The Community Times Dispatch

Annual AME Beaufort District Back to School Bash reaches hundreds The reality of providing free school supplies to children in 2009 may be more important for families than in years past. An ailing economy and rising unemployment numbers in the region could be a factor that nearly 100 more school students were present at this years’ Back to School Bash held at Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church in Round O, on August 8, 2009.

Mrs. Gloristine Williams credits the Beaufort District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

For organizing the premiere Back to School Bash that has spawned the initiative many times over throughout Colleton County and many more communities. She reminded the congregation that the outreach began under the tenure of Reverend Samuel L. Myers, Presiding Elder of the Beaufort District. Rev. Myers Wife, Mozelle Myers, Gloristine Williams and others committee members reflected on their initial project over the past five years.

Mt. Zion AME Church Pastor, Reverend John Washington, made a motion to change the name of the initiative to the Beaufort District Samuel and Mozelle Myers Back to School Bash. Reverend Jack Lewis, Jr. seconded the motion then a resounding “aye” came from the body of over 600 participants and it became official.

Washington said the action is analogous to the ministry turning on the lights for the students to have an opportunity to succeed in school.

After the devotion and a short order of worship, students, arranged by grade levels, filed out of the sanctuary and were led into educational workshops in the fellowship Hall.

Gale Kidd and Kathy Shider of St. John AMEC, Cottageville conducted workshops on “Inside Out” to over one hundred high school students.

Officer Paul Haasa, Colleton Co. Sheriff Department encouraged the middle school youth to stay in school and out of trouble in a relaxed atmosphere.

Several District YPD Directors worked with the smaller youth in arts and crafts and “An Adventure with Books.”

The Colleton County Rescue Squad is a regular. The youth look forward to talking to the Squad, and being allowed to enter the beautiful red and white trucks.

Colleton County Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin Campbell conducted a workshop for pastors, lay leaders and other adults. Campbell educated the group on “Gang Violent – Awareness and Prevention Techniques.” Colleton County Assistant Superintendent Williams Dixon, Jr., gave greetings from Colleton County Board of Education. The adults also participated in their annual “Bible Bowl” in which several participants won door prizes for answering questions associated with the bible.

During the closing session, Miss Devanny Mona’e Brown, student at Allen University in Columbia, SC and also the 2008 Samuel L. Myers Lap Top Award winner, thank the group for the Lap top she received. She discussed how the lap top helped her with her studies during her freshman year in college. Brown is an honor student at the University. Reverend Leon Maxwell encouraged the graduating class of 2010 to apply for the Samuel L. Myers Lap Top Award.

Over eleven hundred and seventy dollars in gift cards and sixteen book bags filled with school supplies were given to the youth during the door prize drawing. Eight college students were recognized for their achievements with gift cards. Memorabilia from Richard and Coleen Groelick were also given to the college students.

Closing remarks were made by Mrs. Mozelle W. Myers, Beaufort District Consultant and Reverend Samuel L. Myers, Beaufort District Presiding Elder. The benediction was given by Reverend John Washington, host pastor.

Over 600 additional bags filled with school supplies were distributed to the students. Food, school supplies and gift cards were donated by the AME Church auxillaries, members, friends, businesses in the five counties composed of the Beaufort District, Walterboro Police Department and the Colleton County Sheriff Department. Four local Funeral Homes supplied tents for activities.