"When I chose to attend the University of South Carolina in 2019, little did I ever believe that I would be standing on this stage today speaking in front of you all. But thankfully, because of the opportunities, experiences, programs, and people that make this place special, I was able to come out of my shell and was transformed as a person and as a leader. I am so grateful for the opportunity to create my own legacy and provide students whether from South Carolina or not, opportunities to break more glass ceilings and provide opportunities for 'firsts' for others. I hope this year, through our work, that we have done just that. I hope that I have not only made my family proud, but have also made you all- the university administration and our student body- proud.
When campaigning with the student body last year, Maia, student body vice president, and I ran on a platform of “the future is.” We hoped for and believed in a better future for the Carolina community, and we, as well as all of Student Government, have worked hard this past year to turn that hope into a reality. A vision for the future into action for today. In my last official address to the Student Body, I can think of nothing better than celebrating that the state of our student body is stronger than ever, and that the future of this university and its students has certainly been made better through the collective input of students."
- Reedy Newton, student body president, in her March 16 State of the Student Body address