School hosts student leadership workshop

Over 150 student leaders from eight schools around the state met at Sisters High School earlier this month to sharpen their leadership skills.

The all-day assembly was sponsored by the OASC --the Oregon Association of Student Councils -- a non-profit group that is dedicated to providing leadership training for both students and advisors.

"Students have come from as far away as Lakeview," said Nancy Moen, OASC Program Director. "And we have a mix of both middle school and high school students here today."

For their winter workshop, the OASC brought in motivational speaker Scott Greenberg, who had no trouble holding the student's attention. With great animation, he shared the story of his bout with Hodgkin's Disease.

While attending NYU, Scott discovered a lump in his neck and subsequent tests showed a tumor the size of a softball in his lungs.

How did this young college student respond to this tremendous challenge?

He laughed.

"It doesn't matter what happens," said Greenberg. "What matters is how you react."

Greenberg reacted to the possibility of dying with a renewed love of life. Not only has he beaten cancer, he recently fulfilled his life-long dream of running in the Los Angeles Marathon, where he placed in the top third.

Students reacted positively to his message.

"He was really good," said senior Heidi Hansen. "He talked about living life to the fullest and being willing to take risks."

"It was interesting," agreed Elizabeth Schreier, a sixth grader from Redmond Middle School. "I liked what the guy said and how he said it."

"He said take risks and don't be shy -- lift up your head no matter what!" added Elizabeth's classmate, Rochelle Dowdy.

Leadership teacher Michelle Herron thought the session was worthwhile.

"I think everyone really enjoyed it," she said. "Scott led a workshop for advisors, and he had some great things to say. He also had an idea-share time where students could share what leadership activities they were doing at their schools."

For more information about OASC and their various programs and retreats, contact their office at 503-581-3141. Visit Scott Greenberg's website http://www.scottgreenberg.com or call 1-800-450-0432.