COLUMBIA -- Student leaders elected by members of the South Carolina Independent Schools Student Association held their Fall Conference in the House of Representatives Chambers at the Statehouse.

The students attend 41 different South Carolina Independent School Association schools across the state.

While in session at the Statehouse, the students held their general meeting, which included discussions on the Student Exchange program, the Student Council of the Year, the Honor Society of the Year and the 2010 Spring Convention.

The 2009-10 SCISSA officers are: president -- William Granger, Calhoun Academy, St. Matthews; first vice president -- Drew Maass, Richard Winn Academy, Winnsboro; second vice president -- Ron Sweatman, Holly Hill Academy, Holly Hill; recording secretary -- Celia Wilson, Laurence Manning Academy, Manning; treasurer -- Brittany Ayers, Florence Christian School, Florence; historian -- Reese Flagler, Laurence Manning Academy; parliamentarian -- Ashleigh Hood, Laurence Manning Academy; and corresponding secretary -- John Perrow, Calhoun Academy.

Additionally, students introduced topics that will be debated at the 2010 Spring Convention. Students interested in running for a SCISSA office during the 2010 Spring Convention could speak with and question the present elected officials of the association.

"These student leaders had an opportunity to participate in a democratic process in the same setting used by our Legislature," said Larry Watt, SCISA executive director. "This activity, along with the education they are receiving at their schools, will go a long way in preparing them to become good, productive citizens of the state when they graduate."

The SCISA is a non-profit, voluntary association of more than 100 independent schools serving more than 37,000 teachers and students.

Founded in 1965, the State of South Carolina incorporated SCISA as an exclusively educational organization with the responsibilities of establishing accreditation standards, coordinating academic and athletic competition, and providing professional development for member organizations.

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