Last weekend I had the great pleasure of putting on my ITO cap yet again to attend South Carolina Thespian Festival! The fabulous Ruben Van Kempen (EdTA representative from Washington State) and I arrived at the beautiful arts facility at Dorman High School in Roebuck, SC last Friday for day one of the festival. We had a great time that first day speaking to thespian troupes that were trickling in from all over the state, and enjoying the fabulous one act shows being performed on the main stage.
On day two of festival I had a great time teaching my two workshops (The Psychology of Leadership and N.A.P.S.) to some amazing student leaders. I have to say that out of all of the things I miss about being an ITO, interacting with students one-on-one in my workshops is definitely at the top of my list! I was inspired by the initiative and passion I saw in the future South Carolina student leaders, and I can't wait see how they take the ideas they learned about in the workshop and turn them into results to improve their troupes and even their state chapter in future years.
Also on Saturday, SC Thespians did their Minute to Give It to raise money for the Send A Troupe to Thespian Festival Grant, and they raised a whopping $652.22, beating last year's total! Thespians never cease to amaze me with their giving hearts and kind spirits. Chapter Director Joe Timmons, Ruben and I managed to snag a fun selfie onstage while Minute to Give It was going on:
On Sunday Ruben and I were able to attend the beginning of closing ceremonies before we unfortunately had to run to catch our flights back to Washington and Penn State, respectively. Nevertheless, I am eternally grateful for having gotten the opportunity to don my sash one more time and serve the organization that has done so much for me and countless others across the nation. Thanks again to Chapter Director Joe Timmons and the rest of the SC Thespians board for all of their hard work to make the festival a success, and for making me feel right at home and showing me the true meaning of southern hospitality. Until next time, y'all!