District 50 building plan calls for new school

July 7, 2005

By JACKIE R. BROACH
Index-Journal staff writer

At least one new elementary school is on its way to Greenwood School District 50, according to a 10-year facility plan the district’s building committee reviewed Wednesday.
The new school will alleviate crowding, possibly bringing the population at each school back to an optimum number, said Debrah Miller, committee chairwoman.
Crowding has been a problem at all nine of the district’s existing elementary schools for some time, she said.
Enrollment figures range from 274 at the district’s smallest school, Hodges Elementary, which covers only seven acres, to 619 at the largest, Springfield Elementary, which has a 35-acre campus. Springfield is particularly crowded and houses nine mobile units on its campus to help accommodate students, said Gary Johnson, assistant superintendent for business. The cafeteria at Springfield is “woefully inadequate” for the student population, meaning that in order for everyone to be served, some classes have lunch as early as 10:30 a.m., Johnson told the committee.
The hope is to have no more than 450 students at any of the schools once the new elementary school is constructed, Miller said. If all goes according to plan, work would begin on the new school in 2008. It is still uncertain where the school would be built or what areas it would serve.
There is a possibility that a second school will be built in the time period covered by the plan, Miller said. There has been talk of converting East End Elementary School into an early childhood learning center, in which case the school would have to be replaced.
Regardless of whether a second elementary school is constructed, each of the elementary schools is slated for renovations in the plan. Those renovations might include the construction of new wings on some of the campuses. Six of the district’s elementary schools were built in the 1950s and 1960s and are in need of renovations, Miller said. The newest, Springfield Elementary, was built in 1994.
Repairs, renovations and new construction on each of the elementary schools will be scheduled depending on which school’s needs are most critical.
Committee members agreed to have an engineer visit each of the elementary schools, excluding the two newest, Springfield and Oakland, to inspect the structures. Further planning will take place following the inspections and determination of the buildings’ needs.
The plan also includes annual system technology upgrades, and construction of Emerald Gym Complex and cafeteria/kitchen suites for Mathews and Hodges elementary schools in 2007.
The plan will be presented at the district’s next board of trustees meeting, July 18.

 

 

Former NSHS standout trades basketball for volleyball

July 7, 2005

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

NINETY SIX — Leanna Willis has decided to go with her first instinct.
The Ninety Six High School three-sport star has made the decision to switch from being a member of the Anderson College women’s basketball team to joining the Lady Trojans’ volleyball program.
It is a move that Willis, who was the 2003 Class A volleyball player of the year, said she never should have been faced with in the first place.
“I really should have chosen volleyball right out of high school,” said Willis, whose volleyball squads went 54-0 in her two years at Ninety Six, including two Class A state championships.
“I’m really so much more passionate about volleyball, but I enjoyed basketball, as well. So, I wanted to take on the challenge.”
Willis said things were progressing nicely on the basketball team until she was injured in January.
“I strained my Achilles tendon after we came back from Christmas break,” she said. “After I got hurt, things became a little strained between (then Anderson and current Lander University) coach (Kevin) Pederson and I. We just sort of butted heads a little bit. That kind of helped make my decision to switch sports a little easier.” Willis said, however, there were more prevalent reasons she chose to focus on volleyball.
“I left the basketball team under good terms,” she said.
“I have respect for the players and for coach Pederson. I really just felt that I didn’t have the love for basketball that I had when I started out.”
Willis said she endured a period of intense contemplation before making the decision to pursue volleyball.
“I prayed about it and just thought about it really hard,” she said. “After deliberating about it for some time, I decided to choose volleyball.”
Willis said a strong relationship with Anderson volleyball coach Jennifer Bell helped streamline the transition between the two programs.
“Coach Bell is the academic advisor for female athletes at Anderson, so she was already assisting me on the academic side of things,” Willis said. “She had called me after I finished high school and asked me to play volleyball back then. So, I had already established a close relationship with her.”
Willis asked Bell what she would say if Willis wanted to switch over to the volleyball team at Anderson.
“She said ‘Come on,’ ” Willis said. “She said that I had a spot on the team if I wanted it, no questions asked.”
All that was needed in order to switch teams was for Willis to be released from the basketball program by Pederson, a proposition which could have been a little sticky had he disallowed it.
“He could have refused to release me,” Willis said. “To his credit he gave me the release. Like I said, we left on pretty good terms.”
Bell was succinct when she received the news of Willis’ impending arrival on the volleyball team.
“When I told coach Bell that I got my release she just said ‘What size shoe do you wear?’” Willis said. “She was ready to get started. So was I, honestly.”
Willis participated in the spring practice program with the volleyball squad. She said that her injured leg did not hinder her progress.
“It still gets inflamed, but it doesn’t affect me too much,” Willis said. “I can’t jump quite as high, but it hasn’t really affected my game as an outside hitter. Other than the occasional inflammation it feels pretty good.” Willis said she feels volleyball is a much better fit for her on the college level.
“I’m a better volleyball player than a basketball player,” Willis said. “Everybody was asking me why I chose basketball after high school. It was a challenge that I wanted to take on.
“I’m a natural born leader on the volleyball court. I just expect to be great when I’m out there. I can’t say the same thing about basketball.”
Willis appreciates the coaching style of Bell, which is that of a prototype “player’s coach.”
“I don’t do well with constructive criticism. On the basketball court, I was getting a lot of that,” Willis said. “Coach Bell sets her expectations of you and you have to strive to reach them. If you don’t reach them, you won’t play much. But at least you know what’s expected of you.
“She really wants to see your determination. I have to dig down deep inside myself and go for it.”
Willis is optimistic about her chances for success in her first year of collegiate volleyball.
“I really get along with my teammates,” She said. “I’ve been able to come right in and help them out. That’s what I really wanted to do in college athletics: contribute to the success of my team. Now that I’m on the volleyball team, I can do that.”

