MADISON – Students in the Leadership Team for the Student Government Association or SGA at James Clemens High School demonstrated that leadership involves action at the Alabama Student Council Association’s or ASCA State Conference.

James Clemens SGA Leadership Team traveled to the University of Montevallo on March 11 to lead and compete at the conference. The Alabama Student Council Association connects student leaders from across the state through leadership programs and conferences.

Member high schools, as opposed to individuals, affiliated with the Alabama Student Council Association compose its Board of Directors. James Clemens serves as “Secretary School” for the association.

“As an ‘officer school,’ these students from James Clemens were responsible for leading parts of the conference, as well as competing in several categories,” SGA Advisor Melanie Turner said.

Turner teaches algebra 2 and classes in both regular and honors statistics. She also serves as advisor for Mu Alpha Theta and coaches the Leadership Team. Turner holds the National Certificate for STEM Teaching or NCST.

James Clemens SGA students earned individual and team awards in various contests:

* Gold Award, Outstanding Student Council — Grace Hur, Sahithi Mynampally, Anaya Naphade, Disha Patel and Jimin Woo.

* Alabama Student Council Association Banner – First place. Mackenzie Mwaura.

* Digital Scrapbook – Second place. Luke Alverson and Mackenzie Mwaura.

* Leadership Award – Second place. Written submission by Grace Hur. Interview by Bhavya Chalasani.

* Conference leadership and organization — Angela Ai, Qyler Bowie, Aru Chang, Oviya Gowder, Emmy Harrison, Claire Jeong, Mackenzie Mwaura, Sahithi Mynampally, Disha Patel, Kassidy Tidwell, Manasa Vadapalli, Donovan White, Hyemin Won and Jian Woo.

In addition, James Clemens SGA will serve as “Treasurer School” for the 2024-2025 school year.

In breakout sessions, James Clemens delegates had a chance to learn about various topics. During the General Session, the featured speaker was Carlos Ujeda, a motivational speaker. The students completed a campus tour of the University of Montevallo.

“I am so proud of these kids,” Turner said.

The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals sponsors the Alabama Student Council Association.