Tom spent the day listening to citizens in Bennettsville, Dillon, and Mullins. Tonight, he also traveled to Walterboro for the Youth Leadership Colleton graduation where nationally acclaimed author Stephen Peters provided the keynote address.
Peters began the Gentlemen’s Club in 1996, investing his energy in thirty middle schools males. The young men made their way out of the principal’s office and onto honor rolls. The GC offers young men an opportunity to strengthen their self-image, placing them on the road to success.
Several of our state’s schools have implemented the GC, including: Leavelle McCampbell Middle School, Aiken County; Whale Branch Middle School – Beaufort County; Sanders-Clyde Elementary/Middle School – Charleston; Irmo High School – Columbia; Dutch Fork High School, Irmo; and Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, Orangeburg.
“We need to explore avenues to reach all students. All students want to belong and they want to succeed. Our jobs include finding that niche to engage each student,” Tom shared as he listened to a group of parents earlier today.
“In five years, our schools will look differently and provide learning opportunities using a wide array of strategies. Hands-on work opportunities in the community taught together by experts in the field, educators, and online venues will be the norm for many students,” Tom added. “Our challenge will be to help districts and schools in their efforts to keep up with the state’s workforce needs.”
