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INAUGURAL KICKOFF |
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CALENDAR OF EVENTSJanuary 25, 2008 - The Inaugural Kickoff event was held at Ruffin Middle School on Jan 25, 2008. June 8th - June 13th, 2008 - YWBF youth attend Clemson/YLI 4-H Summer Camp. |
Inaugural Kickoff at Ruffin Middle School January 25, 2008 |
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RUFFIN STORYBy LINDA SALSBERRY During a celebratory assembly at Ruffin Middle School Friday, Dr. Emilia Williams, who had never been to the school or Colleton County before, told the students, “You never get anywhere in life without other people — parents, teachers, church members, total strangers.” She and her husband, Ken Williams, were at the school to formally announce their foundation “Youth Without Borders,” which will provide scholarships and other opportunities to students. Ken told the students the direction of the foundation will be “a direct result of your involvement.” The first benefit of the foundation will be its sponsorship of a minimum of 10 Ruffin Middle School students to attend this summer’s Youth Learning Institute, a unit of Clemson University’s Public Service Activities. When the foundation sponsorship was announced last year, students rushed to write the required essays and submit them. However, Sonya Williams, parent facilitator, in school suspension officer and advisor at the school, who will coordinate the foundation’s work for the Williamses, returned all the essays so the students could take their time and do their best. Georganne Kirven, youth learning advocate for Clemson, told the student body the partnership with the Williamses will “create opportunities for individuals in communities like yours.” She said that those attending camp will meet people from around the country and do new things, like parasailing and paintball. She said students will learn about leadership, cooperation, self-reliance and decision making. Most important, she said, “you’ll have fun and new adventures.” Ken spoke on the same theme, encouraging students to go outside their community to explore the opportunities to learn and grow. “Maybe we’ll send kids to Europe, or athletic camps or dance school,” he said, after his wife talked about how going other places and meeting people could spark a passion, help a student find a special talent. Prior to the assembly, Ken said as soon as they were married eight years ago, they began thinking, “What can we do with our positions to help others?” Emilia was particularly interested in exposing girls to surgery and the sciences. Ken, a graduate of The Citadel, wanted to instill discipline and responsibility in young males. Ken is a 1985 graduate of Ruffin High School. He was salutatorian of his class and an All-State football and basketball player. As a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, he served one tour in Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Following military service, he had 14 years in healthcare sales with Johnson and Johnson, then worked for Sepracor and Microsoft. Now he is vice president of sales for M2 Information systems, which makes equipment for electronic medical records. Through work, he returns to South Carolina and Colleton County about every eight weeks. Emilia grew up in Long Beach, Calif., and was encouraged by a seventh-grade science teacher to attend a science camp, which prompted a desire to become a doctor. After completion of specialized training, she taught surgery at medical facilities in West Virginia and then Seattle, Wash. In 2005, the Williamses moved to Kauai, Hawaii, where she began a practice to provide surgical cancer services. In addition to their work, they find time to scuba dive, downhill ski and travel the world. “I’m glad and thankful I can give back in some small way,” Ken said. “It’s important for a community to unite, especially to help children and support youth in whatever way we can,” Emilia said. Sonya Williams, said, ‘I think it’s the most awesome thing, for him to come back and give so freely.” The assembly included performances by two student guitarists and Compassion Singers. Students gave the welcome and introduced the speakers. Superintendent Charles Gale, after complimenting the students on their behavior, called it a “rare treat to have somebody come back.” “They don’t have to do this,” he said. “You are seeing two very successful people coming back to help a community — it’s all about community. “They are living proof that you can live your dream. Poverty, race, gender, none of that can stop you from realizing your dream.” Principal Harry Jenkins, who taught Ken in middle school, challenged the students to become successful and come back. He asked them to make it worthwhile for the Williamses to travel all across the country to provide the foundation for them. “Take advantage of the opportunity. Do things you’ve never done before. Go places you’ve never been before.”
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