Connection Newsletter November-December 2022

Campus Police Attains South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation

Campus Police officially attained South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation (SCLEA) on December 8, making TCTC the first technical college in the system to achieve this gold-standard status. In addition,

TCTC is currently the smallest stateaccredited police agency in the state.

SCLEA is the official South Carolina accrediting body and since 1999 it has been recognized as a means of maintaining the highest standards of law enforcement accreditation.

TCTC Police Chief Marcus Guess, command staff members Sgt. Billy Albert, Sgt. Shaun Chastain and Sgt. Jeremiah Vissage, administrative assistant Linda Conwell and Chief of Staff Dan Cooper traveled to Columbia where the department was recognized as an accredited law enforcement agency.

John Tucker, SCLEA chairman, made the presentation. Also in attendance were Barry Faile, sheriff of Lancaster County and SCLEA board member; Jared Bruder, executive director of the S.C. Sheriff’s Association; and Van Henson, of the S.C. Association of Counties.

TCTC Police Chief Marcus Guess, front row, second from left, command staff members Sgt. Billy Albert, Sgt. Shaun Chastain and Sgt. Jeremiah Vissage, administrative assistant Linda Conwell and Chief of Staff Dan Cooper traveled to Columbia where the department was recognized as an accredited law enforcement agency. John Tucker, SCLEA chairman, front row, third from left, made the presentation. Also in attendance were Barry Faile, sheriff of Lancaster County and SCLEA board member; Jared Bruder, executive director of the S.C. Sheriff’s Association; and Van Henson, of the S.C. Association of Counties (all pictured on back row).

TCTC Campus Police joins a group of 29 law enforcement agencies from all over the state who are recognized for meeting these state-of the-art standards. With Sgt. Albert overseeing the process over the last year, the department engaged in rigorous processes to meet standards that are considered best practices in each area of law enforcement that include management, administration, operations and support services.

The South Carolina accreditation process is a five-phase process, consisting of: application; selfassessment; on-site assessment; council review and maintain compliance and reaccreditation.

“Obtaining the South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation was a joint effort that included all members of the command staff,” said Chief Guess. “We broke down the most important areas of our law enforcement duties, and each team member put in numerous hours providing information that met SCLEA requirements. I applaud the hard work and great team effort that was exhibited by the command staff and other officers.”

The SCLEA Accreditation Program is a voluntary initiative for professional improvement.

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Mailing Address (All Campuses)

P. O. Box 587 Pendleton, SC 29670

Pendleton Campus 7900 Highway 76 Pendleton, SC

Anderson Campus 511 Michelin Blvd. Anderson, SC

Easley Campus 1774 Powdersville Rd. Easley, SC

Oconee Campus 552 Education Way Westminster, SC Main Number (864) 646-TCTC (8282) Toll-free 1-866-269-5677 tctc.edu

Connecting

A Memorable Year and A Look Ahead

This year was memorable for a number of reasons. First, the College celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2022. Having been at the College for about a third of those years, I can attest to the tremendous growth we have experienced in our 60-year history.

Another reason it was memorable is because we unveiled a new logo. As our logo has evolved over the years, it has remained deeply rooted in our vision and mission and the three communities that we serve. Our new logo is no different. However, the new logo is fresh, more fitting of a college, and it’s a logo our students are excited about and want to wear.

We also updated our mission, values and commitments to reflect where the College is today and where we want it to be in the future. For example, we chose not to change the College’s vision as there is a lot of excitement and energy around our current vision and because our work to transform lives and build strong communities is ongoing. We did make some minor modifications to our mission, with the most important change connecting our work to improving the quality of life for those we serve. In addition, we simplified the language in our values to make them easier to recall and added two new values for a total of six. We also added commitments to our students, employees and community.

On top of that, 2022 marked the third year of the coronavirus pandemic, and while infection rates continue to decline, higher education continues to grapple with the effects. Two student populations that we know are not attending college at pre-pandemic levels are low-income students and students of color. In response, we ramped up our community outreach efforts, and we started by reversing our community outreach model. So, instead of approaching communities with a menu of services, we engaged in listening sessions to better understand their needs. And instead of focusing on the student alone, we focused on the entire family. Some of these efforts, namely the collaborative and intentional work achieved by our Men of Color committee, led to Tri-County receiving the 2022 Equity Award from the S.C. Association of Technical College Commissioners.

