Tag: SC Youth

By Elizabeth Husted, originally posted by The Post and Courier North Augusta on May 26, 2025

NORTH AUGUSTA — The breezy sunshine of a Wednesday morning at SRP Park had a couple dozen kids out playing ball with the lieutenant governor, a couple of the GreenJackets athletes and pro staff with Major League Baseball.

“They love coming here and what better way to learn?” Aiken’s Danielle Hand said, admitting she pulled her 6-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter out of school for it, something she wouldn’t normally do. “But today, this is hands-on learning, so I thought, let’s take advantage of this.”

Major League’s Play Ball event wasn’t meant to be on a school day, not originally. But then, a near hurricane wasn’t supposed to hit the day before, either. The kids’ baseball clinic that was held May 21 had first been set for the day after Helene.

So, there was Hand’s daughter, out there on left field, going through some drills and making friends already, Hand observed – a lot of socializing, but she is interested in trying softball, she said. And her son, two days after his sixth birthday. “He loves all the sports and if he can run – even better.”

The Play Ball initiative started 10 years ago, with a first event in the Bronx. It was just six months after Rob Manfred assumed office as commissioner of Major League Baseball.

“It really kind of emanated from his new administration at the time, having a focus on growing the game at the youth level, at the grassroots level,” Bennett Shields said.

Shields is senior manager of baseball and softball for MLB and was on the field at SRP Park this week.

MLB has brought its youth baseball clinics to minor and major league parks, to community rec centers and high school gyms, “from Alaska to Japan to North Augusta, South Carolina,” he said.

Play Ball, at its core, he said, is meant “to introduce young children to the game of baseball and softball, to diamond sports; to provide a non-competitive, accessible opportunity for them to come try the sport; re-invigorate their love for the game if they’re already playing; and give them an opportunity to work with professional athletes at times and our staff of professional coaches.”

Or to kick it with the lieutenant governor, South Carolina’s Pamela Evette saying she was “all in” when she heard about this new partnership between MLB’s Play Ball and states’ seconds in command.

“Getting our kids outside, getting those cell phones and computers and Gameboys out of their hands and [giving them] a bat and a ball and getting them running and playing… that is really the secret to having really healthy, well-adjusted children,” she said.

Evette played second base for softball growing up.

“It was a few years back,” she laughed – then recalled riding her bike to the rec enter for both the softball and the rec ball and then going on to play in middle school.”

“It was fun; it was great relationships,” she said. “It was learning how to work with a team and work as a team. Great life lessons are learned right here, in organized sports.”

Lisa Reeves, of North Augusta, brought her grandson, now 5, to SRP Park for the morning’s fun.

“He was very excited; I told him this morning,” she said, eying him from the stands, a Red Sox cap on his head as he readied himself for a swing at the T-Ball.

Originally posted on May 21, 2025 by WRDW/WAGT

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette was at SRP Park Wednesday.

Evette joined Major League Baseball and the Augusta Greenjackets for a diamond sports clinic for youth.

It’s a part of the Play Ball initiative, which encourages youth to get involved with baseball or softball-related activities.

Play Ball also gets children involved with the game as an outlet for physical activity, fun with friends and learning how to play the sport.

“As a mom myself, I think its so important, and I hear it study after study getting our kids out of the house, getting electronics out of their hands, getting them playing sports again interacting with their peers, it’s the healthiest thing we can do for our children,” said Pamela Evette, South Carolina Lieutenant Governor.

This is also a partnership with other lieutenant governors across the country.

She says they are planning to schedule another clinic for kids at SRP Park.

“When I heard about MLB wanting to partner with lieutenant governors to bring this play ball clinic to their state, I was all in because getting our kids outside, getting those cell phones, computers and Game Boys out of their hands, and put a bat and a ball and getting them running and playing. That is the secret to having healthy, well-adjusted children,” said Evette.

By Brandon Roberts, Originally posted by The Summerville Journal Scene on April 27, 2025

Lt. Gov. advocates for youth programs, small businesses, public-private partnerships

South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette visited the Summerville Family YMCA at The Ponds on April 24 to discuss the YMCA’s role in the community and emphasize the importance of local partnerships.

During the one-hour tour, YMCA CEO Joe Debney highlighted the organization’s community-focused initiatives, such as drowning prevention programs, outreach efforts, and partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits and elected officials.

