2010 - 2011 SSO Candidacy Information

2011 - 2012 SSO Candidacy Information

What is an SSO?
An SSO is a Student State Officer. The SSO’s job is to plan, manage, and host the next year’s Conference. Also, the SSO serve as a constant communication link between the students and the adult state board; therefore, it is their job to serve as an advocate for the students.

Who can be an SSO?
Any Freshman, Sophomore or Junior who is an inducted Thespian and in good standing with his/her troupe and school is eligible to run. The student must have a desire to be a strong leader and be prepared to work for the good of GA Thespians. Only one student per school may run.

How do I become an SSO?
At the first planning session, you must declare your intention to run. At the 1st planning session on September 17, 2011 (Northside High School, Warner Robins), you will have a brief meeting with the SSO liaison, Mrs. Kimberly Staples. The SSO application (available online after September 17) must be mailed to Mrs. Staples by December 5th. If your application is not received by the deadline, you will not be considered as a candidate. If you get your paperwork submitted on time, you will progress to the next step of the process. Please follow the information on the application. You will be notified by email on the status of your application. At the planning session, you will also meet with the representatives and the current SSO. Please be prepared to answer questions from the representatives.

The next step: At the 2nd planning session, January 7, 2012 (Northside High School, Warner Robins) you will be asked to demonstrate your leadership abilities. You will be asked to present a prepared statement about yourself and your leadership abilities as well as answer questions from the SSO in order to demonstrate your qualifications for the state student officer position.

Who votes?
Each school represented at both planning session. Also, current SSO gets a ballot. The new SSO will be announced at the 2nd planning session. The new SSO will meet with Mrs. Staples and the current SSO. The new SSO will be involved with the conference and will also be introduced at the conference. I got elected, now what?
• Newly elected SSO will be expected to shadow current SSO and assist with various jobs at Conference 2012.
• SSO attend various meetings through out the year and your transportation and cost of transportation is your responsibility. All meetings are required.
• SSO must attend the International Thespian Conference in Lincoln Nebraska, June 2012. Registration is paid for by Thespians but airfare and bus transfer fees are paid by the SSO.
• SSO must attend the fall Board retreat, usually the third weekend in August, location to be determined. Once again, transportation to and from this event are the responsibility of the student.
• You must have the ability to stay in constant communication with fellow SSO, region students, adult board, and thespians in general via email and phone.
• SSO must meet monthly deadlines and have good time management skills.
• SSO must be proactive and responsible.
• SSO will be encouraged to travel to surrounding schools to see shows and support the Thespian troupes in his/her region.
• SSO must serve as an example of the ideal Thespian.
• If you serve as an SSO as an underclassman and wish to remain on the board the following year, you must re-run.

All SSO will be required to sign a contract of participation. If any rules of the contract are not followed the SSO can be relieved of his/her position.