While there were only about 100 advisers there, the energy that circulated made it feel like twice as many! This past Thursday/Friday, January 24-25, we hosted advisers from around Michigan at the Annual State Advisers Conference in Mt. Pleasant. We kicked off the evening with Karen Dawson, who shared tales of humor and inspiration and provided advisers some much needed laughs and the reinforcement to keep doing what they're doing - leading student leaders. Who knew you could do so much with a paper plate!?!?

Following Karen, we heard from all the presenters for Friday's sessions.... Up on stage is Ryan (Troy HS), followed by Lorri (Southfield-Lathrup HS), Lisa (St. Clair HS), Jodie (Parchment HS) and Russ (Lakewood MS). On Friday, advisers had the opportunity to sit through Hot Topic Tables and learn about a variety of things: how to run a "battle of the bands", resources for leadership classes, honor society selection processes, how to create a "fantasy student governement", and others....

On Friday, some of the sessions available to attendees included a new advisers tips/tools session, how to create a school-wide leadership day, building stronger community spirit, running a leadership class in the calendar year as opposed to a traditional school year, how to host a leadership conference, and more sessions full of big ideas, little things to do, and other best practices.

But before the heavy content on Friday, advisers enjoyed an appreciation reception sponsored by Jostens! Some advisers even learned a new energizer to take back to their school: "Bunny Bunny" (AKA Koomcha, Koomcha).

Friday morning started with an Association Update and a great video by the State Conference Host School, Avondale High School. Sessions were up and running throughout the afternoon with a delicious lunch in between. After the last session, advisers were treated to a dessert spread and prizes were raffled off - miscellaneous leadership products and resources, Barnes & Noble gift cards, membership and registration certificates and the grand prize: next year's advisers' conference registration plus a one-night stay at the Soaring Eagle!

Thank you to all the advisers that came to join us, and especially to the advisers who stepped up and presented:

• Mary Jane Bean, George R. Carter Middle School
• Amber Bronson, Eisenhower High School
• Karen Dawson, Keynote Speaker
• Sharon Durkee, George R. Carter Middle School
• Amy Gibson, Southfield-Lathrup High School
• Bill Halvangis, Churchill High School
• Tom Heethuis, Dakota High School
• Lisa Higgins, St. Clair High School
• Lorri Lewis, Southfield-Lathrup High School
• Jodie Lugar-McManus, Parchment High School
• Scott McGregor, Milford High School
• Russ Miller, Lakewood Middle School
• Scott Rolando, Lakeland High School
• Justin Thomas, Clio High School
• Marie VanTiflin, Heritage High School
• Ryan Werenka, Troy High School
• Sarah Willey, Clio High School

Thank you advisers - you make the difference in student leadership and we hope you will continue to do so for years to come!