The New Survey - Eau Claire Community Council

Page 2 • June 2011
The New Survey
Editor - Becky Bailey
Published by
The Eau Claire Community Council
www.eauclairecommunity.org
Mail Submissions and Requests for Advertising to:
The New Survey
830 Wildwood Avenue
Columbia, SC 29203
Voice: 454-0088, 691-1168 FAX: 691-1187
E-mail: thenewsurvey@aol.com
IN THIS ISSUE
Advertising and Publication Deadlines
20th of each month
Circulation: 20,000 readers
The New Survey is printed by
Florida Sun Printing - Callahan, FL
North Columbia schools excel
Following years of struggling to reach academic goals, schools in North
Columbia are beginning to reap big rewards. How they are doing it is all part of a
process. This issue of The New Survey is dedicated to the educators, the schools,
and the community involvement that is making an impact. For more, see stories
beginning on page 4.
A Fond Farewell
Two community leaders who have contributed greatly to the growth and
development of our community say, “farewell.” Page 11.
Movers & Shakers
The Eau Claire Community Council gives credit where credit is due. This year’s
class of community, business and educational leaders who make North Columbia
a great place to live, work, and educate your kids are featured on Page 16.
Regular Features
Eau Claire Community Council News Page 7
Matters of Faith Page 10
Government Calendar Page 12
Becky Bailey, Editor
VIEW FROM THE TOWER
The New Survey
The Awards Season
It happens every year about this time. Somehow with the end of the school
term, with its promotions and graduations of students from one grade to the
next, from one school to another, and to future plans, we have adopted in our
culture a season of giving kudos for achievement. We honor our students, of
course, who, this year have done amazing things in North Columbia as you’ll
read in the pages to follow. We honor our public servants who every day go
over and above the call of duty to help people in need, to give a little more.
It’s a great time of year. It’s Thanksgiving in June. It’s the beginning of the
growing season, the time of many new beginnings.It’s when we assess where
we’ve been and to take stock of where we want to go.
In political circles, summer is often referred to as “the silly season.” The
season when all the politicians step outside of their somewhat professional
roles and loosen their ties, hike up their skirts and kick up their heels for a little
“over the top” merriment. It’s a time when off the cuff comments can make or
break a political hopeful. It’s the separating of the wheat from the shaft.
Throughout Columbia we’ve been celebrating achievements of community
volunteers. From the Eau Claire Community Council’s annual Appreciation
Dinner in May, to the Columbia Council of Neighborhood’s annual Awards
Banquet held recently, we feel a need—as community activists—to give credit
where credit is due. We honor those who serve, often a salute reserved for military,
and rightfully so. But also those who serve as civilians. In their neighborhoods.
“On the ground” as some would say, where the action is. Where the
problems are. Where the need is greatest.
In his comments before CCN’s annual “thank you” event on June 11, associate
editor for The State Warren Bolton reminded us that, “community minded
people don’t leave anybody behind.” He told the story of starfish washing upon
a shore and a child tossing them back into the sea as quickly as he could to
save their lives. “You’ll never make a difference,” he was told by a passerby.
After listening politely, the boy picked up another starfish and tossed it back
into the surf. “I made a difference for that one,” he said.
“The people we honor,” Bolton told us, “are not elected officials, not paid
municipal employees. Rarely are they seen on the evening news or in the daily
papers. But they are all making a difference.”
Make a difference in your community today. And thank you for all you do!
On the Cover
A sea of orange filled the Carolina Coliseum on May 27 as 120 seniors sang
their alma mater for the last time as students. A bittersweet occasion, the
Class of 2011 and the Eau Claire community also said farewell to Principal,
Rodney Zimmerman, “Mr. Z,” who is leaving the school after four successful
years of improved academic achievement.

&
North Columbia News Newsmakers
Brian South Named Richland
County Developer of the Year
The New Survey June 2011 • Page 3
Brian South of The South Company
has been named Richland County
Developer of the Year by the Richland
County Community Development
Department.
South is the developer of the current
phase of the Ridgewood Neighborhood
Revitalization project, which Richland
County began in 2004 with federal
Community Development Block Grant
funds.
A real estate developer in the
Carolinas for 34 years, South has been
recognized for revitalizing city neighborhoods
in Columbia, SC, and Charlotte
and Durham, NC. In Columbia, South’s
developments include Laurel Hill and
McCants Townhomes in Earlewood,
Graymont in the Rosewood area, and
Willowbrook in the Keenan Terrace area.
The Historic Columbia Foundation recognized
South for new construction in an
historic context, and The Historic
Preservation Society of Durham awarded
South for architectural conservation.
Valeria Jackson, director of community
development for Richland County,
presented the Developer of the Year
Award, which states “Thank you for your
outstanding contributions toward our
goals, and for making our organization
stand above the rest.”
South resides in Columbia and is a
graduate of Dreher High School and
North Carolina State University.
In April, the Ridgewood Community
dedicated a new, handicapped accessible
home, and a renovated home, both built
by The South Company, as part of the
community’s revitalization program.
Both homes are available for purchase.
For more information, call 429-9433.
Submitted by The South Company
Eau Claire Rotary Club inducts thee new
members in May
Developer Brian South (center) joins Ridgewood Community leaders (l-r) Willie
Mae Long, Edna Grant, and neighborhood president Angela Bishop in April, for
the dedication of a new, handicapped accessible home built by The South
Company at 814 Dixie Avenue. This and a home remodeled by South at 5131
Woodbrier Road are part of the community’s revitalization program.
City of Columbia Neighborhoods Win Big at
NUSA 2011 Conference
The Columbia Council of
Neighborhoods attended the 36th Annual
Neighborhoods, USA Conference in
Anchorage, Alaska, May 25-28.
The Historic Waverly Community
won third place honors in the Multi-
Neighborhood Partnerships category of
the Neighborhood of the Year awards
program. The prestigious award is presented
to the community demonstrating
exceptional accomplishments by neighborhood
organizations during 2010. The
Historic Waverly Community competed
against hundreds of other neighborhoods
from all over the United States.
The New Survey from the Eau
Claire Community Council received
Gold Level honors in NUSA’s inaugural
neighborhood newsletter competition.
Richland County also received an award
claiming fourth place honors in NUSA’s
Best Neighborhood Program Award competition.
Mayor Benjamin and City Council
recognized Historic Waverly Community
President Mrs. Doris Hildebrand, and
Mr. Henry Hopkins, and Ms. Becky
Bailey of the Eau Claire Community
Council for ther achievements at the City
Council meeting on June 7.
Submitted by the Columbia Council of
Neighborhoods
Three new members were inducted
into the Eau Claire Rotary Club in May.
They are financial planner Sammie
Taylor, community activist and president-elect
of the Eau Claire Community
Council Reggie McKnight, and
Columbia Police Department Chief
Deputy Wash James.
Rotary is a worldwide organization
of more than 1.2 million business, professional,
and community leaders who
provide humanitarian service, encourage
high ethical standards in all vocations,
and help build goodwill and peace in the
world.
The Eau Claire Rotary Club will
hold its annual gold tournament on June
30 at Oak Hills Golf Course. For more
information call Sammie Taylor at 361-
5991.
Three Richland 1 schools removed
from troubled school program
Fifteen South Carolina schools were
added to a program for schools that face
the possibility of state takeover due to
their lack of academic progress, while 20
others, including three from Richland 1,
were released, the State Board of
Education announced on June 10.
C.A. Johnson and Eau Claire HIgh
schools and W.G. Sanders Middle School
were removed from the Palmetto Priority
list, after the schools showed improvements
in student achievement.
Former Superintendent Jim Rex created
the initiative in 2007 for schools
that repeatedly miss student learning
goals under the state’s education
accountability law. That law gives state
takeover as an option for schools that
consistently receive “at-risk” state report
card ratings.
The program includes extra assistance
from the state and collaboration
with colleges.
The 15 added schools are in 10
counties. None are from Richland,
Lexington or Kershaw counties.
About 57 percent of students in the
newly identified schools live in poverty.
The schools join 17 other in the project.
from The Associated Press

