EDUCATION
SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2013
Thomas Sumter Academy GIRLS STATE NOMINEES NAMED
Juniors Mary Margaret Green, Julia Law, Sydney Long and Aileen Twohig were all nominated for Girls State. After going through an intensive interview process, Mary Margaret Green and Julia Law have been chosen to attend Girls State as representatives of the school. Aileen Twohig will serve as the alternate. NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTION
Parents and friends gathered on “the Hill” to watch the second Junior National Honor Society Induction Ceremony on March 20. Inductees were recognized as they walked onto the stage as their impressive resumes were read. Participation is limited to students who have met the rigid requirements for membership. According to the Junior National Honor Society rules and regulations, membership “is based on outstanding scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Once selected, members have the responsibility to continue to demonstrate these qualities.” With the current JNHS officers instructing the honorees, the ceremony emphasized the standards the new members would be setting for themselves. Inducted into the society were Zachary Fugate, Lindley Hodge, Payton Houser, Eli Kessinger, Marley McCormick, Connor Mouzon, Josie Reed, Carmen Silvester and Ellie White. — Jennifer Cain
Clarendon School District 1 SUMMERTON EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
Students at Summerton Early Childhood Center and their parents danced the evening away at the school’s Little Prince and Princess Masquerade Ball. This grand event was held April 12 at the Scott’s Branch High School Gym. Dressed in festive colors and complementing their outfits with Mardi Grasstyle masks, students were fit for fun. Congratulations to our first ever Little Prince and Little Princess 2013, Decorius Canty and Aminah Geddie. SECC’s best spellers from first and second grade competed against each other to claim the title of “Top Speller” at the school’s second Annual Spelling Bee held April 17 before a crowd of parents, peers and other well-wishers. These “Super” spellers really outdid themselves, spelling grade level words and beyond. Winners were: First grade – Jazlyn Lawson; second grade – Jasmyn Hickson; and SECC’s spectacular speller and overall winner, William Nnamdi Hopkins, second grade. ST. PAUL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SPES third-graders have started mini gardens in their classrooms. These mini gardens give students a hands-on learning opportunity as they study about plant life. SPES third-grade students have illustrated and summarized the life cycle of seeds and have identified the parts of seeds and plants. As they continue to investigate the conditions under which plants grow, some students have even developed a love of gardening.
University of South Carolina Sumter PATTERSON TO SPEAK AT COMMENCEMENT
Patty Jaye Garrett Patterson, director of public safety and welfare for the City of Sumter, will speak to the USC Sumter 2013 graduates on May 8 in the Nettles Auditorium. Patterson was born in Bangor, Maine, to the late retired Master Sgt. Lorenzo L. and Mrs. Clara S. Garrett. She came to Sumter in 1973 via her father’s military assignment to Shaw Air Force Base. Patterson earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies in 1990 and a master’s in criminal justice in 1999, both from the University of South Carolina. She also graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy. In the course of a 32-year professional career in law enforcement, Patterson participated in several national training sessions for executive-level leaders. In 2001, she became Sumter’s first female and first African-American police chief and was one of the highest ranking female officers in South Carolina law enforcement. She retired from that position in 2011. Patterson serves on the Council for a Strong America and on the South Carolina Probation, Pardon and Parole Advisory Council. She is a former president of the S.C. Police Chiefs Association and former vice president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. She also served as president of the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives.
