Group visits the Statehouse

In the picture at left visiting Senator Peeler in his office are: First Row, left to right: Morgan Bagwell, Meagan Crissone, Megan Gallman, and Jessica Waites - all from Gaffney High. Second Row: Sam Carnes, Landis Bunch, Caroline Howell, Andrew McCraw, Dustin Batchelor, Charlene Key and Cameron Crocker - all from Gaffney High. Third Row: Dr. Hank Jolly, Chaiman of the Board of Directors for the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce; Gene Moorhead, Executive Director; Elizabeth Ivey, Program Director for Leadership Cherokee; Dan Clompton, Hames Music; and Senator Harvey Peeler. Leadership Cherokee participants for 2008 visited the South Carolina State House and South Carolina Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, March 26th, 2008.

The group departed the Chamber by chartered bus early that morning, arriving at the State House at 10 a.m. The group then attended the opening morning session of the House of Representatives where it was recognized on the floor by Representatives Lanny Littlejohn and Dennis Moss.

The group then proceeded to the S.C. Chamber of Commerce where they were greeted and addressed by Otis Rawl, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Issues. Robbie Barnett, Associate Vice President with the Education Office of the S.C. Chamber addressed the group about his work on behalf of education with the state legislature. Senator Harvey Peeler and Rep. Dennis Moss joined the group at the S.C. Chamber and addressed the group about their roles in the legislature, and their activities with committees and issues affecting the citizens of South Carolina.

After lunch at the S.C. Chamber, the group proceeded back to the State House grounds and visited the offices of Senator Peeler and Rep. Moss. The group then visited and observed the opening session of the Senate at 2 p.m.. A historical film and guided tour of the State House was conducted at 2:30 p.m. after which the group boarded the bus for its return back to Gaffney.

Leadership Cherokee and Junior Leadership Cherokee is a program sponsored by the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and the Hamrick Mills Foundation to develop community leaders.

Monthly programs during the school year consist of Economic Development, Local & State Government, Education, Health & Wellness and Cherokee County Business & Industry.

The program is open to outstanding rising Juniors at Gaffney and Blacksburg high schools.

The adult program is open to outstanding employees nominated by their sponsoring employer and meets the third Thursday of each month from September through April with graduation in May.