It is both an honor and a privilege for me to address Michigan's leaders of tomorrow as the President of the Michigan Association of Student Councils. I can't tell you how excited I am to be a part of the leadership of such an exceptional organization!

Let me begin by introducing myself. My name is Casey Hoffman. I serve as both President and Center One representative of the Michigan Association of Student Councils (MASC). In addition to my involvement with the State Board, I am also very committed to my school and community. At Menominee High School I enjoy competing as a member of my high school forensics team, participating in Menominee's annual musical productions, serving as President of my school's Spanish Organization, and, of course, staying actively involved in Menominee's outstanding Student Council. I also serve as the Youth Advisory Council President and Senior Board Director of the M & M Area Community Foundation, and I Co-Chair our local Healthy Youth Coalition. In my spare time, I enjoy singing in my church, traveling, and cooking.

As you are most likely aware, both the MASC, as well as the Michigan Association of Honors Societies (MAHS) try very hard to find, motivate and involve individuals with high character, strong leadership skills, and a driving passion to make a positive difference in our state. Together - - - and with your help and support - - - we can continue to uphold the exemplary tradition of excellence that the MASC and MAHS have developed over the years!

The 2006-2007 school year is scheduled to include many fantastic events, activities, and projects. I strongly encourage you to stay active in your association. Please take advantage of the wonderful things MASC and MAHS have to offer! As always, this year's Fall Training Institutes, Regional Conferences, Summer Camp, and other events will be amazing experiences. I am especially excited about one particular event - - - this year's MASC/MAHS State Conference! Hosted by Clio High School, this extravaganza is guaranteed to inspire, energize, and positively influence all those who attend. Clio's council members and advisors are all talented leaders who will host an outstanding conference that will be remembered for years to come.

In an effort to make a substantial philanthropic impact in our state, your MASC and MAHS State Boards choose one charity each year to support with our charitable contributions. This year's State Charity is “Liberty Kids.” Liberty Kids is a relatively new Foundation that is dedicated to fighting childhood autism. Co-established by the mother of an autistic child, this charity provides support in the form of scholarships to families struggling with the costs of therapy for their autistic children. With therapy, autism can be treated. In essence, through our charitable giving, the MASC and MAHS are giving autistic children in Michigan a second shot at life. It is my hope that councils and chapters will embrace this great charity just as they have supported our outstanding State Charities of the past.

For those students who are interested in taking their leadership abilities “to the next level,” I encourage you to consider running for one of the MASC or MAHS State Board positions. MASC elections will be held this year at the State Conference for all odd numbered centers. These two-year positions are open to all 9th and 10th grade Student Council members. Serving in any of these positions is a truly wonderful leadership experience!

The Michigan Association of Student Councils and the Michigan Association of Honor Societies are both tremendous organizations because of YOU. It is the members of both MASC and MAHS that make the student leadership in Michigan so remarkable. It is my hope that you will help to continue this legacy of greatness by staying active in all of the things MASC and MAHS have to offer!

In closing, I would like to thank you all once again for the great honor and privilege of serving your MASC President. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to participate with you in leading such a great organization!

In Leadership,

Casey C. Hoffman
MASC President