Chris Trainor covers sports for The Index-Journal. He can be reached at: ctrainor@indexjournal.com.

Opinion


Pair of events are proof things can be different

July 7, 2005

It is said that those who cannot remember the past are sure to repeat it. Looking at history, there hardly seems any doubt of that. Still, it does no good to remember the past if we cannot improve on it.
We don’t have to be chained to the negatives of the past if we are willing to follow the advice of a popular old song. We have to try to eliminate the negatives of history and start again while accentuating the positive.
A couple of situations a few days ago are good examples of that. One involved religion, the other politics.
Black pastors involved in the Southern Baptist Convention noted how times have changed for the better. “Yesterday and today, they are different days,” said Robert Anderson, president of the African American Fellowship of the Convention and pastor of a church in Maryland.

“THE CONVENTION AS A WHOLE has come a long way, obviously, from the days of slavery and Jim Crow. We have a lot more African-Americans involved in the convention than ever before,” he said.
Anderson was among a number of blacks attending the Southern Baptist Convention’s meeting in Nashville, Tenn.
About 3,000 black churches are affiliated with the convention of more than 16.3 million members. That’s a big change from the convention’s early Civil War era years when Baptists in the North and South went their separate ways, with slavery as the primary issue. Since then, though, Southern Baptists have made changes and, as they say, the rest is history ….. for the better.
In a political setting, the prime minister of Vietnam became the highest-ranking member of that government to visit the White House since the end of that war more than 30 years ago.

A LOT OF PEOPLE WEREN’T happy with the visit, but it was one more indication of the discords of the past being left behind while focusing on a future of cooperation. Special interest was given to improving living conditions in the Communist nation remembered all too well by many South Carolina veterans. Particular emphasis was put on human rights and making it easier for Vietnamese to worship freely.
President Bush also accepted an invitation to visit Vietnam next year, something former President Clinton did in 2000.
No one should be so naïve as to believe life in Vietnam will be perfect. It will be far from that. But, it shows improvement. Maybe next time another step can be taken ….. and another ….. and …..



Editorial expression in this feature represents our own views.
Opinions are limited to this page.

 

 

Bennie L. Allen

ABBEVILLE — Bennie L. Allen, 61, of 188 Union Church Road, formerly of Elberton, Ga., husband of Annie Cowan Allen, died Wednesday, July 6, 2005 at Abbeville County Memorial Hospital.
The family is at the home of Azalee Cowan, 344 Highway 28 Bypass.
Services will be announced by Abbeville-White Mortuary.


