The Community Times Dispatch

Over four hundred educators gathered for the inspirational meeting which was designed to motivate them for the 2009-2010 school-year and to direct their focus toward student achievement.

The spirit of the event was embodied in Superintendent Williams’s theme that encourages educators to make a world of difference to make a different world. Williams interwove lessons past with present day resources in one strong clear message promoting excellence.

She drew examples of the courage and persistence demonstrated through her mother that persistently wrote letters in the 1940’s and 1950’s to request needed supplies for the students of her day. Williams gave reflections of a one room schoolhouse in her native community of Bennett’s Point with limited resources but a teaching mother that compelled her students into achievement.

“She was dynamic,” said Hendersonville Elementary School Teacher Wilsey Hamilton.

Hamilton said one of the things she gathered from all of the speakers was the message of teamwork and student achievement.

In addition to Superintendent Williams’s oration and presentation, Senator Clementa Pinckney, SC Representative Kenneth Hodges, SC Representative Bill Bowers, County Councilman Joseph Flowers, School Board Chairman Paul Haase, Assistant Superintendent William Dixon, Associate Superintendent Bob Pence, and District Elementary Curriculum Facilitator Nancy Carter addressed the educators.

During the meeting, recognition was given to National Board Certified Teachers, Teachers of the Year, and School Resource Officers.

An inspirational musical performance was contributed by the Team Colleton Singers. The group is comprised of a combination of district personnel. A group of children from the Lowcountry Community Action Agency HeadStart program also contributed in the culminating presentations through a song encouraging we can do anything that we try.

Remember the theme, “Making a World of Difference To Make a Different World.”