Page 4 • June 2011
For nearly half a century,
North Columbia schools
have faced almost unimaginable
odds. With the advent of
school desegregation in the 1960s,
the community of Eau Claire
faced the slings and arrows of
racial prejudice leading to the
wholesale flight of white students
and families from schools and
communities they had predominated.
What was left behind in the
wake was anger and uncertainty if
our schools could function at all
and if students attending them
would receive anything resembling
a quality education.
For a decade, schools in North
Columbia were at ground zero of
racially charged violence, both in
the classroom and out. There was
vandalism, fights, shootings and
death. Parents and administrators,
not only in Columbia but also
throughout the South, faced serious
decisions regarding the reality
of public ally educating black and
white children together.
In a second exodus, Black
families began to move from the
area or attempt to find ways to
send their children to safer
schools. District resources, either
real or imagined, seemed to drift
away from schools in North
Columbia to those in more affluent
areas of the district. School
populations began to drop significantly.
Students were also dropping
out of school at an alarming
rate that reached three out of four
by the late 1980s. Transient populations
were the norm.
The outlook seemed quite
hopeless. Buildings began to
decay; classrooms were inadequate
with technology to teach a
future generation. Realtors were
steering away buyers from North
Columbia’s once viable housing
stock and businesses were choosing
to locate in safer suburbs.
Young families who bought their
first homes in North Columbia
often moved away by the time
their children were of school age.
Brick and Mortar
Then, in 1996, the first of two
bond referendums were passed by
voters to upgrade old, and in some
cases, build new schools. With
$184 million allocated that year to
upgrade elementary schools,
Richland County voters agreed
again in 2002, to fund the district’s
largest bond referendum in
history. More than $381 million
would be allocated to middle and
high schools to retrofit several
schools in the district, to build
additional instructional space, and
in some cases, to completely
rebuild schools. Though critics of
the plan argued that new buildings
don’t improve educational outlooks,
a majority of voters saw
The New Survey
great promise. For the next eight
years, schools throughout the district
were improved.
According to District One,
funds from the 1996 bond referendum
were used to equip every
classroom in the district with two
additional computers, install 15
additional computers in every
media center, connect each school
to the Internet, remove hazardous
materials and repair leaking roofs.
In addition, all elementary schools
were brought up to standards and
compliance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act, and
PROJECTS FUNDED BY THE 1996 BOND ISSUE
ARDEN ELEMENTARY: Renovations included the addition of new fine
arts classrooms.
PENDERGRASS FAIRWOLD SCHOOL: All existing spaces underwent
renovations.
FOREST HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY: This new school combined Denny
Terrace and Crane Creek Elementary schools.
HYATT PARK ELEMENTARY: Fine arts classrooms, a new classroom
wing and science labs were added, along with other renovations.
LEWIS GREENVIEW ELEMENTARY: The school’s renovations focused
on enclosing the classroom pads and adding a new classroom wing.
E.E. TAYLOR ELEMENTARY: The school was renovated and added a
new gym and kindergarten classrooms.
JOHN P. THOMAS ELEMENTARY: Renovations included a new gym and
general classrooms.
PROJECTS FUNDED BY THE 2002 BOND ISSUE
ALCORN MIDDLE: Renovations included new classroom wings, an auditorium
and performing arts wing.
HEYWARD GIBBES MIDDLE: Features at the new school include a performing
arts wing
EAU CLAIRE HIGH: The art, athletic and instructional wings were renovated
and new science labs, auditorium, gym and a fine arts complex
were added to the facility
Heyward Gibbes Middle School was completely demolished and rebuilt on its
original site through funding of District One’s 2002 bond referendum.
HEYWARD CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER: Renovations
include a new technology center, business labs and computer labs
ATHLETIC STADIUMS/FIELDS: Upgrades have been made to Bolden
Stadium track and the baseball and softball fields at Memorial Stadium.

The New Survey June 2011 • Page 5
equipped with science labs, computer
centers, art rooms, music
rooms and physical education
spaces.
Among some of the most
notable changes were in North
Columbia. (See inset).
Alumni groups organize
By the end of the 1990s, Eau
Claire and North Columbia residents
were also beginning to
reestablish relationships with area
Claire alumnus said his group’s
focus is to “bring back that pride
in Eau Claire.” Through fund raising
events, the Alumni
Association has funded scholarship
for seniors, as has the Eau
Claire High School Foundation
and the Eau Claire High School
Faculty Alumni organization.
A scholarship was founded in
the name of alumna and NBC
meteorologist Janice Wages Huff
whose contributions toward the
schools, Eau Claire Community
Council President-Elect Alvin
Hinkle set out to make a difference.
Establishing the Eau Claire
Education Task Force, Hinkle and
a group of educators, service
providers, parents and community
organizers met with district leaders
with questions needing solutions.
“We knew that we would have
to start with our elementary
schools in finding ways to drasti-
cussions was the formation of the
Eau Claire Promise Zone, a grassroots
coalition of community
stakeholders committed to doing
“whatever it takes” to ensure that
all children are prepared to graduate
from college and be successful
in their career and in life.
Together We Can
Gathering steam for its
approach and the continuing gravity
of a situation that found three
City and County elected officials, District One administrators, community leaders and educators collaborated in an effort to improve the district schools. A visit to
Mobile, Alabama in 2008 brought the effort to light as stakeholders saw dramatic changes in that city’s troubled education system.
schools. Efforts by the District
and the many neighborhoods surrounding
the schools were collaborating
to support a change in attitudes
toward local schools. Two
alumni groups, the Eau Claire
High School Foundation and the
Eau Claire High School Alumni
Association, appealed to graduates
of the school to share their time,
talent and gifts in support of academic
and social improvement.
Scholarships by the two groups as
well as the Eau Claire Rotary
Club and other groups drew community
and business leaders closer,
not only to the high school, but
the feeder middle and elementary
schools that form the Eau Claire
Cluster.
Bruce Trezevant, an Eau
advancement of science education,
has provided more than
$25,000 in educational funds for
Eau Claire graduates.
“Don't ever give up on your
dreams.” Huff told recipients of
the annual award. “If I can make
it, you can make it too!”
Community takes up the
mantle
With practically every neighborhood
in North Columbia connected
with and/or adjacent to a
school, it seemed only natural that
neighborhood organizations were
the first to recognize the link
between communities and
schools.
In 2004, and with a mission to
address the needs of Eau Claire’s
cally reverse many decades of
neglect of children,” Hinkle said
of the group’s beginnings. It was
essential, the group thought “that
[children] were coming in with
the same preparation as students
in other parts of the district who
were testing better.”
The Task Force reached out to
the Richland County First Steps
(RCFS) for assistance. In
response, an early childhood consultant
by the name of Catharine
Aitken, who also happened to be a
resident of North Columbia,
“came armed with a solution that
was more powerful and comprehensive
than any of us could ever
have imagined,” Hinkle would
later say.
What resulted from those dis-
out of the District’s five failing
schools in North Columbia,
Hinkle’s group would make
inroads with City and County
elected officials and education
activists to form a citywide coalition
to address Midlands-area
schools that were falling behind
academically. The A+ initiative
would provide “meaningful
involvement by parents and community
… to commit to a long
term goal of moving these schools
toward excellence,” as outlined by
the A+ Schools Community
Advisory Committee.
By bringing together churches,
nonprofits, civic groups and city
and county partners, the Together
We Can initiative was created. An
See Sea Change, page 8

