5/10/07

Clarendon Youth Leadership spotlights best and brightest
By Eric Goold

ERIC GOOLD/Manning Timrs

The first group of students in Clarendon County Youth Leadership graduated last Wednesday in a ceremony at the John Land Landing. The students were selected to participate after exhibiting strong leadership abilities and outstanding character.

Judging from the large group of parents, students and educators that gathered at the John Land Landing last Wednesday afternoon, the future is in good hands.

Clarendon County Youth Leadership held its graduation ceremony, which consisted of an awards presentation and a picnic lunch for 15 of Clarendon County’s brightest stars.

“We knew that we needed a project for our young people,” said Mary Ann Bassard, this year’s director of the program. “This grew out of Leadership Clarendon for adults and it’s been wonderful.”

Last October, the high schools in Clarendon County got letters asking to identify three of their best sophomores who exhibited strong leadership characteristics.

Starting in January, the group of youngsters gathered for activities once a month. Field trips included going to the Zone, touring the Chamber of Commerce, going to a farm, working with law enforcement and spending time at Lake Marion.

“I think my favorite part was the last day at the lake,” said Ben Johnson from East Clarendon High School. “We rode around on boats, we swam. We had a good time. I’d say I met some good friends. Everybody was really nice. I was very glad to be a part of it.”

The Youth Leadership group got support from numerous people and businesses in the community.
“We got a lot of participation,” said Bassard. “We have so many people to thank. Todd Heldreth with the school district, Lamar Kennedy at the Chamber, Gene Morris helped with our law enforcement activities.

“I just lit the torch, so many other people helped carry it,” she said. “Of course this couldn’t have happened without the students and their parents. We had 100 percent participation from January through May. I can’t say enough about these wonderful students and their parents.”

In the various Youth Leadership activities, the students picked up lessons about character as well as learned about the economics of Clarendon County.

“I think one thing I learned is that without good character and people who believe in you, there’s no such thing as success,” said Manning High School sophomore Candace Mack.

“I learned a lot about what different people were like in the community,” said Johnson. “I learned about all the different jobs people have.”

Participating in Clarendon County Youth Leadership along with Johnson and Mack were Sara Lowder, Christina Duncan, Latoya Evans, Billie Jean Shaw, Melanie Daney, David Tindal, Ashleigh Hodge, TaWanda Billups, McKenzie Salisbury, Cody Simpson, Caroline Buddin and Brooke Brown.

Home-school student Emma Elliot also participated, before recently moving out of the state.

“I appreciate all of you and what you’ve done,” said Chamber of Commerce President Lamar Kennedy. “It means a lot to me and our community that you took the time for this program. I hope you realize what a big deal this is.”