“I hope that sharing about this event will help people understand that Student Council is beyond painting banners and leading theme spirit weeks. Student Council is about learning how to lead and become better leaders,” added Weston.
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