“Every single time I have heard her speak, she stresses the importance of small business, public-private partnerships and nonprofits,” Debney said. “Not only here in South Carolina, I’ve seen her do this at the national level with the YMCA.”

Evette expressed her strong support for the YMCA’s work, particularly its effect on youth and seniors. She praised the organization’s programs that teach soft skills to high school students and provide seniors with opportunities to stay active and socially engaged.

“I am a huge champion of the Y, and for so many reasons,” Evette said. “First and foremost, because of the impact you’ve had in your community, not just with young people.”

She also shared her enthusiasm for the YMCA’s historical connections to prominent figures such as Ronald Reagan and Walt Disney.

“Ronald Reagan’s first job was being a lifeguard at the Y, and Walt Disney lived at the Y while he was sketching out his characters,” she said. “All these amazing people who did such impactful things have such a strong connection to the Y.”

Evette also highlighted the YMCA’s role in fostering youth involvement in government, pointing out the Youth in Government program led by the Y.

“It is so important for us to get our younger generation involved in government,” she said, referencing the increased awareness of state government processes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to discussing the YMCA’s contributions, Debney recognized local partnerships that strengthen the organization’s impact. The visit underscored the YMCA’s commitment to community health and its role as a resource for Summerville residents.

By Anna Harris, originally published by WCSC Live 5 News on April 24, 2025

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) – South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette says the YMCA has played a crucial role in her work and personal life, which led her to take a trip to Summerville’s YMCA on Thursday.

She says the YMCA is a huge help to young people looking to get a job, especially those in high school, and helps make community connections stronger, like at The Ponds in Summerville.

Evette visited one of the three YMCA locations in Summerville to learn more about their programs. In the past, she says she’s visited a location in Florence, Myrtle Beach and even the national organization in Washington, D.C.

In the Lowcountry, Evette has worked with the Y to bring a portable pool to communities like Walterboro and St. George over the past few years. And she says the programs the Y offers are important to the youth as they allow them to learn soft skills.

“School is going to be coming to an end, and parents need to know what they can do with their children during the day,” Evette said. “A safe place, a learning place, a place their kids will have fun and want to come every day. And the Y fills that gap also.”

Plus, she says the Y benefits seniors as they’re able to find new friends and keep up with their social life.

And at The Ponds’ YMCA, a new “Y on the Fly” bus is taking those kinds of programs and bringing them on the go. This new addition came from a $50,000 donation from Boeing.

Evette says anyone with this access is able to succeed.

“Ronald Reagan had his first job as a lifeguard here with the Y,” Evette said. “Walt Disney lived at the Y while he was designing and creating some of his most iconic characters. And so, the Y has a long-standing reputation of being a staple in every community. And so, it’s important to let people know the resources they have right here under this roof.”

Evette says youth and government are headed by the Y. So, it’s important for the younger generation to get involved in government and learn how to vote.

And although she has not officially filed, Evette did mention she is still strongly considering running for governor.

Click here to learn more about the YMCA at The Ponds and to get involved with their programs.

PALM to receive funding as part of the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) Lt. Governors’ STEM Scholarship Program

CONWAY, SOUTH CAROLINA – South Carolina Lt. Governor Pamela Evette has announced that Palmetto Academy for Motor Sports is an award recipient of the 2025 NLGA Lt. Governors STEM Scholarship Program!  NLGA will award the school $500 as part of a national call for applications for funding STEM programming and curriculum in schools.

“STEM opportunities are essential for students across all ages, disciplines, and career paths,” said Lt. Governor Evette. “South Carolina stands as a national leader in the automotive, manufacturing, and motorsports industries. Through supporting STEM education at PALM, the NLGA funding is advancing the education and development of South Carolina’s future S.C. workforce.”

PALM is a vocational high school dedicated to preparing students for careers in the motorsports industry. The STEM Scholarship will provide funding for microscopes, enabling students to incorporate microscopy into subjects like biology and chemistry, and to enhance their academic experience through a robust, competency-based curriculum.

NLGA opened the application period for the STEM Scholarship Program in January 2025. The application process was competitive, with NLGA receiving more than 125 requests for STEM funding from schools in 32 states and territories. Twelve schools in 12 states and territories were awarded $500 – $1,000 for STEM-related expenses.