Patterson was professionally recognized with the Leadership Achievement Award in 2011 from the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives; the Lifetime Achievement Award from the S.C. Law Enforcement Officers Association; and the Distinguished Alumni Award from USC. She was inducted into the South Carolina Black Hall of Fame in 2002. In addition to her position as public safety and welfare director, Patterson is a private consultant for Dillard Financial Solutions. She and her husband, Wendell B. Patterson, have a 17-year-old daughter, Anastasia. — Misty Hatfield
Sumter School District DISTRICT MUSICAL GROUPS EXCEL
The Crestwood Singing Knights, under the leadership of Choral Director Deborah Horton, traveled to Williamsburg, Va., recently to compete against choirs from schools across the country. Two of the Crestwood choirs competed including the Chamber Choir and the Mixed Choir in Division III. In their division, both choirs received superior ratings and took first place. Both choirs went on to become the overall champions, receiving the highest numerical score out of all divisions. Twenty nine students competed and were up against Division IV choirs with more than 100 singers. The combined Advanced Middle School Orchestra from Bates and Alice Drive middle schools was awarded a very high superior rating at the Concert Festival recently. The annual Battle of the Drumlines was held last weekend at the Donald L. Crolley Memorial Stadium at Hillcrest Middle School. Crestwood High School Band Director Brian Moss coordinated the event which featured seven high school drumline programs from across the state and an exhibition given by the Crestwood drumline. Other musical talent from Sumter School District elementary and middle schools performed during the event, and local vendors had food for sale. Mayor Joe McElveen designated April 20 as the Battle of the Drumlines Day in Sumter. Articles collected before and during the event were donated to Crosswell Children’s Home. Donations include items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, baby items such as diapers and wipes, socks, T-shirts and underwear, and hair care products. OAKLAND STUDENTS LEARN FROM USC STUDENTS
Fifteen early childhood and elementary education students from the USC Upstate program, housed at USC Sumter, visited Oakland Primary School on April 19 and taught approximately 700 kindergarten and first-grade students about health, nutrition and physical fitness. The USC students and some of their professors manned various stations around the school, and the Oakland students rotated through. Some of the stations involved physical activities such as Zumba and dancing. Some incorporated art, math and science into the health and nutrition curriculum. One group of students taught the students how to make smoothies and let them choose the fruits for their own personal treat. Another group made collages about food from the “Eat This, Not That” series. One of the favorite stations was an energetic storytelling booth manned by Dr. Marilyn Izzard, USC Upstate Director of Teacher Education. In addition to her duties as director, Izzard is a renowned, much sought-after storyteller. The event at Oakland was scheduled to coincide with the Week of the Young Child. It was made possible in part by a grant given to the education students by the Sumter Walmart. The grant titled Flipping for Fruits and Vegetables provided flip cameras for the USC students and included working with children to teach them the importance of proper nutrition and healthy lifestyles.
the Statehouse recently. The event was part of statewide celebration of the importance of reading and libraries. Students attending from Ebenezer were members of the school’s two book clubs, Book Chatters and Word Warriors. The event was sponsored by the S.C. Association of School Librarians and the S.C. State Library. The festivities began with a parade down Columbia’s Senate Street, beginning at the State Library. A school roll call was conducted after the students reached the Statehouse grounds. After a program of entertainment, the students read together and to other groups. “Kids who Read Succeed” was the theme for the Read-In 2013. Read-In emphasizes the impact libraries and reading have on students. DISTRICT TEACHER OF THE YEAR HONORED
Bojangles of S.C. and SC Future Minds have partnered together to honor the local District Teachers of the Year. On Tuesday, the Sumter School District Teacher of the Year, Trevor Ivey, was honored at the Bojangles Restaurant on Broad Street. Ivey was presented with books and other items for his students, and those in attendance were treated to food and coupons courtesy of Bojangles. Ivey is a science teacher at Alice Drive Elementary School. Superintendent Randolph D. Bynum Sr. was on hand at the event as were many members of the Teacher Advisory Council, the Teacher Forum and colleagues of Ivey’s. In an email to his colleagues regarding the event, Ivey said, “I’m excited about the partnership that SC Future Minds has established with Bojangles locations around the state to honor the ‘heart work’ of its teacher leaders.” POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESENTS PROGRAM
The Sumter Police Department sponsored In an Instant Tuesday at Sumter High School. The program began with a video regarding the dangers of drinking and driving. The program is one of two programs rotated every other year by the police department for the juniors and seniors before the annual prom. After the viewing of the informative video, the students are taken outside where they have the opportunity to drive a golf cart while wearing goggles that simulate drunk driving. The students were given a safe, risk-free chance to see how impaired a driver is at various levels of blood alcohol content. The program also included an informative talk by Tony Rivers, head of the Police Department’s Traffic Division. MILLWOOD CELEBRATES 50 YEARS
Millwood Elementary celebrated its 50th anniversary as a school Thursday with an open house and tour of the school. The event included a program in the cafeteria with a former PTA president as master of ceremonies, and a performance by the school chorus. —Mary B. Sheridan
St. Anne Catholic School
THE ITEM
Roll: Haile McBride, Lalia Ramsey, Taylor Walker and Jayden Stewart Pre-K through First Grade A/B Honor Roll: Hailey Watson, Selima Yehudah and Koi Dennis Elementary through High School A Honor Roll: Mubarak Picou, Cameron Weston, Daniel Fulwood and Mikayah Anderson Elementary through High School A/B Honor Roll: Eric Campbell, Khalil Buckman, Michael Anderson, Milayah Anderson and Tashayah Nathaniel — Lottie McCaw
Wilson Hall LANDSTROM NAMED STATE TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Cheryl Landstrom was named the State High School Teacher of the Year by the S.C. Independent School Association. After being selected by her peers at the school, Landstrom entered the state-level contest by submitting an essay, resume and recommendations from peers and the administration. After reading through the many submissions for Teacher of the Year from across the state, a panel of educators made the selection of the top three finalists and then announced the winner at a banquet held in Orangeburg on April 16. Landstrom teaches English IV, Honors English III, Senior Writing and Shakespeare. She is also the adviser for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, literary magazine, Creative Writing Club and Baron Mentors, and is a co-adviser for the student council. There are 110 schools in SCISA. UMBAUGH NAMED NATIONAL SCHOLAR
Senior Sam Umbaugh has been offered an Arizona State University National Merit Scholarship, valued at $100,000, which covers the full cost of tuition, room and board. The scholarship is awarded to the top incoming freshmen who have an exceptional academic record and demonstrated leadership. BRADY RECEIVES PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Senior Zak Brady received the Presidential Scholarship from Campbell University. Valued at $54,000, the scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated high intellectual ability, strong character, commitment to service, and excellent leadership potential. Brady also received an Administrative Scholarship, valued at $6,000, from Campbell. PARIS TRIP
French teacher Scott Warren escorted a group of students and parents to Paris for a five-day trip during spring break. The group took a guided tour of the city and saw many famous sites, including the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower and the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and visited the Louvre, the world’s largest art museum. They walked the Champs Elysees and took a boat ride on the Seine, and the group took a trip outside of Paris to visit the village of Versailles to tour the palace and gardens.