Tri-County Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Tri-County Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Tri-County Technical College does not discriminate in admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, qualifying disability, veteran’s status, or national origin.

I am appreciative of all that we accomplished in 2022 and throughout our history. Over the past six decades, Tri-County has impacted the lives of tens of thousands of students and their families and has been an integral part of building stronger communities.

As we look ahead to 2023, we remain focused on student success and on reaching more under-resourced populations and helping them to see that education is a pathway to a better life for themselves and their families.

Thank you for being a part of Tri-County’s history and our future. I wish you and your family a healthy and happy holiday season.

In your service, Galen DeHay, Ph.D. President

AnMed Health Nursing Scholars Program Announced

A team of nurses and managers from AnMed Health were on campus November 16 to present a new program that provides students the opportunity to work at the hospital while obtaining their associate degree in nursing. In addition to employment, AnMed will pay the student’s remaining tuition balance to TCTC per semester. The cohort members will engage with mentors who support them while they finish college.

“Our best nurses come from Tri-County,” said Shaunda Trotter, an R.N. on the AnMed executive team. “We are recruiting nurses who connect to our community.”

Students accepted into the first cohort will work a minimum of eight hours a week as nurse assistants at AnMed.

“You get work experience while we cover the cost of school. Graduates will be hired as nurses and will work for two years in return,” said Trotter.

“The program allows students to grow, develop and learn at the same time,” said April Montjoy-Parham, a 2009 associate degree nursing graduate who went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing and is currently neuroscience nurse manager for 7 South at AnMed.

“While in the program you can find your connection to our profession. It’s about finding the right fit for you and for our team,” said Trotter. “Your education will take you wherever you want to go.”

AnMed is a Magnet-recognized organization. Magnetrecognized organizations consistently demonstrate higher patient satisfaction with nurse communication, availability of help, and receipt of discharge; lower risk of 30-day mortality and lower failure to rescue; and lower rates of falls.

For more information contact Jackie Rutledge, nursing department head, at jrutledg@tctc.edu.

Five Graduate from Biomedical Device Certification Program

Five individuals completed TCTC’s inaugural biomedical device certification program November 4. The 36-hour program is offered through the Corporate and Community Education Division.

TCTC is collaborating with SC Biotechnology Industry Organization (SCBIO) who funds this short-term certification program that gives students an overview of the life sciences industry and the potential opportunity to interview at companies in our area.

Graduates are qualified to work as clean room operators or on the production line at biomedical device companies like Abbott, PolyMed and Arthrex.

The life sciences industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the state, said Carla Whitlock, investor relations and engagement director at SCBIO.

Joey Thames, recruiting and outreach coordinator with Poly-Med, Inc., in Anderson, was in attendance to meet with each graduate to talk about the company and about each individual’s goals.

The next biomedical device certification program begins January 9. For more information, contact Andrea Adams at adams20@tctc.edu.

below, left: Five individuals completed TCTC’s inaugural biomedical device certification program November 4. Pictured from left are Glenniesha Williford, Alexis Moss, Nancy Phillips, Jodi Burdette, and Seth McAbee.

right: Joey Thames, recruiting and outreach coordinator with Poly-Med, Inc., in Anderson, talked to the group collectively about the company before engaging in one-on-one conversations.

Men of Color Luncheon Draws Record Crowd

Each year the Men of Color (MOC) Committee hosts a luncheon that allows middle school, high school, and college students to come together with community leaders to build their social capital by networking and learning from one another. The luncheon also serves to educate and empower young men of color to expand their endless possibilities in life.

Each year motivational speakers headline the event and panel discussions with area leaders are part of the program.

This year’s theme was N.O.W. – No Opportunity Wasted – and the guest speaker was Levon Kirkland, former Clemson University football player, former NFL linebacker and now vice president of development for the S.C. Football Hall of Fame. “Say yes to the opportunity and especially to yourself,” he said. “Seize the opportunity by staying focused. Discover yourself as you are meant to be seen,” he added.

