Thumbs up to students' work in Mechatronics

Thumbs up to three students from Florence School District 1’s Florence Career Center for being the first to receive certification in the Mechatronics Core Curricular from the National Center for Construction Education and Research: Jason Zheng and Rajagh Harrison, both of South Florence High School, and Sheldon Ford, a student at Wilson High School. All three have been certified in the areas of safety, hand tools, power tools, blueprints, rigging, communications and job-seeking skills. They received a diploma, a certification card and transcript after completing eight written and hands-on exams. The mechatronics curriculum uses specialized equipment to enhance instruction in electrical wiring, circuit breakers and fuses, hydraulics, pneumatics, robotics, electrical blueprints and other topics. Mechatronics Core Curricular certification is a voluntary process and doesn’t impact the students’ grade for the course, said Jim Johnson, a mechatronics instructor at the center, which makes these students’ achievement all the more admirable. All three students said they think the certification they’ve earned now will help them secure employment opportunities later. Kudos to Zheng, Harrison and Ford for their career planning. We wish them the best of luck in the future.

Thumbs up to all those who serve as Guardians ad Litem in our community. A Guardian ad Litem is a court-appointed advocate for neglected or abused children during family court proceedings. Paulette Blake, Guardian ad Litem coordinator for the 12th Judicial Circuit, said these volunteers advocate for children who have been abused or neglected and are involved in the Family Court system. “These dedicated volunteers provide hope, strength and support to children in desperate need of a caring adult in their lives,” she said. Those interested in making a difference in the life of a child by becoming a volunteer Guardian ad Litem will have the chance to do so in the 12th Judicial Circuit by participating in a 10-day training session that begins June 8. Guardian ad Litem candidates must be at least 21 years old and be able to pass background and reference checks. For more information about the program, call Blake at (843) 669-7940 or visit Florence.scgal.org online.

Florence County Sheriff’s Lt. Wayne Howard gives a thumbs up and thank you to all who contributed to last weekend’s 17th annual Sheriff’s Office/Bass Pro Shops Fishing Tournament at John C. Land Landing at Santee Cooper Lakes. He gives special thanks to this years’ sponsors Bass Pro Shops, Coca Cola, Marshall’s Marine, QVC, Bojangles, Fatz Cafe, Outback Steakhouse, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, Jackie McGee and Drs. James Coward and Mark Lawhon, and all the volunteers who gave their time and energy toward making this year’s event such a success. All proceeds raised through the event benefit the sheriff’s office’s special community projects, including this year’s 13th annual Camp Pee Dee Pride, which will take place June 15-26 and July 6-17 at Francis Marion University for children between the ages of 8 and 12. During the camp, children learn about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and how to handle pressure from peers who engage in illegal activity. Participants also spend time doing such physical activities as swimming, basketball and volleyball. Off-campus activities include bowling, attending RedWolves baseball games and the Wild Water theme park in Myrtle Beach. Camp Pee Dee Pride is governed by a six-member board made up of law enforcement officials and local business professionals. For more details on Camp Pee Dee Pride or to make a donation, call Howard at (843) 665-2121, ext. 339.