William H

William H. “Billy” O’Dell South Carolina State Senate District 4, Abbeville and Anderson Counties “I was invited to Carolina Springs Academy to join a team of community and civic leaders in judging a student debate on campus. I was most impressed at that time with the professionalism of the administration and staff and was particularly impressed with the conduct and demeanor of the students. They were well behaved, happy and intelligent young people. I learned at that time that Carolina Springs is a Specialty Boarding School for students who may be struggling at home and whose parents have sent them to the school. Since that time, I have been very involved with the school in working with the administration to enhance school programs and offer independent assistance with their operations. I have spent literally hundreds of hours with the students and staff on choir trips, parades, dinner groups, campus activities, field trips, business meetings or just eating lunch with them in the school cafeteria. Over these past two years, my wife and I have personally enjoyed various off campus dinners and activities with dozens and dozens of students, many of which I have now come to know quite well. In addition, I try to personally meet with each graduate as a part of a presentation of a Senate Certificate. I often ask the students I meet with to describe their experience at the school. The most common response I get is that it has not been easy, but it has helped turn their life around. I have had students tell me that they believe it has actually saved their life. I have watched as graduates tearfully hug staff, teachers, and administrators in an expression of gratitude before they depart for home with their families. My own observations have assured me that the administration and staff are professional, caring people, who are genuine in their desires to help young people improve their lives. In addition to my personal involvement with the students, I have also been involved with the state licensure process via the South Carolina Division of Social Services. This is a very detailed and exacting process as qualified state personnel interview students, view charts, and records, and conduct a thorough walk through and examination of all aspects of the campus and the school’s processes. Carolina Springs Academy has been licensed by the State of South Carolina and has been academically accredited for seven years. This is a tribute to the operations of the school and is an additional safeguard to the students and their well-being. I am grateful for the service being provided to families in need, and render my support on behalf of Carolina Springs Academy. - Senator William H. "Billy" O'Dell

 

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