The Sweet Tea
Tip of the Hat
Thursday | November 3, 2022Charleston legend Lonnie Hamilton has earned more than just the Tip of the Hat for his life’s work. I’m thankful for his impact as the first black Charleston County Council member, his contributions to the jazz scene, and his entrepreneurial impact on the city he loves so much.
… Continue ReadingThe Voice of the Community
Friday | October 28, 2022I know what it’s like to perform on the field, and I’ve seen how announcers can affect the energy in the stands. After 30 years of service, I’m sure Willie has had a huge impact on Bruin athletics. Congratulations on this fantastic milestone!
A Heart for Redemption
Friday | October 28, 2022The story of America is a story of redemption. The students at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic School put that lesson to practice as they baked cookies for inmates in the local prison. Redemption requires mercy and grace. It’s great to see kids learn those lessons at such a young age.
Warm Hearts and Warm Heads
Friday | October 21, 2022It’s easy to think of yourself in challenging times, but to dedicate yourself to helping others in the face of adversity is the mark of a hero. With more than 170 hats knitted for the students at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind, Judy Pitts is a shining example of a hometown hero.
… Continue ReadingThe Right Words
Friday | October 7, 2022Winslow proved himself to be one of the top wordsmiths in the nation, and I’m proud to say he’s from my hometown. I know he will represent South Carolina well as a literary ambassador across the nation!
Making the Grade
Friday | October 7, 2022Congratulations to the budding scholars in Barnwell! Academic excellence is the gateway to opportunity, and it doesn’t get better than a perfect score.
Helping Students Make the Grade
Thursday | September 22, 2022It’s no secret that students are facing an uphill battle to recover from the learning loss brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. With more than 8,000 tutoring sessions, Reading Partners is doing amazing work to help at-risk kids catch up. Because of their dedication, children across the state have a more solid foundation and a brighter future.
… Continue ReadingCompassion in the Classroom
Friday | September 16, 2022This is proof-positive that it takes a village to raise a child. Baby Aria is no exception and Dr. Reed was up to the task! Math class can definitely be challenging but with support from professors like this, a 4.0 GPA is right around the corner.
… Continue ReadingHonoring Black Civil War Soldiers
Friday | September 16, 2022The 1st South Carolina regiment is a testament to the extraordinary courage of African American soldiers during the most tumultuous time in our country’s history. The rediscovery of this vital piece of our nation’s story by General Hodges and Colonel Allen is phenomenal and should be shared by all.
… Continue ReadingUpstate STEM Grant
Friday | September 16, 2022I’ve often said that a quality education is the closest thing to magic. Creating opportunities for low-income families to experience that magic is integral to the future of South Carolina.
… Continue ReadingFamily Business Drives on for 50 Years
Friday | September 16, 2022Congratulations to Evelyn Mays and family for 50 years of success in Orangeburg. Building a business is already cause for celebration, but creating a legacy is even better!
… Continue ReadingAthletes Receive Academic Honors
Friday | September 16, 2022The Claflin Panthers are knocking it out of the park in the classroom and on the field! Congratulations to the men’s and women’s track teams as well as the Lady Panthers softball team for their academic and athletic prowess. Keep up the great work!
… Continue ReadingLeadership That is Out of This World
Friday | September 16, 2022Strong and talented women have been instrumental in crucial NASA missions since the agency’s inception. Charlie Blackwell-Thompson is no exception! It’s fantastic to see a South Carolina native leading the latest endeavor into the final frontier.
… Continue ReadingHigh School Credit Union
Friday | August 26, 2022Financial literacy is foundational to future success. By educating students and equipping them to take ownership of their financial-wellbeing, Greenwood Municipal Federal Credit Union and Emerald High School are changing the lives of these students.
… Continue ReadingTeacher Grows in Agriculture
Friday | August 26, 2022South Carolina has millions of acres of farmland spread across the state, and thousands of jobs related to agriculture. Anna Brown’s dedication to bringing agriculture into the classroom is crucial to the future of this critical part of our economy. Great job!
… Continue ReadingNewberry Coming Together
Friday | August 26, 2022This partnership between Newberry College and Newberry County Memorial Hospital is monumental! Not only will the community have greater access to life-changing medical care, but more people will have the opportunity for valuable training to become better-equipped medical professionals. This is what it looks like when different parts of a community work together for a greater good.
… Continue ReadingBig News from a Small Town
Friday | August 26, 2022Communities big and small across South Carolina continue to produce excellence! I believe that Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have made significant contributions to this nation and should be empowered to continue doing so. I applaud Dillon native Jerry McCormick’s dedication to giving back to HBCUs and giving guidance to their graduates through the National Association of Black Journalists.
… Continue ReadingCoast Guard Saves Boater
Friday | August 26, 2022Not only do the members of our armed services put their lives on the line to protect us abroad, but they also do it to protect us at home too! I am so thankful for the Guardsmen from the Georgetown station for this rescue. God bless these servicemembers as well as others patrolling our shores.
… Continue ReadingShe's back! Estella Williams, 95, of Anderson unretires and returns as crossing guard at Westside High
Monday | August 22, 2022Estella Williams is living proof that you are only as old as you feel. Estella has been an integral part of the Anderson community for years, ensuring that students make it to their classrooms safe and sound. After a month of retirement, she decided that she’d rather continue serving her community and helping the kids she loves. Happy un-retirement!
… Continue ReadingTwo MPPD officers receive award for assisting family in crisis
Monday | August 22, 2022Officers Gary Reash and Claire Clinkscales are the embodiment of true community policing. When law enforcement and community members work together, those facing challenges have the best chance of getting the assistance they need. God bless our officers who are patrolling our neighborhoods and working to keep all of our communities safe.
… Continue Reading