CANNED FOOD DRIVE HELD
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
The St. Anne Catholic School Student Senate initiated a canned food drive April 15-19. Christian Charities received 750 cans of food through the generosity of the participating students and their families. On April 12, Central Carolina Technical College hosted a Popsicle Stick Bridge Contest for St. Anne Catholic School and Thomas Sumter Academy seventh- and eighth-grade students. David Tuders, CCTC Engineering Graphics-Academic Program Manager, orchestrated the event. Bronwyn Hartman’s bridge bore the most weight at 201 pounds. Earning second place was a bridge constructed by Francesca Piccolo and Sarah Collen that withstood 138 pounds. Crystal Moore and Chloe Wapelhorst built a bridge that supported 115 pounds, placing them third in the competition.
As of April 12, 87% of the 67 members of the senior class received meritbased scholarship offers totaling more than $3.3 million to a four-year college or university. The following is a partial list of scholarship recipients compiled from information submitted to the college counselor, Diane Richardson. The College of Charleston offered a Presidential Scholarship to Mary Kennon Arscott, Curtis-Lynne Edens, Mary Francis Newman and Anna Self. Clemson University awarded an academic scholarship to Trevor Christmas, Lowndes Commander, Curtis-Lynne Edens, Maggie Lowery, Katrina Sazler, Anna Self and Cori Stroebel. The University of South Carolina offered a University Scholars Award to Amanda Armfield, Mary Kennon Arscott, Trevor Christmas and Cori Stroebel.
Morris College
“OUR RUN FOR THE ROSES” MAY 3 TITLE I PLANNING MEETING SCHEDULED
Sumter School District is holding its annual Title I planning meeting on Thursday at 9 a.m. in Room 118 of the school district’s administration building, 1345 Wilson Hall Road. Interested parents, teachers, administrators and community members are invited to attend. The input of interested parties is important to the plan. For more information, call Crystal Lottig, Executive Director of Federal and External Programs, at (803) 469-8536, extension 112, or email her at crystal.lottig@sumterschools.net. EBENEZER STUDENTS ATTEND READ-IN
Ebenezer Middle School students participated in the SC Read-In 2013 at
C5
The 4th Annual St. Anne Catholic School Fundraiser will be held on Friday at The O’Donnell House from 6:30 to 10 p.m. “Our Run for the Roses” will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and silent and live auctions. Tickets are $25, and all funds raised from the event will benefit St. Anne Catholic School and assist in continuing its various programs as well as fund its financial aid programs. Call the school office at (803) 775-3632 for more information, to donate items, or to purchase tickets. — Jody Murphy
William Thomas Academy STUDENTS HONORED FOR GRADES
Pre-K through First Grade A Honor
SENIOR WEEK
Senior Week activities will culminate on Friday with Class Night 2013 and the President’s Dinner for graduating seniors. The event will be held at 7 p.m. in the Neal-Jones Auditorium. The President’s Dinner will immediately follow at 8 p.m. in Daniels Dining Hall. 2013 COMMENCEMENT CONVOCATION
Dr. Charles B. Jackson Sr., newly elected chairman of the Morris College Board of Trustees and senior pastor of Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia, will give the commencement address for the Commencement Convocation on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Sumter County Civic Center. – VickySutton Jackson