This

former TCTC Industrial Electronics Technology instructor; Eduardo Nieves, pastor of New Manna Church in Anderson and TCTC alumnus; Terence Roberts, mayor of Anderson; and Juana Slade, chief diversity officer at AnMed Health.

Many thanks to event sponsors which include the MOC committee and community partners South State Bank (luncheon sponsor), Marathon 2015 LLC, and Clemson University Division of Inclusion and Equity.

Participating in the panel discussion were Shan Smith, chief operating officer of Good Sense Automation, LLC, TCTC alumnus and

Dr. Jackie Blakley, dean of the Business and Public Services Division, received an e-mail from Bobby McGowens, assistant principal at Wren Middle School, who wrote, “Our students left inspired after yesterday. The event was great and we look forward to a long tradition of attending this event and witnessing its impact on our communities.”

center: Participating in the panel discussion were Shan Smith, chief operating officer of Good Sense Automation, LLC, TCTC alumnus and former TCTC Industrial Electronics Technology instructor; Eduardo

right: Delane Rosemond, a senior at Seneca High School, was among the 250 students who attended the Men of Color luncheon. He is the grandson of TCTC Commissioner Helen Rosemond-Saunders, pictured with him.

First-Generation Students Gather for Celebration

First-generation faculty, staff and students gathered November 2 for a celebration luncheon where they got to know each other better and talked about their educational journeys.

President DeHay, who is a first-generation student, reminded the students that faculty and staff are there for them as resources and mentors. “Our faculty and staff come to work for one purpose—your success. I encourage you to know them. We are here to make sure you

are successful even beyond graduation. We are your partner forever.”

left: Kristin Cosby, an associate degree nursing major, displays the First Gen T-shirt each guest received.

center: Janay Laws, an associate in arts major, left, talks to Dr. Carolyn Walker and Delisa Simon Dawkins.

right: Marcia Leake, vice president of human resources, talked with LPN majors.

Timms Harley Davidson Donates Motorcycles

Timms Harley Davidson in Anderson donated two motorcycles for training students enrolled in the Corporate and Community Education Division’s (CCE) Motorcycle Safety Training program. Classes are held at the Anderson QuickJobs Center in cooperation with the S.C. Rider Education Program. The program includes training for people who have never ridden a motorcycle and riders who are interested in basic training to sharpen their current skills. The course also prepares individuals to gain their state motorcycle driver’s license.

From left are motorcycle safety instructor Chris Worl; Ron Bryant, CCE transportation director; Cody Watson, general manager at Timms Harley Davidson; and Jim Ivanko and Ray Gaulin, both motorcycle safety instructors.

Our College Family

Excellence Through Service

Three Honored as Educators of the Year

Congratulations to the three faculty/staff members who will be honored as Tri-County Technical College’s Educators of the Year and will be recognized, along with other winners from our technical college system, at the annual South Carolina Technical Education Association (SCTEA) conference in February.

Paul Phelps, department head for CNC and Welding Technology, is the College’s outstanding administrator.

Katy Hardy, program director for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, is the outstanding faculty member.

Heidi Mathis, administrative assistant for the Business and Public Services Division, is the outstanding staff member.

University, where he completed a bachelor’s degree in Human Services. He is the Oconee Center program manager at FAVOR Upstate.

In addition, three ACF team members were conference presenters: Elizabeth Wallace presented on effective communication for building trust; Randee Dorontich presented on effective learning strategies; and Crystal Takayama presented on under-resourced students.

Jennifer Hulehan, dean of ACF, said, “When I tell you we have the best team in the best two-year college in the great state of S.C., I am not exaggerating ... and I’ve got receipts. This dedicated group of educators truly exemplifies the TCTC vision: transforming lives and building strong communities one student at a time.”

ACF Team Members Honored at SCOSS Conference

Congratulations to the TCTC Academic and Career Foundations (ACF) team who were honored at the 40th annual South Carolina Organization for Student Success (SCOSS) conference.

Pamela Altstatt, Lifetime Fitness and Wellness instructor, was honored with the Outstanding Service to Students award. The award recognizes excellence in teaching, responsiveness to individual students, and commitment to professional growth.

