The Community Times Dispatch

On Thursday August 20, 2009, participants of the Lowcountry Community Action Agency Youth Leadership Program enjoyed a sumptuous buffet of fried chicken, country ham, squash casserole, mashed potatoes, and green beans at the Dogwood Hills Country Club. The purpose of the year-end luncheon was to award the participants for their achievements.

Among the clatter of the silverware, and the chatter of the excited participants you could hear the encouraging comments of the sponsors. Christopher Williams a graduating senior who worked this summer with the Head Start Program gave the invocation. He recently took the ASVAB in preparation for the military. He will continue working for Head Start until his scores come back.

The welcoming address was given by Adriene White, who worked at United Way, along with Bridget Bell, who read a poem for the occasion. Ms. Jeanette Moyer, United Way Director gave glowing remarks about the fine job that Adriene and Bridget did this summer. Other Participants who were recognizied by their sponsors; Nashawn Simmons of Smoaks, and Denzell Williams of Walterboro worked at Ruffin Middle School with Rev. L. Parker, who commented that they were both exceptional workers and fine young men. Brandon Joyner, and Kelvin Lofton Jr., both from Hampton worked at the Hampton Council on Aging with Ms Ann Ayer. She gave them both outstanding reports.

America Jamison Introduced the Guest Speaker, Dwayne Buckner, Executive Director, LCAA, Inc.who encouraged the participants to keep their heart on the mark, and always remember the principles taught by the program, Trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, citizenship, and most importantly, Love.

The Youth Leadership Employment Program is in it’s 3^rd year. It is geared towards teaching young people the principles of character, and give them some on the job training, and real world experience. It is a six week program with 3-5 days ofd classroom training, and the rest of the time spent worksites where they work up to 30 hours a week. The program has been very successful, with 3 seniors from last year going on to college, and a 2007 participant , Allen Badger was actually hired by the Library after he finished school, and is currently employed.