“It Kids” visit State House
May 12, 2010
Kelly Payne for State Superintendent of Education
Press Release
For Immediate Release Contact: Kelly Payne
May 12, 2010 803.767.0875
Kelly Payne and the “It Kids” recognized by the SC State House
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Today the South Carolina House of Representatives recognized Kelly Payne and a number of her students for their commitment to civic involvement and their desire to gain a greater understanding of how our state government operates.
Kelly Payne is a history teacher at Dutch Fork High School and recently founded a student group called the “It Kids.” Students in this unique group are motivated and committed to community service and civic action. Through their involvement, students have become active in the political process. They have received lectures from the Governor, Speaker of the House , Attorney General , Legislators on both sides of the political aisle, and other community leaders .
SC State Representative Nathan Ballentine spoke on the House floor and was joined by a number of state leaders in their recognition of the “It Kids” including: House Majority Leader Kenny Bingham , House Minority Leader Harry Ott , Representative Nikki Haley , Representative Bakari Sellers , Representative Richard Chalk , House Speaker Bobby Harrell, House Minority Leader Gilda Cobb-Hunter, Representative James Smith , Representative Chip Huggins and Representative Anton Gunn.
Rep. Ballentine mentioned “I am here today with representatives from all over the state and from both sides of the aisle to welcome the “It Kids” from Dutch Fork High School. These students are taking their efforts from the classroom to the State House. I, along with many others standing up here with me, visited the “It Kids” and participated in their classroom discussions. We were not asked softball questions because these students wanted to ask the tough questions regarding taxes, transparency, and education. Their enthusiasm and dedication to learning about civic involvement and the political process is something we are very proud to recognize here today.”
Following Rep. Ballentine’s remarks the “It Kids” received a standing ovation from the Legislature. Sarah Shealy, an 11th grade student at Dutch Fork High School and an active member of the “It Kids” described her experience by saying “It is what Miss Payne said it would be. It gave me a better understanding of what the Legislators do. This was a very good experience and I would like to do it again.”
When asked about her students’ accomplishments Kelly Payne said, “I am so very proud of my students for their hard work and willingness to get involved in the political process. By extending the classroom and creating learning without boundaries, my students are learning how to think and not what to think. By giving them first-hand, real life experiences, they are better prepared to make more informed decisions that can lead to greater civic involvement.”
The “It Kids” completed their time at the State House with a tour of the Governor’s Office.
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12 Responses to ““It Kids” visit State House”
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Mr Ballentine thank you for honoring out class at the state house.The experience was unforgotable and I enjoyed it all.I hope to one day be able to visit again soon.
Nathan Ballentine,
Hello Nathan. I’m Thomas Boone, one of the “It Kids” who went on that retreat in which I went to the State House. I just wanted to thank you for being so welcoming to our class. We found it very interesting- our visit to the State House. It was very fun. I think most of the other members of the “It Kids” had a great time as well. If they didn’t, I’d be surprised (high school kids aren’t that good of liars).
Dear Mr.Ballentine,
Thank you for the recognition that you made to Dutch Fork, Ms.Payne, and all my other classmates. It was great to see how not only Dutch Fork was recognized but other schools also. I hope to do it again someday. Just seeing the state house was incredible! I’ve never experienced anything like it!! And to have you call us out was even better.
Thank you once again.
Sincerely,
Jahne’ Lane-Davis
Nathan Ballentine,
I would just like to thank you for recognizing our class and the rest of the “it kids” at the state house last week. It was a pleasure to be introduced to our body of politicians at the state house. I appreciate what you did, and support you as a politician.
Dear Representative Ballentine,
Thank you for the courtesy you showed to the Dutch Fork High School “It Kids” during our visit to the State House. It is important for young people to know more about their government, and it is important for them to be encouraged by leaders like you. It was especially kind of you to acknowledge our presence from the House floor.
Mr. Ballentine,
Thank you so much for recognizing the “It Kids” at the State House. It was an awesome opportunity to attend a meeting at the the State House and being recognized by our own representative was just icing on the cake. Thank you so much!
Mr. Ballentine,
Thank you for recognizing the “it Kids” at the State House.
Thanks Mr. Ballentine for recognizing the “it kids”. It is such an honor to be able to get recognition for our hard work. It opens many windows for us to show what we have learned and what we can do. Thanks once again!
Thank you so much Mr. Ballentine for recognizing the “IT KIDS”. It means a lot to the class that you recognized us. once again thank you so much Mr. Ballentine .
Thank you so much for recognizing us “It Kids” at the State House last week! It was an honor for us to go and get hands-on experience as to the world of politics. It meant a lot to us, and we support your campaign!
Mr. Ballentine
I am one of Ms. Paynes “It Kids” from Dutch Fork High School. I would just like to say thank you for recognizing all of our groups hard work! It was really cool to be mentioned at the State House last week. It meant a lot to the “It Kids”
Mr. Ballentine, i know its alot late, but Mrs. Payne told me i should still do it, i wanna thank you for having us come to the state house, it was an honor, hope in seeing you soon so dont be surprise? Thanks for recognizing the ” IT KIDS”. Think about coming back to the school and getting a shirt and wearing it to the STATE HOUSE.lol