Former ACF student and TCTC graduate Michael Crouch was honored with the Former Developmental Student Award, which recognizes a graduate who has gone on to become an outstanding member of a profession, thereby exemplifying the effectiveness of developmental education. Crouch transferred to Anderson

Adam Ghiloni, Melanie Gillespie Receive Awards

Congratulations to Adam Ghiloni, dean of Enrollment Services, and Melanie Gillespie, director of Financial Aid, who were honored October 18 at the South Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SCASFAA) conference.

Gillespie was awarded the Fearless Nine Service to SCASFAA Award. This is the association’s highest honor bestowed upon active members. Recipients are practicing financial aid administrators and SCASFAA members who have made outstanding, significant, and meritorious contributions to the organization through their leadership, activities, and/or research over an extended period of professional involvement.

Ghiloni was recognized with the Emerging Leader Award. Recipients are practicing financial aid administrators and SCASFAA members who have made outstanding contributions to SCASFAA through their leadership and/or involvement in the association.

A. Wade Martin Nominees Announced

The nominees of the A. Wade Martin Innovator of the Year and Innovation Team of the Year Awards have been announced.

Travis Durham, director of student engagement and accountability, is our nominee for the A. Wade Martin Innovator of the Year award.

The Integrated Workforce Solutions department is our nominee for Innovation Team of the Year.

The awards recognize innovative approaches to meeting the changing needs of technical college education at the college and/or system levels.

The awards are named for A. Wade Martin, who was the first executive director of the South Carolina Technical College System.

Tim Jared Receives Top 20 under 40 Award

Congratulations to Oconee Campus Director Tim Jared, who was among the 20 individuals selected to receive Oconee County’s Top 20 Under 40 Award. The event was organized by the Oconee County Chamber of Commerce. Jared and others were recognized on November 18 at a luncheon at Blue Ridge Electric Co-op in Westminster.

The Top 20 Under 40 awards recognize Oconee County’s younger citizens who have demonstrated dynamic leadership and social responsibility. These inspirational people have been chosen for their volunteerism, leadership, cultural contributions, business achievements and innovative creations. They are people who are committed to making a difference in our community.

Jared, a Seneca resident, is a member of the Seneca Rotary Club, a volunteer coach for the Seneca Recreation Department and an alumnus of the Leadership Oconee class of 2018-19. He and his wife, Amy, have a small business, Golden Corner Yard Cards, that helps people celebrate the accomplishments of their family and colleagues.

“Tim Jared brings the College’s vision of transforming lives and building strong communities one student at a time to his work every day and to his commitment to the Oconee County community. He is helping Oconee County be that strong community through one neighbor, friend, business colleague, partner organization at a time,” said Linda Jameison, vice president of student support and engagement.

In Transition Faculty Administrative Appointment Updates

Meredith Dickens has been appointed department head for Public Services within the Business and Public Services Division for the remainder of the 2022-2023 academic year. Dickens joined the Tri-County team in January 2013 as an Early Care and Education instructor.

Kimberly Sharp has been appointed the program director for Early Care and Education within the Business and Public Services Division for the remainder of the 2022-2023 academic year. Sharp joined the Tri-County team in January 2019 as an Early Care and Education instructor.

Food Bank Donates to Student Support Pantry

Many thanks to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and its regional branch manager, Donal Dickens, for their generous donation in October to support the TCTC Food Pantry.

Dickens delivered the following items: 120 cans of peaches; 120 cans of mandarin oranges; 60 cans of beef stew; 48 boxes of apple juice; 240 cans of tuna; 60 cans of beef ravioli; 120 cans of tomato soup; 60 cans of chicken; and 144 cans of spaghetti and meatballs.

Fall Festival Winners

The Foundation’s Fall Festival was a big success with Rebecca Pokorny’s pineapple casserole taking home the first-place prize in the casserole challenge.

Pineapple Casserole

• 2 large (20 oz) cans chunk pineapple, drained

• 1 to 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese (I used medium yesterday)

• 6 Tablespoons self-rising flour (you could probably use regular flour)

• 1 stick butter, melted

• ¾ cup sugar

• 1 stack Ritz crackers, crumbled

Place drained pineapple in dish.  Combine sugar, cheese and flour and stir into pineapple.  Mix butter with crackers and sprinkle over top of pineapple mixture. Bake 375° for 30-45 minutes.