“As the seconds-in-command in state and territorial government, lieutenant governors are uniquely poised to lead on STEM education,” said NLGA Executive Director Kellie Rittershausen. “By supporting STEM-related activities in schools across the country, we can encourage a long-term interest and passion in STEM education in America’s youth.”

The Scholarship Program is administered by NLGA, the nonpartisan, nonprofit association for the nation’s seconds-in-command, and sponsored by ACT, the education and career readiness nonprofit.

“ACT is proud to have been the sponsor of the NLGA STEM scholarship program since its inception and to see its growth and impact over the past 4 years,” ACT CEO Janet Godwin said. “STEM education is crucial for our country’s future workforce which will be increasingly reliant on the critical thinking and problem-solving skills it fosters, regardless of a student’s college or career pathway.  ACT is uniquely poised to meet this moment, and working alongside NLGA, we are committed to ensuring that all students leave high school prepared to enter a world of evolving postsecondary and work opportunities, including those for which a high-quality STEM education are essential.”

Public, private, and tribal schools serving pre-K – 12th grade students in the 50 states and five U.S. territories were invited to apply for funding to support STEM-related activities, programming, curriculum, equipment, and other expenses. Funding will be provided to all winning schools in May.

Additional information on the STEM Scholarship Program can be found at https://nlga.us/state-strategies-in-stem/.

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Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette brings her supporters, friends, and the people of South Carolina her 1st Quarter 2025 e-mail update.

In this edition, we share a few highlights of how Evette is supporting President Trump’s agenda in SC, featured news stories, how Team SC is working to fight SC wildfires + SC business features (large & small), non-profits who are making a difference, and a few personal updates.

Below is March 2025’s opening message from Lt. Gov. Evette.

A Message from Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette

If you’re like me, you can’t believe that it’s already March. 2025 is flying by, and a BIG part of that is how President Trump is taking action in the Oval Office at lightning speed. His dedication to keeping the promises he made and his drive to Make America Great Again is awe inspiring.

What a time to be an American — in the Golden Age!

I am committed to being an ally for our President in South Carolina. I will never stop pushing to keep the Palmetto State winning, today and well into the future!

Lt. Governor Pamela S. Evette

by Perrin Moore; originally published

One of the loudest voices in Congress visited the Lowcountry this weekend.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14) was the keynote speaker at the Berkeley County Republican Women’s Annual Spring Tea in Nexton Sunday.

Greene wasn’t the only lawmaker in town, with South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette also making an appearance in the Lowcountry.

“Honored to be with the strongest MAGA woman in Congress today,” Evette wrote in a post on X.

Addressing the Berkeley County crowd, Greene spoke about her Protect Children’s Innocence Act, which would prohibit gender affirming care for minors and classify charges for doctors found to have conducted gender affirming care as felonies.

The bill, H.R. 1399, was referred to the Subcommittee on Health by the Committee on Ways and Means in December, with Rep. Jeff Duncan (SC-03) and William Timmons (SC-04) listed as Palmetto State cosponsors.

The Congressional Equality Caucus said Greene’s bill would “throw parents and doctors in jail” as House Republicans work to “implement Project 2025’s assault on LGBTQI+ Americans’ rights.”

by Haleigh West, originally posted March 24, 2025 by ABC 15 News (WPDE)

The South Carolina Lt. Gov., Pamela Evette, traveled across the Palmetto State to visit several companies that hire young people.

On Friday, she was in Darlington County visiting Sonoco, which hires teenagers straight from the area’s schools.

The goal is to introduce them to career pathways early and give them job experience.

Darlington County School District works to prepare students for the workforce with programs like internships, career exploration and career awareness programs.

ABC15 spoke with two students who are involved in the program, one student who had been through it and another who is taking advantage of the program right now.

“The transition coming in as a teenager at 17 years old, I hadn’t really known a whole lot. And over the course of years between school and Sonoco and Darlington County itself, it helped me learn what I know now.”

ABC15 spoke to the Lt. Gov. who said it is a great effort to give students work experience for those who may not want to jump into college debt.

Event at Fort Dorchester Elementary highlights efforts in South Carolina

South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Vision to Learn President Ann Hollister attended a special event Friday, March 14, at Fort Dorchester Elementary School, celebrating the nonprofit’s success in providing vision care to children across South Carolina.

During the event, Evette and Hollister helped 20 students at the school try on their new glasses for the first time. This moment marked a milestone for Vision to Learn’s South Carolina program, which has provided more than 30,000 vision screenings, 12,000 eye exams and 10,000 pairs of glasses to students in need, all at no cost to the child or their family.