Page 6 • June 2011
The New Survey
Eau Claire/North Columbia
Neighborhood Associations
Regular meeting times and places are listed below. For meeting dates of non-regularly
meeting groups, please call the contact person listed. If you are not sure which neighborhood
association you belong to, contact the Eau Claire Community Council at 691-1168.
Belmont Community Group
Sam Pringle, 754-5978
3rd Monday, New Jerusalem
Interdenom., 1003 Colleton
Booker Washington Heights
Katheryn Bellfield, 765-9347
2nd Thursday, 7:00 P.M.
Bellfield Cultural Arts Center
Broad River Heights
Jordan D. Smith, 786-1249
1st Tuesday, 7:00 P.M.
Clement Road Church of God
Burton Heights/Standish Acres
Neighborhood
Edna Harrison, 754-5444
2nd Tuesday, 12:00 NOON
Eau Claire Community
Council, 830 Wildwood Ave.
Byrneswood Community
Robert Seawright, 252-5166
2nd Tuesday, 7:00 P.M.
Eau Claire Print Building
CABB Island
Cindy Rhoades, 691-4685
College Place Community
Reggie McKnight, 708-2505
3rd Thursday, 7:00 P.M.
College Place UMC
Colonial Heights
Bruce Sanders, 252-5266
3rd Tuesday, 7:30 P.M.
Family Worship Center
3600 Colonial Drive
Colonial Park
Willie Mae Belton, 786-6268
3rd Tuesday, 7:00 P.M.
ECCC, 830 Wildwood Ave.
Colonial West
Johnnie Mae Wheeler
754-4430
3rd Monday, 6:00 P.M.
Concerned Citizens Club
of Farrow Terrace
Paul Wade, 754-0540
1st Thursday, 6:00 P.M.
Greenview Park
Denny Terrace
Lawrie Sikkema, 691-0410
3rd Tuesday, 7:00 P.M.
Denny Terrace
Community Center
Earlewood Community Citizen's
Organization
Fred Monk, 765-0264
3rd Thursday, 6:00 P.M.
Reformation Lutheran Church
Elmwood Park
Mary Jo Roué, 603-0741
1st Monday, 7:00 P.M.
Logan Elementary School
Ensor Forest Senior Complex
Debra Finch, Mgr., 765-9515
Meets with Seminary Ridge
Fairwold Acres/Harlem Heights
Sharon Caughman, 786-9832
2nd Tuesday, 6:00 P.M.
Farrow Hills Improvement
Jorie Steadman, 754-2433
1st Thursday, 7:00 P.M.
Forest Heights
Ellen Anderson, 786-8825
2nd Monday, 6:00 P.M.
Haskell Heights Baptist Church
Gable Oaks Tenants Association
Mary Myers, 661-9161
Gable Oaks Apartments
Golden Acres
Florida Boyd, 754-5247
3rd Monday, 7:00 P.M.
Volume One Beauty Salon
Jones Street
Highland Park
Mazetta Alston, 786-1086
Bi-monthly, 3rd Tuesday, 7:00 P.M.
Gills Creek Baptist Church
Hyatt Park Neighborhood
Gail Baker, 929-3005
1st Tuesday, 7:00 P.M.
Eau Claire Print Building
Lincoln Park Community Club
Dyann White
254-7254
2nd Friday, 7:00 P.M.
ECCC Council House
North 21 Terrace
Bernard Burns, 760-6405
Bi-monthly, 1st Wednesday,
6:00 P.M., Belmont Baptist Ch.
North Columbia Civic Club
Adell Adams, 754-0726
2nd Monday, 7:00 P.M.
Greenview Baptist
Church
Northwood Hills
Christie Savage, 786-1562
1st Monday,7:00 P.M.
Alcorn Middle School
Prescott Terrace
Maude Christopher, 754-2347
Quarterly
Ridgewood/Barony Neighborhood
Mildred Johnson
786-0450
3rd Thursday, 7:00 P.M.
Holloway House
Riverview Terrace
Keith Staton, 933-0933
Ryan Community
Dr. Martha Brown, 740-1944
1st Thursday, 6:30 P.M.
4311 Ryan Avenue
Seminary Ridge
LaToya Grate. 622-8319
2nd Tuesday 7:00 P.M.
Ascension Lutheran Church
Starks Terrace
Hubert Williams, 754-6223
2nd Monday, 7:30 P.M.
Dennis Chapel Church
Willowbrook
Marlene Neal, 254-1429
Windemere Springs
Rhett Anders, 238-5684
1st Monday, 6:30 P.M.
Locations TBA
Columbia Council of Neighborhoods
Tige Watts. 776-2667
4th Thursday, 5:30 P.M.
Eau Claire Print Bldg.
www.columbianeighborhoods.org
Visit ECCC online at
www.eauclairecommunity.org
Notice to Neighborhood Presidents: Please contact The New Survey at 454-0088 for corrections.

The New Survey June 2011 • Page 7
Eau Claire Community Council News
Who’s In Charge?
Not long ago a reporter from The
State paper called to talk with me about
some of the great news coming from
Eau Claire and North Columbia.
“Who’s in charge?” the reporter wanted
to know about the development of business
enterprises in the area, of the
progress in education innovation.
“Who’s in charge?” he asked of our
strong communities, of our improving
community involvement and opportunities
for our youth.
After giving his question some
thought, I could only reply, “Many
hands make light work.”
The many hands of community and
business leaders, of educators and
activists who refuse to stand idly by
when improvement can be made—they
are the ones in charge.
For 22 years the Eau Claire
Community Council has been one set of
“hands” at the table. Collaborating with
neighborhood leaders, our schools and
our businesses, we know that no one faction
is “in charge.” Instead, it has only
been through our cooperative efforts for
more than two decades that we have,
together, affected
change and
improved the
quality of life of
all North
Columbia residents.
Today we are
at a crossroads in
our growth and
development in
North Columbia. I
can’t deny that
“Old School”
Henry T. Hopkins ideals paved the
Executive Director way for where we
stand and what we
see today. But change is bound to come
and, in fact, is necessary if we are to
continue to make a better Eau Claire
North Columbia.
Innovation, youth and new ideas are
the focus of all new beginnings, of all
change and of all growth. But all hands
must be on deck.
In my youth, I was an Airman stationed
in San Antonio, Texas. On a
weekend pass with several of my buddies,
I visited The Alamo, the site of the
infamous Mexican siege in 1836. I wondered
then, as I do now, that had Bowie
and Crockett had the food and supplies—
all hands on deck, if you will—to sustain
them and their troops, we might not be
just remembering the Alamo, but seeing
a living and breathing community.
I see the Eau Claire Community
Council in much the same way. With the
support of our communities, our civic
groups, business partners, churches and
mosques, and schools and colleges, Eau
Claire and North Columbia is a living,
breathing—and growing—entity. We
need each set on hands to come to the
table, to work together. We need each
community leader to respond to the call
for action. We need all hands on deck
because true unity requires working
together and respecting one-another’s
needs and abilities.
In the end, it really doesn’t matter
who’s “in charge.” What matters is that
we are remembered for doing good work
and continuing to make Eau Claire and
North Columbia a great place to live,
work and visit.
ECCC
Quarterly
Meeting
June 21, 2011
6:30 P.M.
Eau Claire Print
Building
Presentations:
National Night Out
Historic Columbia
CMRTA Updates
EC Promise Zone
Police & Fire reports
ECCC meeting dates for 2011
Quarterly Meetings:
Quarterly meetings are open to all
neighborhood residents and are a forum
to discuss community issues. If you
would like to be placed on the agenda,
please call 691-1168.
Quarterly meetings for 2011
June 21
September 20
November 15
All meetings are held at 6:30 P.M. at the
Eau Claire Print Building, 3907 Ensor
Avenue, unless otherwise noted.
Executive Council Meetings
The Executive Council is made up
of neighborhood presidents and officers
of the Eau Claire Community Council.
The monthly meetings are held on the
3rd Tuesday of each month from 6:30-
9:00 P.M. at the Eau Claire Community
Council, 830 Wildwood Avenue unless
otherwise noted.
Upcoming EC meeting dates
for 2011:
July 19
August 16
October 18
Eau Claire Community Council Contacts
Henry Hopkins Executive Director 691-1168
Phyllis Coleman President 414-2461
Reggie McKnight Vice President 708-2505
Katie L. Riley Secretary
Dyann White Treasurer 252-7254 434-6742
Contact ECCC via e-mail at Hpkinseauclaire@aol.com
www.eauclairecommunity.org

