The South Carolina State House

by Samantha Hauff

PC’s South Carolina Student Legislature took on the chambers of the S.C. House and state Senate in Columbia this past semester – bringing home the prestige title of “Best Small Delegation” for the second year in a row.

“The SCSL is like a real-life version of a government class where students get to act as lawmakers. They dive into the nitty-gritty of how laws are made in South Carolina by actually drafting and discussing their own bills,” said political science professor Dr. Ben Bailey.

After the program’s success in last year’s event, PC’s delegation saw an advancement in leadership and new members joining in numbers. Ralph Guerra took over as president of the Senate and Kennedy Perry continued her third year as delegation chair.

“This year, we had a lot of new members, so we made sure to prepare before we went to Columbia,” said Guerra.

“As a delegation chair, my role in mentoring new members and guiding them in crafting bills showcases my dedication to nurturing the next generation of advocates. This mentorship imparts practical knowledge and instills confidence and purpose in my peers,” said Perry.

Presiding members with delegation experience were able to mentor and shape new delegates in preparation for the event at the state capitol.

“Successfully, PC SCSL distinguished itself through rigorous preparation, effective communication, and strategic diplomacy in our involvement throughout the process,” said Perry. “This involves thorough research on the assigned topics, understanding the rules and procedures of the conference, and developing well-thought-out diplomatic strategies.”

With a semester’s worth of careful practice from mock debates, to research, to simulations, the Blue Hose delegates were prepared to grace the chamber.

Delegate Barrett Moody recalls how she prepared the night before.

“I read my bill over the day before we went,” she said. “I didn’t want to be over-pressured or overprepared. I typically talk better when I’m talking from my head.”

The delegates took the semester to find which oratory style fit them best, prepared accordingly, and then walked up the steps of the capitol building.

“Each day of the event, students, acting as delegates, gather in the chambers. They’re there to discuss and debate the bills they’ve worked on earlier in the semester. It’s a chance to bring all their ideas and arguments to the floor, just like real legislators,” Bailey said.

This experience with SCSL allowed PC students interested in careers in politics to see what life could look like after graduation.

“As a young child I have always had an interest in politics so when the opportunity to be a part of a simulation of real-life politics came around, it was a perfect opportunity,” said delegate Andy Robertson.

By allowing students to act as members of the state congress, SCSL instills in its delegates a confidence in politics and public advocacy.

“To keep up the success in the program, we’ll basically do more of what’s been working: solid prep on bills, engaging well in debates, taking on leadership roles, and working smoothly with other teams,” said Bailey. “Sticking to these proven strategies should help us maintain our momentum and continue achieving great results.”

This year’s delegates include:

• Ralph Guerra, a senior from Rock Hill
• Kennedy Perry, a senior from Columbia
• Andy Robertson, a freshman from Laurens
• Natalia Papotto, a senior from Lilburn, Ga.
• Barrett Moody, a junior from Greenville
• Ellie Brown, a sophomore from Auburn, Ga.
• Dakota Price, a junior from Gilbert
• Thomas Willis, a freshman from Easley