Spartanburg Community College Students Receive Recognition 
at Southeastern Model Arab League Conference

SPARTANBURG, SC – April 6, 2012 – Eleven Spartanburg Community College (SCC) student delegates represented the country of Jordan in the Southeastern Model Arab League (MAL) Conference at Converse College, March 16-18.

MAL is a student leadership development program from the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations. SCC was one of 22 colleges and universities from across the east coast, and one of only three technical colleges, chosen to represent Arab countries in a simulation of a real Arab League summit where world leaders convene to discuss and work toward resolutions on issues concerning their countries.
 


“The issues debated in MAL are real-world problems that affect Arab nations and ultimately have an impact on the U.S. through our relationships with these countries. So, by participating, students gain a better understanding of the political and socioeconomic issues while developing solutions to these global concerns,” explained Jennifer Washburn, SCC history instructor, who served as the delegates’ faculty advisor. “We’re proud of how all of our students performed. They worked very hard to prepare, meeting outside class hours to conduct research and practice debate, and it was obvious.”
 


SCC’s student delegation included Abby Abernathy, Kenny Brown, Katie Durham, Christopher Grove, Mackenzie Hines, Marcus Holly, Neil Mangrum, Kristen Shew, Jessica Todd, Josh Wheeler and Zack Vogel.
 
At the final conference session, judges with experience in international relations honored individual students and delegations whose performance was noteworthy. The following SCC students won elections or received recognition for outstanding performance during the MAL conference:

• Jessica Todd was elected to the position of Rapporteur in the Council of Economic Affairs Ministers.  
• Katie Durham and Marcus Holly were awarded Honorable Mentions on the Joint Defense Council.  
• Zack Vogel served as head delegate and received an Honorable Mention on the Council of Palestinian Affairs.
• Abby Abernathy and Kenny Brown served on the Council of Social Affairs Ministers and received Chair Commendations for their work.  

Students who participate in MAL gain invaluable skills regardless of their academic major. The dynamics and interactive nature of the role-playing among the students stimulate critical thinking, heighten creativity, expand knowledge, cultivate understanding and improve interpersonal skills.
 
“As a member of the Model Arab League, I gained in-depth knowledge of the Arab states, how they function, and the role they play in this world,” said SCC student, Josh Wheeler. “However, the most important thing I learned is that I have a voice, and powerful things can be done with just one voice.”
 
View or download photos of SCC’s MAL team on Flickr.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sccsc/6901619830/in/photostream/
 
Registration for SCC’s summer classes is going on now. Individuals interested in applying to the College can contact the SCC Admissions Center at (864) 592-4800 or toll free (866) 591-3700 or apply online at www.sccsc.edu.
 

About Spartanburg Community College
Named one of the fastest-growing colleges in the nation according to Community College Week, SCC offers more than 100 academic programs of study including associate degrees, diplomas and certificates, plus University Transfer opportunities to four-year colleges and universities. SCC provides flexible class scheduling including day, evening, weekend and classes with multiple start dates as well as more than 100 online classes through SCCOnline.

Offering the lowest tuition in the region, convenient locations, and regional/national accreditations, SCC offers educational opportunities leading to high-growth, high-demand jobs. The SCC Corporate & Community Education Division provides job and career enhancement, workforce development and personal enrichment courses and training programs. For more information, visit www.sccsc.edu.