(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Dec. 20, 2017) - - - Members of the Columbia State Community College Student Government Association and the President's Leadership Society attended the 48th General Assembly of the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature Nov. 16-19 at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville.

TISL draws college students from institutions across the state to participate in a mock legislature where they have the opportunity to participate on an executive council, act as representatives, senators, lobbyists or be on the media team. Students can also participate in the Appellate Moot Court Collegiate Challenge where they can argue appellate cases or serve in leadership positions as justices.

This year, delegates Kirkland Pinkerton (deputy clerk in the house of representatives), Kristyn Kephart (assistant clerk in the house), Chloe Frost (senator), Cody Donnelly (representative), Terra Burm (representative), Austin Smith (representative) and Matthew Cox (lobbyist) represented Columbia State at TISL.

"TISL allowed me the opportunity to stand up in front of others in our own state Capitol and speak on a bill that I developed myself," Burm said. "After attending TISL and watching my bill pass, I feel more confident in myself and when speaking to others. I challenge all who are able to attend TISL to do it and write a bill. TISL is a great event to experience before graduating college."

Kirkland Pinkerton, Columbia State SGA president, was chosen by the TISL General Assembly members to serve as speaker of the house next year for the 49th General Assembly. In this role, he will serve a year-long term on the executive council, and will preside over the house during next year's General Assembly as they hear and debate bills regarding matters in the state. Some of the bills passed at TISL move to the Tennessee State Legislature for consideration - the popular "Click It or Ticket" campaign was born at TISL several years ago.

"I have learned and have grown exponentially from the organization just by attending the last two general assemblies," Pinkerton said. "TISL has definitely encouraged and helped me become a better version of myself."

Columbia State's TISL delegation was chosen in Oct. through an application process that was open to all students. Applications for next year's delegation will be available fall 2018. Interested students may contact Cady Tice, Columbia State student leadership coordinator, with questions at 931.540.2836. For more information about TISL, please visit TISLonline.org.

Photo Caption: Columbia State students at the Tennessee State Capitol (Pictured, left to right): Kristyn Kephart (Lawrence), Kirkland Pinkerton (Hickman), Austin Smith (Williamson), Matthew Cox (Williamson), Cody Donnelly (Maury), Chloe Frost (Lawrence) and Terra Burm (Maury).

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