Verda S. Arnold, 100

HODGES — Verda S. Arnold, 100, of 3323 Cokesbury Road, widow of Park Arnold, died Tuesday, July 5, 2005 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born in Greenwood County, she was a daughter of the late Sam and Laura Goggins Starks. She was a member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, where she was a Steward and a Missionary Society member. She was also a member of the Cokesbury Homemakers Club.
Survivors include three sons, William P. Arnold of Springfield, Mass., Sam U. Arnold and Albert Arnold, both of Cokesbury; three daughters, Gladys A. Kilgore of Greenville, Carrie P. Sanders and Mary A. Williams, both of Cokesbury; 20 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and 19 great-great-grandchildren.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home.


Betty Hukill

A Memorial Mass for Elizabeth “Betty” Hukill is 3 p.m. Friday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, conducted by Father Richard Harris.
Wife of Edmund Hukill, she died May 20, 2005.
Announcement courtesy of Blyth Funeral Home.


Else Kimball

Else Marianne Bugler Kimball, 72, of 101 Barrett Drive, widow of Clinton Orville Kimball, died Tuesday, July 5, 2005 at her home.
Visitation is 6-8 Friday at Blyth Funeral Home.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Blyth Funeral Home.


Malachi E. Marshall

McCORMICK — Malachi Emmanuel Marshall, infant son of LaTonya Garrett and Jeffery Marshall, died Sunday, July 3, 2005 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Survivors include his parents; maternal grandmother, Marie Garrett of McCormick; paternal grandmother, Netta Rea Gilyard of Clarks Hill; paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Willie Marshall of Grovetown, Ga.; and maternal great-grandmother, Lizzie Garrett of McCormick.
Graveside services are at noon today at Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery, Clarks Hill.
Walker Funeral Home is in charge.


Irene McKee

McCORMICK — Irene Pace McKee, 74, of Route 2 Box 45, widow of George Raymond “Buck” McKee, died Tuesday, July 5, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood.
Born in Greenville County, she was a daughter of the late James Eulis and Onie B. Tollison Pace. She was a homemaker and a member of Buffalo Baptist Church.
Survivors include a daughter, Linda M. Seigler of Greenwood; two sons, George Raymond McKee Jr. of McCormick and Tony McKee of Troy; a sister, Frances Vaughn of Simpsonville; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Services are 11 a.m. Friday at Buffalo Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Ryan Eklund. The body will be placed in the church at 10. Burial is in Overbrook Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Claude King, Dave Nelson, Raymond Shirley, Ronnie Morgan, John Pace and Freddie Bowers.
Visitation is 6-8 tonight at Blyth Funeral Home.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to Buffalo Baptist Church, Route 1, McCormick, SC 29835 or Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646.
Blyth Funeral Home, Greenwood, is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blythfuneralhome.com


Edith Norwood

DUE WEST – Mary Edith Coleman Norwood, 78, of Due West and formerly of Norwood, NC, wife of Richard Eston Norwood, died Sunday, July 3, 2005.
Mrs. Norwood was born June 13, 1927 in Saluda County to the late William F. and Bessie Wertz Coleman. Five other siblings preceded her in death: Mildred C. Razor, Katherine C. Lom-inick, Margaret C. McChesney, Charles Coleman and Josephine C. Nichols.
Mrs. Norwood graduated from Saluda County schools, attended the University of South Carolina and was a graduate of Lander College. She was a homemaker and was devoted to her family. She enjoyed garden-ing, golfing, sewing, crafts, cooking and singing.
Before moving to South Carolina, Mrs. Norwood was a longtime member of Memorial Baptist Church, where she participated in many areas.
In 1994 while traveling on the journey of life, we came to a sign which said the “long goodbye” (Alzheimer’s). Along the way, her devoted husband had time to think about the meaning of Edith’s life. Pictures flashed by: A new resident could expect a homemade meal delivered to them on their first night in the community.
Her ministry of providing delicious homemade yeast rolls, which were delivered by her husband to friends.
The Norwood Community Service League, organized by Edith and others, which awards a scholarship each year in her name.
A devoted choir member who faithfully served for 45 continuous years.
A lifetime of love for working with children, serving as a preschool and Sunday School teacher and as a substitute teacher.
She was known in the community as Miss Edie. “Miss” was an affectionate term used in earlier years to describe well respected ladies of the community such as Edith Norwood.
Surviving is her husband of 50 years; a son, Richard Eston Norwood, Jr. of Palm Bay, FL; a daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth Norwood Peele and Leon Peele of Albemarle, NC; grandchildren, Maximiliane Theresa Norwood, Betsy, Charlie, Catherine and Molly Peele; and a brother, James Andrew Coleman of Hampton, VA.
Services will be at 12 noon Saturday, July 9 in the chapel of First Baptist Church of Greenwood with the Rev. Lee Kennerly officiating. Burial will follow in Magnolia Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Memorial Baptist Church, 12957 Indian Mound Road, Norwood, NC 28128 or to Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 658, Greenwood, SC 29648.
Harley Funeral Home of Greenwood is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY


Charles Ross

NINETY SIX – William Charles Ross, 86, resident of 106 Bohmari Lane, husband of Margaret Ellison Ross, died July 6, 2005 at his home.
Born in Pelzer, May 14, 1919, he was a son of the late Benjamin Franklin and Mamie Autry Ross. He was a US Navy Veteran of WW II and retired as District Manager for Life of Virginia Insurance Company where, in 1970, he was honored with the “Man of the Century” award.
A life-long Methodist and devoted member of Cambridge United Methodist Church, he was also a member and teacher of the Men’s Bible Class of the church. Mr. Ross was a past president of the Ninety Six Chamber of Commerce and was associated with the Epworth Camp Meeting Association for 45 years where he served on the Board of Directors and remains an honorary board member. He was also a member of the American Legion.
Surviving in addition to his wife of 69 years are a daughter, Bonnie Ross of Greensboro, NC; a sister, Sara Ross of Anderson; four grandchildren, Charles Ellison Ross of Ninety Six, Perrin Anderson Ross of Aiken, Benjamin Carson Ross of Abbeville, Holly Elizabeth Piacentino of High Point, NC and Edward Joseph Piacentino, Jr. of Atlanta, GA; four great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Charlotte Anderson Ross of Ninety Six; a life-long friend, James E. Henderson of Ninety Six; friends and caregivers, Pearl and Bill McClam and Hospice Care of the Piedmont.
Mr. Ross was predeceased by a son, Benjamin Floyd Ross.
Funeral services will be conducted at 4 pm Friday from the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Harvey Peurifoy and Rev. Joseph Ouzts officiating.
Burial will be in Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be grandsons along with Mark Moore and Bill McClam.
Honorary escort will be the staff of Hospice Care of the Piedmont, members of Pelzer United Methodist Church, Trustees of Epworth Camp Meeting Association along with Phillip Anderson, Willie Booker, Paula Crittendon and Ernest Nunn.
The family is at the home on Bohmari Lane and will receive friends from 2:30 to 4 Friday afternoon.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646.
For additional information please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
BLYTH FUNERAL HOME IS ASSISTING THE ROSS FAMILY.
PAID OBITUARY


Ethel Stuart

COLUMBIA, Md. — Ethel Corrine Duncan Stuart, 93, of 9563 Angelina Circle, widow of Thomas H. Stuart Jr., died Saturday, July 2, 2005 at Babero Assisted Living in Ellicott City.
Born in Anderson County, S.C., she was a daughter of the late Druie David and Nelia Ramsey Duncan. She retired from Greenwood Methodist Home (now Wesley Commons). Formerly of Coronaca, S.C., and a former member of Coronaca Baptist Church, she had lived in Columbia since 1987.
Survivors include a son, James M. Stuart, with whom she made her home; a sister, Evelyn D. Heaton of Anderson, S.C.; a brother, Nardin Duncan of Wilton, Conn.; and a grandson.
Graveside services are 11 a.m. Friday at Bethlehem Cemetery, Coronaca, conducted by the Rev. Wade Burton.
Pallbearers are Brother Motsinger, Douglas Poole, Tommy Scott, Rudy Scott, Lyn Stuart, Jimmy Stuart and James Stuart.
Visitation is 6-8 tonight at Blyth Funeral Home, Greenwood, S.C.
Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Cemetery, c/o Ann Motsinger, 109 Fuller St., Greenwood, SC 29649.
Blyth Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blythfuneralhome.com