The TCTC Foundation’s Be the Change 2022 Annual Employee Giving Campaign, “A Festival for Friends and Philanthropy,” concluded November 16 with a Cookie Competition.

Brady Crocker, financial aid coordinator, tied with Dr. Jackie Blakley, dean of the Business and Public Services Division, for first place.

Crocker’s winning entry was Heavenly Chocolate Cookies. Dr. Blakley’s winning entry was a Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake.

Heavenly Chocolate Cookies

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter

• 1 ½ cup brown sugar

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 2 TBS light honey (corn syrup works too)

• 1 TBS vanilla extract

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup Dutch processed cocoa powder

• 1 TBS cornstarch

• 2 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

FOR THE TOPPING:

• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk

• 1.5 cups heavy cream

• ¾ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ cup caramel syrup

• ½ cup chopped Heath bits

Reading Students Volunteer at “Paws for Literacy” at Fair-Oak Elementary

Students enrolled in Critical Reading (RDG 100) volunteered November 1 at “Paws for Literacy” family night at Fair-Oak Elementary. Throughout the RDG 100 course, students learn transferable critical reading skills and strategies. Comprehensive Studies Instructor Janice Jordan wanted to provide her students with the opportunity to observe foundational literacy in action, so she arranged for her students to work collaboratively with students from other grade levels and organizations so that they could attain a fresh perspective on literacy. During this event, TCTC students supported students with the creation of comic strips, puppets, bookmarks, reading instructions, and reading with therapy dogs.

Several RDG 100 students discussed their “takeaways” from this experience. Lisa Kaliski reflected, “As a student, I have realized I am always a teacher. My interactions with fourth-grade teachers made me realize that everyone is capable of learning. I want to demonstrate to my son that if I can do it, so can he. Being a mature student demonstrates that age is merely a number and that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. This opportunity will remain with me forever.”

Gabriella Vita shared, “Volunteering during family literacy night provided me with leadership, problem solving, organization, planning, communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skill-building experiences.”

On the event as a whole, Jordan stated, “I am extremely proud of the interactions between my students and the faculty, staff and students at FairOak Elementary. I plan to continue this opportunity for students in the future. I would like to thank Dr. Mark Dougherty and Kayla Whitaker of Student Engagement for providing my students with TCTC T-shirts as they added an extra sense of pride and professionalism as they volunteered their time.”

Thank You for Your Service

In honor of Veterans Day, Tri-County Technical College provided lunch to our veterans (students, faculty and staff) on November 10. Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or dead—but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served

Sarah Grindle (left) is a U.S. Army veteran who spent six years in military police and now is an Administrative Office Technology major, and Biology instructor Dr. Sharon Homer-Drummond is a U.S. Army veteran with 15 years of service in the Medical Service Corps.

Members of the Business and Public Services Division attended the event. Phil Smith spent eight years in the Army National Guard and Dr. Carolyn Walker retired with 20 years of service in the Army Reserves.

country honorably during war or peacetime.

Fall Professional Development Day Held November 8

The inaugural Academic Symposium was organized by faculty for faculty and its intent was to draw attention to the scholarly work of faculty colleagues that address the College’s mission and its strategic directions. The themes were Engagement and Collaboration (chaired by Tim Bertoni) and Diversity and Inclusion (chaired by Dr. Carolyn Walker). “The inaugural themes were intentionally selected because of their importance to the College’s strategic directions and initiatives. These areas of evidenced-based scholarship are important to our faculty and serve to inform the success of our students.

During an interactive session, program HIP (High Impact Practices) designers shared information about their signature work through posters. Attendees took advantage of this opportunity to meet informally with colleagues and asked questions about the assignment design and learned about the piloting of the program HIPs. Pictured here are Stephanie Brown, academic program director for Veterinary Technology, and Spencer Heringa, biology instructor.

Improving Access and Success for Under-Resourced Students was the title of a session facilitated by President Galen DeHay. TCTC is on a journey to improve student learning and success, particularly for lower income students and students of color. This session provided attendees a better understanding of our underresourced populations and created context for why a focus on underresourced populations is critical to creating economic mobility in our region. Attendees had an opportunity to share insights on strategies the College can develop to serve even more under-resourced students.

