Students learn how to work with other nations

By ROB NOVIT

Senior writer

Keisha Lloyd-Kennedy operates two charter schools and a new facility is nearing completion.

On Monday she was on a retreat with Leadership Aiken County and finding parallels with her initial business efforts six years ago.

Lloyd-Kennedy and 28 other county residents were participating in a simulated society exercise called "SimSoc." They were divided in four "countries" with varying resources and trying to figure out how to work with the other nations.

"This is bringing back memories of having absolutely nothing," Lloyd Kennedy said. "I started with an idea."

Over the next several months, Leadership Aiken County members will learn about their community through a series of field trips. But they are already getting to know each other.

"Everybody has been so nice," Lloyd-Kennedy said.

"It's a great group and their talents are coming out."

Parsons executive Pam Amendola, the new Leadership class coordinator, has lived in Aiken since 1990. She spent most of her career with Westinghouse Savannah River Company and was focused more on her own firm. Participating in Leadership Aiken County herself three years ago was an eye-opening experience.

"I got to see all the good and the bad," Amendola said. "I was happy with all the human services agencies and law enforcement efforts. But I also saw how many people are not as fortunate."

That experience has assisted Amendola with her job at Parsons, getting out in the community more and putting out some of her company's resources to help with community needs.

The new class will participate in the ROPES course.

"It's about team-building, but also about pushing yourself a bit," Amendola said. "You come in as strangers and you leave as friends. That's the intent of the retreat."

Other class members are Eric Abdullah, Mary Carol Anderson, Jerry Beck, Sharon Cormier, Stephanie Dingle, Kenny Dukes, Seletha Gartrell, Sarah Griffis, Andy Grodzicki, Steve Hamlett, Heather Hanami, Stacy Hanson, Dave Isherwood, Gina Kelly, Sandra Korbelik, Emory Langston, Jake Mahoney, Donald Miles, Rachel Moulton, Eric Huhlbaier, Rochelle Oldfield, Sharon Rodgers, Amanda Taylor, Mike Thomas, Lisa Tindal, Kevin Toole and Lauri Yeargin.

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.