Page 8 • June 2011
The New Survey
Continued from Page 5
action team formed of Hinkle, Eau
Claire Community Council Executive
Director Henry Hopkins, Columbia
College VP Dr. Ron White, Dr. B.A.
Ingrim, City Center Partnership CEO
Matt Kennell, Benedict College instructor
Faye Hardy, Dr. Jenene Whitty, former
Morris College administrator Jim
Solomon, and Columbia Urban League
President J.T. McLawhorn was mobilized
to “Institutionalize in the community
a movement to assist the district.”
In January 2008, then Columbia
Mayor Bob Coble led a contingency of
stakeholders on a junket to Mobile,
Alabama to observe that city’s collaborative
which saw 85 of its 100 schools
reach Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in
2007, a 215% jump from 2002, when 27
schools out of 93 met the requirement.
The experience resulted in a sea
change in attitudes. . Financial commitments
were made by the City of Columbia
and Richland County to continue to support
initiatives. Together We Can Read programs
have been an annual staple in
District One classrooms; local authors and
volunteer readers visit the schools.
Opening Non-
Conventional Doors
Alternatives to public school education
became a point of debate during the
1980s as parents and school districts
alike were weighing outcomes of traditional
education. Research supported the
notion that not all children learn in the
same way, at the same pace, and in the
same environment, thus alternative systems
might improve the successful completion
of secondary skills for those children
experiencing difficulty learning in a
traditional setting.
Though parochial and private education
has always been a part of the education
landscape, attitudes toward religious
views and/or costs associated with
attending private schools often complicated
access for urban students, especially
in the South.
On June 8, 2006, the South Carolina
Charter School Act of 2006 was signed
into law by the governor. In his working
paper, “charter Schools with Some Focus
on South Carolina’s Experience, Richard
D. Young said, “Though charter schools
had been enabled by legislation passed by
the General Assembly in 1996, the charter
School Act arguably gave what has
become to be known as ‘school choice’ a
significant boost in South Carolina.”
See Sea Change Page 13
Richland One student named Gates
Millennium Scholar
Top Grad Hakeem Hicks, second from left, was recipient of the Bill & Melinda
Gates Millennium Scholarship. Pictured with him are (l-r) Eau Claire High
School Principal Rodney Zimmerman, Hicks’ mother, Angela Hicks and
Richland One Superintendent Dr. Percy Mack.
Hakeem Hicks, a senior at Eau Claire
High School, has been named a Gates
Millennium Scholar, a highly prestigious
award that will pay the entire cost of his
college education through graduation,
including graduate school.
The Gates Millennium Scholars
Program is funded by a $1 billion grant
from the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation. Its goal is to provide an
opportunity for outstanding minority students
with significant financial need to
attend college. Applicants must have a 3.3
or higher GPA (grade point average) and
have demonstrated superb academic
achievement, leadership abilities and
extra-curricular community service activities.
Hicks is the second Richland One
student in the last three years to receive
this honor. Theta Brown, who graduated
from Eau Claire in 2009, now attends
Furman University. Each year the
Foundation awards scholarships to 1,000
students nationwide.
When his scholarship award was
announced at the Richland One Academic
All-Stars Recognition Banquet on April
19, Hicks made a promise to the cheering
audience: “To whom much is given, much
is expected and I will make you proud.”
Hicks is currently ranked number one
in his class with a 4.38 GPA. In addition
to being a Richland One Academic All-
Star, he is the business manager for the
student body government organization.
This scholarship will allow him to attend
any college of his choice in the United
States with all expenses paid by the
Foundation. This fall he plans to attend
either Clemson University or Howard
University to major in teacher education.
“We are extremely proud of
Hakeem,” said Richland One
Superintendent Dr. Percy Mack.
“Richland One provided him the foundation
to excel academically. His hard work
and dedication to excellence will serve
him well in the future.”
Submitted by District I
Eau Claire High
School grads
earn state-wide
recognition in
2011
The Eau Claire HIgh School Class
of 2011 had much to celebrate in May.
Earning more than $11 million to spend
on higher education, the class received
nearly 20% of all scholarship monies
awarded to District I schools. In addition,
nearly 70% of freshmen who started
Eau Claire in 2008, finished on time,
resulting in the school’s recognition as a
Palmetto Silver honoree.
Awarded for student performance on
the HSAP (High School Assessment
Program) exams, end-of-course tests and
on-time graduation rates, the Palmetto
Silver was created by the SC General
Assembly to recognize schools that
attain high levels of absolute performance,
high rates of growth and substantial
progress in closing achievement gaps
between groups of students.
Among the scholarship recipients at
Eau Claire is Hakeem Hicks, who
received a Gates Millennium Scholarship
which will pay for his full college tuition
and expenses, including graduate school.
The scholarship is funded by the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation. An Honors
graduate, Hicks was also awarded
Salutatorian and is a member of the
National Honor Society, and the
International Thespian Honor Society.
In addition, Honors graduate and
member of the National Honor Society,
Jamence Jenkins, was appointed to the
U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory
School.
Other Honors graduates at Eau
Claire include top graduate and
Valedictorian Ricki Blakeney who is also
a member of the National Honor Society
See Recognition on Page 13

The New Survey June 2011 • Page 9
Eau Claire Promise Zone announces its first executive director
With a mission to “do whatever is
takes” to improve the educational outlook
of its community schools, the Eau
Claire Promise
Zone (ECPZ)
takes another
step in that
direction this
month with the
hiring of its
first executive
director.
Matthew
Costello, a
South Carolina
transplant who
has traveled
throughout this
state as an outreach
worker
on health and
wellness initiatives
in poor
communities,
combines his
longtime advocacy
for education
innovation,
mental health
reform, and wellness with extensive governmental
relations and nonprofit leadership
to head up the group.
Costello
brings extensive
knowledge
and experience
to the table.
Most recently
as grants director
for Big
Brothers Big
Sisters of
Greater
Columbia, also
located in this
North
Columbia community,
and as
executive
director of
South Carolina
Fair Share’s
Education
Matthew Costello, the first executive director of the
Eau Claire Promise Zone, shares his thoughts on
the organizations first initiatives at a reception on
May 27.
Fund, Costello
is enthusiastic
about his new
role saying, “I
feel as though
my entire career has prepared me for
[this] position.”
On the job for less than two
weeks, Costello has been preparing for
his new role by making himself known
and visible throughout North Columbia.
Calling on business and community leaders,
service providers and schools,
Costello says he wants to learn “who’s
doing what” in the community as a
means of developing better partnership
opportunities.
“I don’t want the Promise Zone to
be the ‘smartest’ white paper on the
shelf,” he said. “I want us to be a competent,
steady group, being careful what we
promise, and making it easy for people to
get involved.”
The new director says that, following
assessment, the real work will begin
with the development of an operational
document—hopefully by the end of
June—that will serve as a
guide “to what we can do." We
will be working in the community
where it is, today,”
Costello explained of the
group’s already successful
grassroots approach to involvement.
Costello was hosted at a reception
on Thursday, May 26 at Arden
Elementary School in North Columbia.
The Eau Claire Promise Zone, a
501(c)3 non-profit organization, is a citywide
grassroots coalition of community
partners committed to doing “whatever it
takes” to ensure all of our children are
prepared to graduate from college and be
successful in their career and in life. It is
part of the nationwide “Promise
Neighborhoods” movement, modeled
after the groundbreaking work of
Geoffrey Canada and his Harlem
Children’s Zone.
Submitted by the Eau Claire Promise Zone
http://promisezone.org
New Timbuktu Academy offers
nontraditional middle school curriculum
For more than a decade,
Abd’Allah Adesanya has been a
leader in Islamic education in North
Columbia, first at the Sister Clara
Muhammed School on Monticello,
and, since, 2008 at the New
Timbuktu Academy (NTA) located in
the Ridgewood Community.
A contemporary of Harlem
Children’s Zone founder Geoffrey
Canada, Adesanya began working
with disadvantaged and underachieving
students in New York and Atlanta
where Islamic education and religious
ethics were a driving force to his philosophy
toward education.
The former principal of the Sister
Clara Muhammad School in
Columbia sought a more focused curriculum
for middle school students
and based it on one of the basic tenants
of Islam, the philosophy of unity
or tawheed.
Co-founded by USC philosophy
professor Dr. James E. Fisher, the
school seeks to “address the needs
of the whole human being, and to
teach respect and reverence for the
Creator of all things.”
Students learn to work as teams
to solve problems through mutual
respect and with a focus on combined
success.
Open to students in grades 6-10,
regardless of race, religion or cultural
origin, the school prepares students
to be “active participants in the global
green economy.” In addition to the
basic core courses of math, English,
science and social studies, NTA integrates
social studies and science curriculums
to prepare students for
entrepreneurial opportunities in South
Carolina’s hydrogen and bio-fuels
economy.
An active partner in the Eau
Claire Promise Zone initiative,
Adesanya says that educating children
should not focus on the catchment
of an individual school, rather
“on those willing and wanting to work
with the program.”
“Our reach is to all students in
the area,” Adesanya said. We want
our students to be successful in the
public schools when they leave.”
For more information on the New
Timbuktu Academy, contact
Adesanya at 782-2532 or aaadesanya@aol.com.
Above: Abd’Allah
Adesanya (left), cofounder
of the Timbuktu
Academy in Eau Claire,
worked professionally
with Geoffrey Canada
(right) founder of the
Harlem Children’s Zone
in New York City before
coming to Columbia.
Left: Students Minniya
Muhamad, Abdullah
Bueno and Destiny
Hunter wrote directed
and designed scenery
for, “The Cinderella
Play,” which they presented
in May at the
school. Dr. James
Fisher, co-founder of
the academy, serves as
their advisor.