“Education is the gateway to success, and for students with vision issues, glasses are the gateway to learning,” Evette said. “I’m proud to partner with Vision to Learn to help ensure our children have access to the eye care they need to reach their full potential.”

Since its launch in 2021, Vision to Learn has expanded its reach in South Carolina, assisting students in Charleston and Dorchester counties. The program serves as one of the state’s most comprehensive school-based initiatives for children’s eye care.

“Vision to Learn has been a game changer for students in Dorchester County,” said Dorchester School District Two Interim Superintendent Chad Dougherty. “By providing eye exams and glasses to students where they are every day – at their neighborhood school – this effort has delivered access to care that was sorely lacking for many of our students.”

Vision to Learn, a national nonprofit founded in 2012, seeks to address the disparity in access to eye care, especially in low-income communities. According to the organization, about 1-in-4 children need glasses, but many go without the proper care. In South Carolina alone, an estimated 100,000 students lack the necessary glasses.

“More than 3 million children across the country go to school every day without the glasses they need,” said Vision To Learn Founder Austin Beutner. “Every child in every school, everywhere in the country, should have the glasses they need to succeed in school and in life.”

For more information on Vision to Learn and its programs, visit www.visiontolearn.org

By Pamela S. Evette; originally published in the Post & Courier February 6, 2025

On Wednesday we recognized National Girls and Women in Sports Day, a day created to inspire American girls and women to play sports and be active.

While this should be a day when our country celebrates how far we’ve come in creating opportunities for women and girls to build confidence, become stronger and develop character, it has instead become a focal point in our enduring fight to protect women and girls.

In recent years, driven by the increasingly radical left, girls’ and women’s sports have been under attack. In their misguided and warped embrace of diversity, equity and inclusion, liberals have pushed an agenda to allow biological boys and men to compete head-to-head against girls and women. In doing so, not only have women and girls across the nation been robbed of the recognition and titles they deserved, but those participating in more physical sports have been knowingly put in harm’s way.

I was incredibly proud Wednesday to stand with President Donald Trump as he signed an executive order to keep men out of women’s sports. Still, as a mom and participant in women’s sports, I am heartbroken at the immeasurable damage that cannot be undone. Liberal Democrats will stop at nothing to push their agenda, no matter how out of touch with the desires of the American people, because they’ve forgotten a critical aspect of our rights as Americans.

They’ve forgotten that one person’s rights end where another’s begin.

As Americans, we are free to make certain choices: where we shop, who we live with, how we choose to dress, etc. But the choices one person makes should never infringe on the rights of others.

If you identify as a gender other than your biological sex at birth, that choice doesn’t give you the right to infringe on my daughter’s safety, comfort or ability to excel against other biological girls in competitive sports. And it definitely doesn’t give you the right to steal our girls’ and women’s hard-earned and rightful successes.

Democrats want to tout the science on issues that fit their agenda but have intentionally ignored the science when it comes to how unfair, and frankly dangerous, it is for men to compete against women. Pound for pound, men are stronger, more powerful and faster.

According to a Consensus Statement for the American College of Sports Medicine: “Thus for athletic events and sports relying on endurance, muscle strength, speed, and power, males typically outperform females by 10%-30% depending on the requirements of the event. These sex differences in performance emerge with the onset of puberty and coincide with the increase in endogenous sex steroid hormones, in particular testosterone in males, which increases 30-fold by adulthood, but remains low in females.”

I was proud to stand with Gov. Henry McMaster when he signed the Save Women’s Sports Act into law in 2022 to preserve fair competition for all S.C. girls and women. And even though other conservative states have passed similar laws and we now have President Trump’s executive order, we can’t stop there.

We must do more to set the record straight for the women and girls who’ve been robbed of their titles, which are currently held by biological men. We can never fully repair the harm and give back those stolen moments of glory, but we must find a way to provide these female athletes and their families — who dedicated so much time, blood, sweat and tears — the titles they rightfully earned.

I am grateful to President Trump and Gov. McMaster for their leadership in this fight to protect our nation’s women and girls. I hope you’ll join me as I continue to advocate and fight for women and girls of all ages both in South Carolina and throughout our nation.

Pamela S. Evette is the lieutenant governor of South Carolina.