Chapin High, Irmo High make history at student council conference

Chapin High School and Irmo High School International School for the Arts made history at the Southern Association of Student Councils Annual Conference, earning leadership roles that will bring the region’s premier student leadership conference to School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties for two consecutive years.

Chapin High School juniors Tillman Lominack and Greene Petty were elected as the student representatives for the SASC President School, earning Chapin the opportunity to host the 2027 SASC Annual Conference. Their campaign embraced a “Top Gun”-inspired theme with the slogan “Taking Leadership to New Heights,” highlighting their vision for elevating student leadership across the Southern region.

Tillman and Greene expressed their excitement about bringing the Southern Conference to Chapin and their commitment to creating a memorable experience.

“We are incredibly honored and excited to have the opportunity to represent Chapin High School and serve as SASC presidents,” they said in a written statement. “Chapin has a long tradition of leadership and school spirit, and we can’t wait to share that with student leaders from across the South. Our goal is to make the 2027 Southern Conference one that inspires students to take leadership to new heights.”

Kristen Lominack, Chapin High School’s student government adviser, shared her perspective on the achievement.

“I could not be more proud of Tillman, Greene and our entire council,” she said. “This is an incredible honor for them and for Chapin High School, and a reflection of the hard work, dedication and passion our students have for leadership. Having the opportunity to welcome student leaders from across the South to our school is truly special, and we can’t wait to create an unforgettable conference experience in 2027.”

Irmo High School also earned a historic distinction, being elected as the SASC President-Elect School. Sophomores Jay McLeod and Mills Moody will serve as the school’s representatives as Irmo prepares to host the 2028 SASC Annual Conference.

Their campaign, themed around NASA and space exploration, featured the slogan “Mission to Lead,” emphasizing the need for igniting leadership and mobilizing action among students.

Jay and Mills shared their thoughts on this achievement for Irmo.

“We started this weekend not knowing what to expect, but we are so thankful to SASC and our council for trusting in us to be presidents-elect,” they said in a statement. “We are excited to learn from Chapin when they host next year, so that in 2028, we can showcase our school. We are the only Irmo for a reason, and we can’t wait to share that with every school in the South.”

Eric Coleman, Irmo High School’s student council adviser, reflected on the significance of the election.

“To see young people want to represent their schools and community at the national level is always an inspiration,” Coleman said. “I am proud of Jay and Mills, our delegation, our council and our school community for throwing the full Irmo spirit behind the campaign. With two years to prepare and Chapin to learn from, I am confident in Irmo’s ability to make the 2028 conference an experience no one will want to miss.”

The elections mark a historic first for SASC: the same school district has been selected to serve as the President School in consecutive years, with Chapin hosting in 2027 and Irmo following in 2028.

“This achievement reflects the commitment of School District Five’s student leaders, advisers and school communities to developing leadership opportunities and strengthening student government programs,” the district said in a news release.

In addition to the conference elections, Chapin High School earned recognition at the conference, receiving two awards, including a first-place honor in School Spirit.

Irmo High School also earned awards, including first-place honors in School Service and Academic Incentive.

The Southern Association of Student Councils, founded in 1932, brings together student leaders and advisers from across the 15 Southern states to exchange ideas, develop leadership skills and recognize outstanding student government programs.