Page 10 • June 2011
Matters
OFfaith
The New Survey
North Columbia Worship Centers
Antioch Baptist Rev. Dr. Albert A. Neal 5715 Koon Road 786-0119
Arise Christian Center Pastors John & Trythinia Bookert 7020 Frost Avenue 735-0222
Ascension Lutheran Rev. Ron Brown 827 Wildwood Avenue 786-6429
Bethlehem Baptist Rev. Anthony A. McCallum 1028 Eastman Street 754-1890
Capital City Church Pastor Ned Crosby 4600 Monticello Road 771-0092
Chief Cornerstone World Vision Pastor Calvin L. McMillian 1508 Marchant Avenue 786-9483
Chosen 2 Conquer Pastor Pedro Maldonado 7910 Monticello Road 691-0962
Christ Center Pentecostal Rev. Scott Smith 623 Oakland Avenue 754-1819
Christ’s Lutheran Rev. Anne Christiansen 1323 Winyah Drive 735-0880
Church of Christ Brother Fred Turner 5889 Ames Road 786-5925
College Place UMC Rev. Tiffany Knowlin 4801 Colonial Drive 754-5342
Cola. Col. Dr. Church of God Rev. Willie Sutton 4702 Jones Street 754-1389
Community CME Rev. Joiquim Barnes 4317 Ridgewood Avenue 771-4739
Community Mem. Church of God Supt. James McKenney 4727 Roberts Street 786-2524
Denny Terrace Baptist Rev. Fred Kaigler 6324 Dorchester Street 754-4432
Eau Claire Baptist Rev. James A. Goudelock 4427 North Main Street 786-7769
Eau Claire Presbyterian Rev. Tim Burden 629 Wildwood Avenue 252-9296
Emanuel Church Rev. Ricky Jackson 1641 Blue Ridge Terrace 786-2766
Ephesus SDA Rev. Carl Nesmith 7709 Wilson Boulevard 786-2800
Family Worship Center Pastor Derrick Hutchins 3600 Colonial Drive 736-1184
Francis Burns UMC Rev. Dr. Thomas Bowman 5616 Farrow Road 754-1760
Fruit of the Spirit Christian Bishop Kevin Nelson 700 Sunset Drive 252-7347
Full Gospel Center Pastor Dana A. Holmes 6015 N. Main Street 754-0786
Gill Creek Baptist Rev. Reginald T. Burdon 2116 Cushman Drive 754-6616
God’s Church of Deliverance Pastor Milton H. Mosby 3950 Clement Road 931-0057
Good News Gospel Outreach Rev. Eddie Guess 605 Alcott Drive 786-6902
Grace Christian Church Pastor Aaron Bishop 5010 Monticello Road 754-8844
Greater Carolina Baptist Ch. Rev. Carey L. Hopkins 1419 Anthony Avenue 252-3845
Greater Faith United Baptist Rev. Charles E. Graham 119 Crawford Road 735-0631
Greater St. Luke Baptist Rev. Michael H. Baker 5228 Farrow Road 754-6000
Greenview First Baptist Rev. Johnny C. Owens 101 Isaac Street 786-2839
Haskell Heights Baptist Pastor Glen Wigfall 1231 Blue Ridge Terrace 754-6554
Haskell Heights Prog. Bapt. Pastor Charles E. Epps 1323 Townsend Street 691-9724
Holy Mission of Faith Elder Isaac Dash 131 Duke Avenue 779-3856
I. DeQ. Newman UMC Rev. Joseph Wilson 7801 Wilson Boulevard 786-9894
Jehovah Baptist Rev. S.E. Marshall 1540 Frye Road 786-2112
Kingdom Builders Ministries Rev. Joseph English 5320 Fairfield Road 333-9036
Life Giving Outreach Pastor Henry A. Cleare 6101 North Main Street 786-0088
Life Transformers Word Min. Pastor T. LaVern Manigault 3801 River Drive 467-1390
Masjid As-Salaam Imman Omar Shaheed 5119 Monticello Road 252-9477
Mt. Olive Baptist Rev. Norman E. Curly 1700 Blue Ridge Terrace 353-2275
Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Pastor Leon R. Dickerson 9300 Farrow Road 788-4563
New Day Baptist Rev. Ray Hoskins 4201 Abington Avenue 237-7159
New Hope Deliverance Pastor Mary Burton 4005 Monticello Road 799-5507
New Jerusalem Interdenom. Pastor Diana M. James 1003 Colleton Street 714-0306
New Laurel St. Baptist Rev. Charles Jackson Jr. 5214 Fairfield Road 786-5924
New St. Thomas Refuge Episc. Rev. George C. McCray 5709 Ames Road 691-0611
New Williams St. Baptist Rev. Allen Jacobs Jr. 5408 Middleton Street 735-0140
Northminister Presbyterian Rev. Richard F. Dozier 6718 David Street 754-1812
Refuge Temple Bishop W.L. Bonner 4450 Argent Court 754-9420
Rehoboth Restoration Ministry Pastor Louise W. Rouse 5801 Koon Road 714-0117
Reid Chapel AME Rev. Dr. Norvell Goff Sr. 704 Gabriel Street 786-0701
Ridgewood Baptist Pastor Fred Coit 5326 Ridgeway St. 786-4017
Second Calvary Bapt. Ch. Rev. Carl R. Wells 1110 Mason Road 714-9668
Second Chance Universal Bishop Dr. Ronald Foxe 99 Duke Avenue 929-3838
St. John Baptist Rev. Jamey O. Graham 3404 West Beltline Blvd. 254-4170
St. John UMC Rev. Rudolph Barnes, Jr. 1700 Houston Street 754-4588
St. Paul Baptist Rev. Bobby G. Watkins 4517 North Main Street 732-9488
Stedfast Christian Center Rev. Sam Goodwin 5200 Fairfield Road 786-9129
Stover Chapel AME Rev. Albert L. Thompson 1450 Geraldine Road 754-0048
Spirit of Truth Christian Pastor Marcus R. Shiver Sr. 301 Sunset Drive 771-8933
Temple Zion Baptist Rev. Andre T. Melvin 1174 Heyward Brockington 754-0933
Village of Hope Pastor Charles Austin Sr. 3000 River Drive 931-0180
Zion Cannan Baptist Rev. Bobby L. Smith 7820 Farrow Road 935-0132
To be included in this listing, please call 454-0088
Ascension Lutheran Church
invite the community to our
99th Birthday Celebration
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Special events will include:
• The Rev. Dr. James Aull as our Guest Preacher
• Handbell Choir Reunion with music directed by Ginny Aull
• Covered Dish meal. Fried chicken will be furnished. Members
and guests are asked to bring a covered dish to share
PLEASE JOIN US!
DATE: Sunday, June 26, 2011
TIME: 11:00 AM Service
12:30 PM Covered Dish Luncheon
PLACE: Ascension Lutheran Church
827 Wildwood Avenue
RSVP: at alccsc@bellsouth.net or call, 803-786-6429
Blessing of the Animals at College Place UMC
Lunch On Us!
Pastor Tiffany
Knowlin (right) had to
overcome her anxiety
toward dogs and cats
as the blessed several
at the College
Place Community
Council’s annual
Community Day and
Blessing of the
Animals in May. Here
she reads scripture
and says a blessing
for Zach, Elizabeth
DuRant’s rescue
Bichon.
Join Ascension Lutheran Church for lunch
every Thursday at 12:00 NOON to feed the
heart and the tummy! The church is located at 827 Wildwood
Avenue. Call 786-6429 for more information.
Send your Church News to
The New Survey • 830 Wildwood Avenue • Columbia, SC 29203
E-mail: thenewsurvey@aol.com • Phone: 454-0088

