Students learn how to work with other nations 10/6/2008 11:55 PM
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.
Notice about comments:
AikenStandard.com is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. AikenStandard.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not AikenStandard.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.
0