Catching up with Alumni

Jennifer Hopkins, a 2013 General Engineering Technology graduate, is working as an engineering technician for TTI. Her son, Keagan, is a CNC student at TCTC.

Charity Martin, a 2019 graduate of TCTC’s Early Care and Education program, is working as a freelance entrepreneur after several years as a 3K Kindercare director at Chastain Road Elementary School in Liberty.

Shan Smith, chief operating officer of Good Sense Automation, LLC, is a three-time graduate of TCTC with degrees in General Engineering Technology (2016), Industrial Electronics Technology (2002) and Business Management (1998). He also is a former TCTC Industrial Electronics Technology instructor and was a guest panelist at the Men of Color luncheon held November 3.

Smith’s mother attended TCTC and successfully runs a day care she started. His two daughters are also TCTC graduates: Ebony Smith Merriweather is a nursing graduate and works as a registered nurse; Ilyndia Smith is an IET graduate and is currently working as a controls engineer with U.S. General Services Administration.

Lillian Boatwright was elected to Clemson City Council November 8. Boatwright is sales operation manager at BoomTown, a company that provides marketing and sales automation solutions for the real estate industry. She entered TCTC as a dual enrollment student right out of Daniel High School.

“I’m proud to say that I graduated from Tri-County debt-free with a LIFE scholarship and an Abney Foundation scholarship,” said Boatwright. She transferred to Clemson and later completed her bachelor’s degree online through Coker College. With her TCTC and CU credits, she just needed two semesters at Coker and was able to continue working full time at Keymark and taking two to three classes a semester. In 2019 she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and management and maintained dean’s list status.

Earlier this summer she added another accolade – she was among the leaders in South Carolina recognized with a 2022 S.C. Women in Business Award.

April Montjoy-Parham (right) is a 2009 associate degree nursing graduate who went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing and is currently neuroscience nurse manager for 7 South at AnMed Health. She began as a nursing assistant while a student at TCTC and went from staff nurse to leading a team. “Striving for better only works when we do it together,” she said. She is pictured with Jackie Rutledge, her former instructor.

CCE EMT Instructors Train on New Simulator

North American Rescue conducted training for EMT staff/instructors using two new simulation mannequins called TOMManikin. This is the first time that the Corporate and Community Education Division has had this kind of technology for EMT classes.

TOMManikin is a trauma simulator mannequin made for classroom environments, field scenarios and immersive training. This allows students to experience a variety of wound treatments such as burns, blasts, gunshot wounds and tourniquet application.

Tariq Muhammad, a paramedic and EMT instructor, gives a demonstration.

TCTC Branch of S.C. Women in Higher Education Hosts Annual Fall Luncheon

The TCTC chapter of South Carolina Women in Higher Education (SCWHE) hosted its annual fall luncheon at the Anderson Hall Event Center recently. The mission of SCWHE is to improve higher education in South Carolina by promoting women’s leadership and participation. This year’s “warm up to financial wellness” event was sponsored by Park National Bank’s Easley branch. Robert Halfacre, mayor of Clemson and member of the College’s Board of Visitors, introduced Jim Honeycutt and Seth Hembree, his Park National colleagues. Honeycutt, the event’s keynote speaker, provided insightful commentary on financial management at various life stages.

The Oconee County School District received donations of hygiene products and warm clothing from the luncheon’s participants. Contributors were eligible for prize drawings. Prizes were donated by Anita Oliver of Krowned K Jewels jewelry; Dan Craft of Newtique Boutique; comedian Brandon Rainwater of Greenville Comedy Zone; Stacey Frank, committee member and Scentsy franchisee; and photographer Neil Lopez. The event concluded with surprise guest Javon Johnson, an awardwinning actor and writer, who discussed his local philanthropic

endeavors. He concluded his talk by gifting two tickets to one of his local plays, “Sanctified,” to a lucky attendee. Johnson currently stars in Tyler Perry’s “The Oval.” He also has appeared in “The Hate You Give,” “Boo!,” “Black Lightning,” “A Madea Halloween,” and “The Watsons Go to Birmingham.”