The New Survey June 2011 • Page 11
North Columbia bids fond farewell to two community icons
By Becky Bailey
Nearly 100 community residents,
parents and students brought cupcakes
and sandwiches, punch and cookies to
wish an old-fashioned send-off to two of
their favorite neighbors on June 4.
Amid hugs and well-wishes, a few
tears and many, many testimonials pouring
from the hearts of people the two
honorees had touched over the years,
Columbia Police Captain Estelle Young
and Eau Claire High School Principal
Rodney Zimmerman took in the afternoon
fete with joy and appreciation.
Retiring after 42 years on the
Columbia Police force, Capt. Young has
family roots in North Columbia and has
been a visible and valuable presence in
our neighborhoods ever since. Following
the announcement of her retirement, a
string of tributes have been offered to the
North Region Commander including a
surprise celebration presented by the
North Columbia Business Association in
May, and an S.C. Senate resolution commending
her service to the community.
She will also be honored by the
Columbia Council of Neighborhoods at
their annual Banquet and Awards
Ceremony on June 11.
Well-known for her jovial good
humor, her no nonsense approach to
police work, and her ability to hold her
own with both criminals and saints, the
well-heeled and the ordinary citizen,
Young has been free with her time, her
talents and her generosity toward those
she has met along the way.
“I’ve known her my whole life,”
quipped Columbia Police Chief Randy
Scott, one of many folks who stopped by
to offer their praise and thanks to Young.
“I’m 42. She’s been on the force for 42
years. That’s my whole life.” Scott said
his grandmother lived in North Columbia
near Young’s family and that the young
policewoman probably influenced his
career choice. “She’s always been a roll
model to me,” he said.
“It’s been a great run for me,” Young
said of her years in law enforcement.
“I’ve loved every bit of it.”
Rodney Zimmerman, who came to
Eau Claire High School in 2007, knew
that the school’s academic standings
were in crisis. When the school was
placed on the SC State Department of
Education’s Palmetto Priority list that
same year, Zimmerman’s task to improve
test scores and graduation rates became a
priority that involved not only school
administrators, faculty and staff, but also
the community-at-large. A partnership
was forged and in four years, nearly 70%
of the ninth graders who entered Eau
Claire his first year, graduated in 2011,
the school achieved its first Palmetto
Silver recognition for advanced academic
scores and on-time graduation rates, and,
above all, the school advanced two
achievement levels, reaching his goal of
removing Eau Claire from the Palmetto
Priority list.
“I’ve enjoyed my years at Eau
Claire,” Zimmerman said. “I’m leaving
fond memories behind.” From a small
plastic bag he brought with him to the
podium, he produced a satin banner that
he proudly unfurled to cheers and
applause. With the words,” Palmetto
Gold and Silver Awards Program. Silver
Award,” emblazoned on its blue and
white background, Zimmerman said the
banner would forever hang in the
Commons area of the school.
Throughout the reception for the
two, which was hosted by the Eau Claire
Eau Claire High School Principal rodney Young, and Columbia Police Capt.
Estelle Young were honored at a reception hosted by the Eau Claire
Community Council on June 4. Zimmerman is leaving Eau Claire after fours
successful years at the school. Young is retiring after 42 years of service to the
department.
Community Council, well wishers from
throughout the community presented
tributes.
In addition to Chief Randy Scott,
Richland One Superintendent Dr. Percy
Mack, CCN President Bessie Watson and
Eau Claire Community Council
Education Task Force Chair Alvin Hinkle
all spoke of the special relationships
Zimmerman and Scott had forged during
their professional lives.
“Its great to know that Estelle Young
has your back,” said Mack of the officer’s
frequent presence following
Richland One Board meetings. “She has
a great connection with our kids,”
Zimmerman added.
Young, whose involvement with area
youth has been a hallmark of her service,
told Zimmerman “all of your kids are my
kids,” reminding him and everyone gathered,
“I’m still gonna be around to look
out for them, too!’
Young, who started the police
department’s Explorer Post, which introduces
young people to careers in law
enforcement, promises to continue to
work with area youth.
Among the many tributes presented
to Young was a special surprise from the
Northwood Hills community. A collection
of photos from her early days as a
Meter Maid, and through several promotions
on the force were framed and given
to a surprised Young. Tables were set up
for the two honorees allowing well-wishers
to leave notes and sign cards of
thanks for their service and friendship.
In presenting plaques to Zimmerman
and Young, ECCC President-Elect and
MC for the evening’s program, Reggie
McKnight read from a statement provided
by Executive Director Henry Hopkins
who was unable to attend the event.
“Though we would like to keep you
around for another year, maybe two or
three, we know the groundwork you have
laid at Eau Claire has built a stronger
foundation than brick and mortar,”
Hopkins told Zimmerman. “The efforts
you have made to connect this community
to the school cannot be ignored. It is
progress that we know will continue to
result in both a better school and a
stronger community.”
In his praise of Capt. Young,
Hopkins said, “You know where you can
find us, Estelle. You know that, just like
you have been here for us all these many
years, we will be here for you.”
Young said she plans to stay in
Columbia but enjoy some time for family
and travel in the days ahead.
“I’m not going to be too far away,
either!” she assured the crowd.
Zimmerman has accepted a post as
principal of Lake Marion High School in
Orangeburg County. He will remain in
Columbia until the end of June.
The Eau Claire Community Council
would like to thank the many community
organizations and friends of Eau Claire
for their assistance in making this event
possible, and to Michael Diaz for the
evening’s entertainment.

Page 12 • June 2011
The New Survey
FYI....
City Council Meeting Dates
June 7 Council Meeting - 6:00 P.M
June 21 Council Meeting - 6:00 P.M
July 5 District I Evening Meeting - 6:00 P.M.
July 19 Zoning Public Hearing -
All Meetings held in Council Chambers, 1737 Main Street, Columbia unless otherwise noted.
For agendas and more information:
visit the City of Columbia online at www.columbiasc.net
or contact the City Clerk at 545-3045
Richland County Council Meeting Dates
June 7
June 21
June 28
June 28
Regular Session - 6:00 P.M.- Council Chambers
Regular Session - 6:00 P.M.- Council Chambers
Committee Meetings - 5:00 P.M.- Council Chambers
Zoning Public Hearing - 7:00 P.M.- Council Chambers
For more information and a complete schedule of County Boards & Committees:
visit Richland County online at www.richlandonline.com
or call 576-2062
Richland One School Board Meeting Dates
June 14Regular Session - 7:00 P.M - District Office
June 28 Regular Session - 7:00 P.M - District OFfice
Visit Richland One online at www.richlandone.org
Elected Officials representing
Eau Claire / North Columbia
Rep. James Clyburn U.S. House Dist. 6 202-225-3315 799-1100
Sen. John L. Scott, Jr. S.C. Senate Dist. 19 733-5176 212-6048
Rep. Chris Hart S.C. House Dist. 73 771-7701
Rep. Todd Rutherford S.C. House Dist. 74 799-8633 256-3003
Rep. Leon Howard S.C. House Dist. 76 734-3061 254-9468
Rep. Joe McEachern S.C. House Dist. 77 735-1808 212-6875
Hon. Paul Livingston Richland Co. Dist. 4 765-1192 738-7655
Hon. Gwendolyn Kennedy Richland Co. Dist. 7 240-4572
Hon. Joyce Dickerson Richland Co. Dist. 2 750-0154
Hon. Steven Benjamin Mayor of Columbia 545-3075
Hon. Sam Davis City Council District 1 754-0525 898-9758
Hon. Tameika Isaac City Council At-Large 779-0312 254-8868
Hon. Daniel Rickenmann City Council At-Large 787-7126 254-2445
Mrs. Barbara Scott Richland One At-Large 254-0726 799-2001
Mr. Vince Ford Richland One At-Large 735-0405 799-2001
Mrs. Susie Dibble Richland One At-Large 771-7613 799-2001
Mr. Aaron Bishop Richland One Seat 1 765-2795 799-2001
Mr. Jamie Devine Richland One Seat 2 699-5324 799-2001
Richland One Office 231-7000
Chief Randy Scott Columbia Police Dept. 545-3509
Sheriff Leon Lott Richland County Sheriff 691-9000
Heyward Gibbes Middle School, c. 1962
a pictorial history of the
the Eau Claire Neighborhood
1890-2000
Already a collector’s item, this handsome, hard-bound book chronicles the birth
of this North Columbia community, the establishment of the Town of Eau Claire
(1989-1954), and the people whose names are a part of our daily lives.
125 pages. 266 photos.
Just Arrived
New Shipment
Limited copies available!
$ 10.00
(tax included)
To order: Call 803-454-0088 or order on line at www.eauclairecommunity.org

