Todd Bolster moves to center stage of the Mansfield Senior High auditorium to begin his keynote address.
Enthusiasm was at a fever pitch in the Mansfield Senior High auditorium Friday morning as the Ohio Association of Student Councils began the first general session of its 63rd annual state conference.
Music blared, colorful strobe lights flashed and 250 delegates danced in the aisles before the opening gavel fell.
“If you can dream it, you can do it” is the Disney-based theme of the conference, hosted by the Mansfield Senior High Student Council.
“Welcome to Mansfield Senior High School,” said Senior High adviser Jen Lepard. “I hope you learn a lot in your workshops today. We will have some surprises for you tonight at the dance.”
Lepard saluted the efforts of her student council members and teacher Angie Wolbolt, the middle school student council adviser, for their work in preparing for the conference.
Martin Rawls, president of Senior High Student Council, also welcomed the cheering delegates.
Keynote speaker for the morning session was Todd Bolster, vice president of client services at The Basement, an Indianapolis-based digital, interactive advertising and marketing agency.
Delegates and their advisers from throughout Ohio arrived Thursday evening for opening ceremonies in the auditorium before students dispersed to their host families for the night.
Superintendent Brian Garverick joined in the welcome.
“As leaders in your respective schools, you are here to share ideas and network with your peers from around the state,” Garverick said. “I know that you will return home with new energy and new concepts to help make your home schools even better.
“We have a great conference planned for you. Take advantage of this time to learn, share and have fun.”
The Tyger Booster Club will serve lunch today through the concession stand in the commons. Offerings will include quarter-pound hotdogs, coneys, sloppy joes, Tyger tacos, shredded chicken and pizza with chips, drinks and dessert.
Tonight’s 6:30 dinner in the gym will be served by the Senior High culinary arts department. Instructor Linda Golden said a pasta bar will feature chicken, meatballs, red marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce and parmesan cheeses. Rounding out the menu will be mixed green salad with dressing, Italian rolls with butter and decorated chocolate and white Mickey Mouse cupcakes and drinks.
A dance will follow in the commons.
The conference will conclude with a general session and closing ceremonies at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
Mansfield is hosting the statewide gathering for the second time in four years. In 2013 Mansfield Middle School hosted the 60th OASC conference.