Colleton residents may start seeing blue and yellow bumper stickers on vehicles around town “My child is a Colleton County Terrific Kid.” But just what does it mean?
A Terrific Kid is thoughtful, enthusiastic, respectful, responsible, influential, friendly, impeccable and caring, according to program sponsor Kiwanis International.
A Terrific Kid is a student recognition program, created by the Kiwanis Club, that promotes character development, self-esteem and perseverance. Students work with their classroom teacher and establish goals to improve behavior, peer relationships, attendance, or schoolwork. All students participate and everyone has an opportunity to become recognized as a Terrific Kid.
The program was started locally by Scott Bearing, owner of Bee City Zoo, in Cottageville. In partnership with Peggy Bangle from the Summerville Kiwanis Club, and the Walterboro-Colleton Chamber of Commerce, the program is offered to all students throughout the Colleton County School District K-4 through fifth grade. Every month, each school will honor one child from every homeroom from every grade. A ceremony is held each month with members of the school administration, teachers and community leaders on hand to present the students with a certificate, bumper sticker, medal and coupons donated from local businesses.
This year’s business sponsors offer: an entry to Bee City, a slice of pizza at Castillo’s Pizzeria, a free waffle at Waffle House, and a snow cone from Pelican Ice. In addition, some material sponsors are Mary Anne Blake, Attorney-at-Law, Bee City Zoo and The Walterboro-Colleton Chamber of Commerce.
“We welcome more sponsors as the program grows. We have so many Terrific Kids in our schools and are thrilled to have the business community partner with Colleton County School District to recognize our children. It’s programs like these that have a lasting impact,” Dr. Vallerie Cave, Colleton County superintendent of education.