The New Survey June 2011 • Page 13
Eau Claire grads receive statewide recognition
Cont. from Page 8
Eau Claire’s top graduate, Ricki
Blakeney, delivered the Valedictory
address at graduation on May 27.
and the International Thespian Honor
Society; Whitney Canzater, National
Honor Society, National Art Honor
Society, and International Thespian
Honor Society; Keisha Denny, National
Honor Society; Genesis Fulmore,
National Honor Society; Shakera Griffin,
National Hnor Society; James Jacobs,
International Thespian Honor Society and
Bronze Arts Scholar; Jessica Mack,
National Honor Society; Angel Pogue,
National Honor Soiety, International
Thespian Honor Society; Latrice Samuel,
International Thespian Honor Society;
Nakisha Smith, National Art Honor
Society, International Thespian Honor
Society; and Tearony White, National
Honor Society.
Other Honor graduates included:
Sha’Quana Bookman, Kirsten, Breland,
Felicia Denny, Talicia Durham, Marwah
Farouk, Reggie Folk, Alicia Fuller,
Genesis Fulmore, Juanita Gripper,
Dontrell Horry, D’iona Jacobs,Valon
James, Myeasha Logan, Brandon
McCary, Kayla O’Quinn, Cierra Pooler,
Quickni Rivers, Arther Roberson,
Adrian Spann, Kenyah Spann, Shunia
Steele, Alfreda Thompson, Wynisha
Thopmpson, Michele Traylor, Ashley
Williams, Benjamin Williams and Kiara
Youmans.
To earn an honors diploma, a 4.0
grade point average (GPA) in Honors, AP
and IB courses must be attained for the
four years’ work as a participant in the
program. No grade below “C” will be
accepted in non-Honors or non-AP courses.
Class Valedictorian honor is awarded
to the student with the highest GPA.
Salutatorian is awarded the student of the
graduating classes with the second highest
GPA.
Submitted by District 1
and Eau Claire High School
Cont. from page 8
School choice is “a rubric that refers to
an educational policy and practice reform
movement,” Young continues adding,
“Many school choice reforms are controversial,
especially such variations as voucher
systems and tax credits for attending private
or not-for-profit schools.”
Supporters of traditional public education
believe that school choice will
benefit the privileged few and divert
needed monies from public education.
Those favoring school choice believe
that school choice will improve student
achievement and give parents and students
alternatives instructional choices.
Regardless, non-conventional alternative
programs have arisen in North
Columbia that are filling a need for some
families and students. Three schools
have been chartered in the District, each
focusing on differing class levels and
learning formulas.
Although students from anywhere in
the District are eligible to attend charter
programs, one charter program, the
Carolina School for Inquiry, is located in
North Columbia in the facility formerly
housing Crane Creek Elementary School
and is open to District One students in
grades K-5. Richland One Middle
College is located on the campus of
Midlands Technical College and is open
to high school students while the
Midlands Math and Business Academy,
located in a former shopping center on
Two Notch Road, serves students in
grades 4-8.
Charter schools, by law, are public
schools and students attend at no cost.
However, some expense, especially for
transportation, are not covered by the
school district. North Columbia students are
attending all of these alternative programs.
Private parochial schools like The New
Timbuktu Academy founded by Muslim
educator Abd’Allah A. Adesanya, JD., and
USC professor James E. Fisher, Ph.D., uses
character education as a core course in
addition to math, English language arts, science
and social studies. The school curriculum
addresses academic and moral behavior
challenges faced by many 6th through
12th-grade students.
Both traditional and non-traditional
programs are making inroads in bridging
an educational gap that has existed in our
urban schools for decades. The key element
to that success, regardless of the
teaching styles and/or focus, would seem
to depend on continued collaboration
among all stakeholders.
More stories on Page
The Carolina School for Inquiry is a public
charter school located in the former home
of Crane Creek Elementary School in North
Columbia. Chartered in 2006, the school’s curriculum
is “inquiry-based” which encourages students
to seek resolutions to questions and issues
while constructing new knowledge.
“Tell me and I forget; show me and I remember;
involve me and I understand” is the theory
behind the process explained Lead Teacher
Victoria Dixon-Mokeba. With twelve years experience
in the field of inquiry based instruction,
Mokeba explains that in a traditional learning
environment, students learn not to ask too many
questions. Instead, they learn to listen and repeat
the expected answers. This process she said, “discourages
natural inquiry process.”
With small classes made up of children of
different ages and abilities, the school, which is
open to students in grades K-6 from throughout
District I, the school encourages information
gathering—inquiry—as it integrates the method
into required core curriculum.
Often a steady hum of activity can be heard
throughout the school of about 100 students.
“There is always something going on to stimulate
learning,” Dixon-Mokeba says. Field trips, physical
education, art classes. All are designed to
Charter school offers inquiry-based learning
allow children’s use of their natural curiosity to
explore and to learn. The school even has a container
bed garden in the yard which gives students
an opportunity to experiment with growing
things, and encouraging environmental respect.
Parents are also students at the school.
Parenting classes, called Parenting University,
help parents how to
encourage learning.
Even if your child
spells a word wrong,
Dixon-Mokeba says,
resist the urge to correct
him. It’s part of the
process, she says, of
“learning to take risks as
writers and as readers.”
The School for
Inquiry is one of four
charter schools in
District I. For more
information, visit
www.catolinaschoolforinquiry.org.
Above: Students in Heather Dimery’s third-grade class
enjoy lunch in the school’s cafeteria.
Left: Health educator Jean Hopkins points to displays in the
school hallway of visits to the school by Governor Nikki
Haley and other state officials observing the alternative program
offered by the Carolina School for Inquity.

Page 14 • June 2011
The New Survey
Council recognizes youth enrichment
partners
Meeting “Nikki Giovanni”
By: Courtney Harris, Arther Roberson, and Robert Lee Green III
It’s amazing that we, a
group supported by the Eau
Claire Community Council got
to actually meet, and shake
hands with the one and only
Nikki Giovanni! We were
blessed to have Ms. Bailey
invite us to W.G. Sanders
Middle School to meet her on
May 25.
We learned that she is not
only just a poet. She is an educator,
activist, writer, and commentator.
Born in Knoxville,
Tennessee in 1943, Dr.
Giovanni began her studies at
Fisk University in Nashville,
Tennessee. She had her first
child as a single mother at the
age of 25, and named him
Thomas Watson Giovanni.
She published her first
book of poetry, “Black Feeling
Black Talk,” in 1968. The next
year, she published her second
book called, “Princess of Black
Poetry.”
To us, it was interesting to
find out about how her grandmother,
who loved to tell “wonderful
stories,” inspired her to
write and to tell stories of her
own.
World-renowned poet, writer, commentator, activist,and educator,
Nikki Giovanni, signs Eau Claire High School senior Robert
Green’s yearbook following a presentation at Sanders Middle
School in May. Fellow ECHS grad, Arther Robertson, looks on.
The Eau Claire Community Council’s (ECCC) youth enrichment program spearheaded
by educator Venis Livingston (standing left), visited the Family &
Consumer Sciences classroom of teacher Sheila Gates (third from right) to
thank her for her collaboration with the program. Along with her students are
ECCC Executive Director Henry Hopkins. The program also recognized the
participation of Ms. Debra Finch, director of the Ensor Forest Senior
Community.
Hey, you guys!
Teens remember their mothers
Though Mother’s Day has since passed for this year, Eau Claire
area students remember the kindness and love their mother’s
share with them everyday. Here is some of the poetry they shared
with the Teen Page.
Happy Mothers Day
by Robert Smith III
E.E. Taylor Elementary School
Happy Mothers Day
We celebrate it in every way
Did you know
Moms like to get in tons of rows.
Moms love their fingers polished,
plus their toes.
The people in my country love their mom.
You can even ask my friend named Tom.
My crazy parrot said, “Happy Mothers
Day”
That’s all he could say.
Again to every Mom, Happy Mothers Day.
TEEN CHAT
Come to Teen Chat to talk about stuff you wanna know. Meet
your friends at Hyatt Park every Monday, 4:30 - 6:30 P.M.
Call Miss Venis at 705-9078 for more info!
Mother My Dear
by Kenneth Montgomery
Alcorn Middle School
Mother my darling,
Mother my dear.
I love you, I love you
Each day of the year.
You ae so sweet,
And you are so kind.
And I am so glad
That you are mine!

The New Survey June 2011 • Page 15
*You Are Somebody*
You are somebody
And you wanna know why
Because GOD created you
Unique and beautiful in his own image
From your mother’s womb to the day you were
born and now
You were somebody
And you will forever be
Because GOD formed you uniquely
You are somebody.
Robert Lee Green III
May 26, 2011
Inspired by my visit with poet
Nikki Giovanni
Shamrock
Band Camp
starts in July
The Eau
Claire NO HALF
STEPPIN’
Marching
Shamrocks will
begin summer
band camp the
week of July 25th
and run through
August 5th. Color
guard and percussion
section
will meet during
the week of July
25th from 9:00
A.M. until 2:00 P.M.
The full band will
meet during the
week of August
1st from 7:00 A.M.
through 7:00 P.M.
Contact Mr.
Thomas at 735-
7610 for any additional
information.
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and
Lenoir-Rhyne University Plan to Unite
Planning is under way for Lutheran
Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS)
located in North Columbia, to unite with
Lenoir-Rhyne University (LRU), a
Lutheran liberal arts university in
Hickory, N.C., according to the Rev. Dr.
Marcus Miller, seminary president.
Under the proposal, the seminary
will become the university’s school of
theology. It will continue to operate in
Columbia, S.C., and remain a seminary
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA).
“This opportunity to be a part of
Lenoir-Rhyne University enhances the
seminary’s ability to fulfill its mission to
the church,” said Dr. Miller.
Beginning in the Summer of 2011,
the two institutions will identify areas
where they can combine operations to
become more efficient and effective. As
part of this process, LRU and LTSS will
initially begin to combine their administrative
responsibilities and operations in
enrollment management, financial aid,
and advancement. These will occur
through management contracts or
enhanced partnerships within the existing
seminary structure. In March of 2012,
the trustees of each school will receive a
final recommendation for an agreement
and plan to merge LTSS into LRU as its
school of theology, with the earliest possible
effective date for a completed
merger being in the Summer of 2012.
Lutheran Theological Southern
Seminary, founded in 1830, is located in
Columbia, S.C. One of eight seminaries
of the ELCA, the seminary offers graduate
and post-graduate degrees to men and
women from many Christian denominations
and traditions.
Established in 1891, Lenoir-Rhyne
University is a private, coeducational
university located in Hickory, N.C. It is
affiliated with the N.C. Synod of the
ELCA and is open to students from all
religious backgrounds seeking undergraduate
and graduate degrees.
Submitted by Southern Seminary
www.ltss.edu
Reach 20,000 local customers in Eau Claire and
North Columbia each month by advertising in
The New Survey
Call 803-454-0088 or visit on line at www.eauclairecommunity.org/thenewsurvey for more information.
Cont. from page 16
Christie Savage, Northwood
Hills Neighborhood. The president of
Northwood Hills, Ms. Savage has consistently
helped us effect many changes that
have positively improved the quality of
life in our neighborhood. She initiates
and maintains contact with neighbors,
the City and elected officials, and works
with all to find solutions. She is conscientious,
capable, dedicated and a productive,
pro-active citizen for our community
and our city.
James Robert Walker,
Colonial Park Neighborhood. Mr.
Walker, better known as “Bob,” is a
founding member of our neighborhood
association, currently serving as treasurer.
A very helpful and proud neighbor, he
strongly believes that the image a neighborhood
projects reflects the character of
not one, but of all, who live there.
Elder Robert L. and Mrs.
Yvonne H. Scott,
Ridgewood/Barony Neighborhood. As a
dedicated team, Elder and Mrs. Scott
bring their willing and tenacious spirit to
the community by giving of their time
and service by planting and maintaining
seven gardens to add beauty to areas that
were once dormant and unattractive.
Together the Scotts show that they want
to be a part of something larger than
themselves.
Student Honorees were:
Tre Dent, 8th grader at Heyward
Gibbes Middle School. Honors and AAP
student who maintains a 3.92 GPA.
Treasurer of both the Student Council
and Beta Club; and is a member of the
football and Academic Bowl teams.
Myles Adams, 5th grader at
Edward E. Taylor Elementary School. A
“B” average student, Myles volunteers
with Richland County Parks and
Recreation by assisting with the canteen
at Meadowlake Park. He also volunteers
with the Urban League with the annual
Thanksgiving basket give-away to needy
families in the community.
Rashard Brown, 4th grader at
Arden Elementary School. A student
who recognizes the importance of education
and good citizenship, Rashard serves
as a leader at Arden as an anchor for the
school’s news program, a member of the
Boyz to Men Club, and is an AAP student
and on the A/B Honor Roll.
Elma Ortiz, a third grader at
Forest Heights Elementary School, Elma
is a student who demonstrates outstanding
efforts In achieving success both academically
and through community service.
She loves to help other students in
the classroom and to help other teachers.
On many occasions, Elma has assisted
the school nurse in interpreting for students
and parents who speak Spanish.
She has high expectations for herself and
never gives up.
Hakeem Hicks, 2011 graduate
of Eau Claire High School. An academic
star from his first year at Eau Claire
serving on the Academic Quiz Bowl, to
his induction on the National Honor
Society, Hakeem has been recognized by
Upward Board with the highest overall
GPA and by Eau Claire High School as
an A/B Honor Roll student, a member of
the Principal’s List, the 1000 SAT Club
and recipient of a Certificate of
Commendation from District 1
Superintendents. He has also been active
in the Drama Club and the International
Thespian Honor Society, receiving Actor
of the Year recognition in 2009. Most
recently, Hakeem entered the ranks of an
elite group of scholars as a Gates
Millennium Scholar awarded annually by
the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
He will be attending Clemson University.
Lizbett Kloot, Junior at
Columbia College. A native of South
Africa, Ms. Kloot has distinguished herself
at Columbia College both academically
and as a volunteer in numerous
community services events on and off
campus. An accomplished cellist, Ms.
Kloot graduates with a 3.85 GPA and
many hours of volunteer service in North
Columbia schools as well as in summer
programs in Africa and the Appalachian
mountains.

Page 16 • June 2011
The New Survey
The Eau Claire Community Council
recognized this community’s Movers
& Shakers on April 29. Awards were
presented to the Neighborhood
Volunteers, and community leaders who
have made significant impact on our
community. Students leaders who,
through their academic achievement and
community involvement, were also recognized.
Recognized with the Council’s highest
honor for community service, the
Dorcas Elledge Award, were Dr. &
Mrs. Milton Kimpson.
Residents of the Lincoln Park
neighborhood, the Kimpsons have
raised their three sons here; they
have enjoyed careers that
have taken them to the
heights of South
Carolina government and
leadership in this state’s
civil rights movement.
They are friends of education
having taught in
the public schools and
Milton serving as a principal
at two of the city’s
elementary schools
before being selected as
a State Supervisor of Elementary
Education at the South Carolina
State Department of Education. In
1979, Milton Kimpson was
appointed as the Executive Director
of Health, Education and Human
Services by Gov. Richard W. Riley,
where There he provided leadership and
assistance to the Governor in the passage
of the landmark Education Improvement
Act of 1984.
Serving in several capacities in State
government, Milton Kimpson has been
afforded many honors including the
Order of the Palmetto from the state of
South Carolina, as well as similar honors
from other states like Mississippi and
Arkansas.
As the first Executive Director of the
Community Relations Council of the
Greater Columbia Chamber of
Commerce, Kimpson brought his natural
talent for building bridges in race relations
front and center.
Together with his wife, Wilhelmina,
they remained true to their community
and forged a partnership that continues to
bridge gaps in services to urban communities,
to provide equal access to homeowners
and to continue to insure equity
in education to all citizens. They have
walked the walk together. As they have
at every King Day at the Dome event.
The Business Leader of the Year
Award for 2011 was presented to the
Rev. Dr. Richard
Dozier. One of the
founders and developers of
Harbison New Town and founder of
Northminster Presbyterian Church in
Greenview in 1969, Rev. Dozier has
brought his successes in business and
management into play in North
Columbia as a member of the North
Columbia Development Foundation and
the Eau Claire Development Corporation
where he now serves as chairman. A
strong supporter of business interests in
the area Rev. Dozier advocates an even
playing field for economic development
in North Columbia saying that our neighborhoods,
our businesses and our development
corporation must all work
together to create an environment beneficial
to economic growth in North
Columbia.
Receiving the Council’s 2011
Educator of the Year Award was Mrs.
Delores Gilliard, principal of
Greenview Elementary School. With a
belief that educational excellence produces
children who are creative thinkers,
responsible, and caring citizens, Mrs.
Gilliard encourages innovation. As with
her introduction of the challenging
‘Odyssey of the Mind” program,
Greenview student teams have won
statewide and national and international
titles. Guiding one of the best School
Improvement Councils in the state, Mrs.
Gilliard has been a strong advocate of
programs and initiatives connecting fam
ilies and the community to assure the
success of the school.
The Council also recognized neighborhood
volunteers for their efforts
throughout the year. They are:
James Murray, Burton Heights
Standish Acres Neighborhood. A longtime
resident of the neighborhood, Mr.
Murray assists on the beautification committee
and in selecting homes for the
community Yard of the Month program.
Mr. Murray has also been the person in
the neighborhood who acts as a
spokesperson for family members in
bereavement.
Margarette Campbell, Gable
Oaks Eau Claire. A community member
who spends her time checking on the
elderly and offering positive support for
young adults and children, Mrs.
Campbell assists the president in making
sure the community is safe. A strong
advocate for her community, Mrs.
Campbell speaks often with public officials
to discuss problems when they
arise.
Willie Gilmore, Forest Heights
Community. Mr. Gilmore is a caring
and generous man who looks
out for his elderly neighbors and
friends in the community. Even
when he, himself, is sick, he
makes daily visits to make sure
his neighbors are safe and well.
If they have a need, Mr. Gilmore
makes every effort to help them
with home repairs, yard care and
whatever they need. With his soft
voice and gentle smile, Mr. Gilmore
brings peace and joy to all he knows.
Pictured, 1st row, l-r: Student honorees
Tre Dent, Hakeem Hicks,
Lizbet Kloot and Rashard Brown.
2nd row, l-r: Neighborhood
Volunteer of the Year honorees Bob
& Mary Alice Williams, James
Murray, Willie Gilmore, Carolyn
Solomon and James Robert Walker.
3rd row, l-r: Elder Robert and Mrs.
Yvonne Scott, Margarette Campbell,
and Christie Savage.
4th row, l-r: Rev. & Mrs. Richard
Dozier, Milton and Wilhelmina
Kimpson, and Mrs. Delores Gillard.
Bob & Mary Alice Williams,
Denny Terrace Neighborhood. A very
active couple in our community, the
Williams have spent countless hours as
volunteers. Mary Alice plants flowers
and tends to our three neighborhood
signs while Bob’s computer skills have
resulted in our new membership
brochure. Together they walk regularly
and, while on those excursions, use the
opportunity to pick up roadside trash.
Neighbors in our community since 1988,
the Williams have six grown children
and seventeen grandchildren. Retirement
isn’t showing them down!
See MOVERS page 14