2nd Annual Prayer Walks

Joyce M. Searson, Publisher

Once again you could feel the presence of God in the schools as simultaneous prayer walks were conducted Sunday night in all public schools of Bamberg County by the Ministerial Alliance of Churches.

Prayers were said by students, teachers, parents, local residents, church members and pastors of local churches from the communities in Bamberg School District One and Bamberg School District Two (Denmark-Olar schools).

"We are one in God's people," said Charlie Lucas, Pastor of Bamberg First Baptist Church. Lucas thanked everyone for coming out and supporting the schools and praying for the school faculty, students and staff.

B-E High School Principal Randy Maxwell, "This is a great way to start the school year. I believe in the power of prayer." Maxwell gave thanks to the school board members for allowing this to happen. "We (500 plus students and staff) need all the prayer and help we can get," he said.

Last year over 120 students, teachers, parents, and residents gathered at the B-E High School to pray for the school year that began the next day. They walked through the building praying together for God to bless the high school.

Many of the teachers came and allowed them to pray in their classrooms. It was an extremely meaningful hour both for those who participated and for the facility and staff who were able to attend.

"We hope this year's prayer event will bring our communities together to seek the Lord on behalf of our schools. The renovation of Bamberg One's middle and high schools as well as the construction of the new primary school are great blessings, but Psalms 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who built it,” said Pastor Lucas.

Richard Carroll Middle School Principal Skipper Smith said, "Education of children is not an easy task and we are very proud of what we do."

This is the first year that the prayer walk was extended to the Denmark schools. Denmark-Olar High School Principal Mickey Pringle said, "We welcome the opportunity for the Lord Jesus Christ to be involved in what we are doing in our school."

Bamberg School District Two Superintendent Dr. Thelma Sojourner said it was a profound and spiritual experience. " If we put God first, all other things are added unto us."

Dr. Sojourner says she saw the proof of just that at all three schools Sunday night with the parents and students that participated in the event.

Once again, prayer has made it back into Bamberg County's schools...God bless our schools.. its students and its staff....Amen.

Job Corps Graduation

Jerry Durgan, Contributing Writer

Bamberg Job Corps graduated over 125 students from the nine training programs offered by the Center.

To a gymnasium filled to capacity, speaking at the commencement Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell told the graduating class that “this is your day” to the commencement theme “Crossing the Bridge to success.”

“You are my second Graduating Class as a Center Director at the Bamberg Job Corps Center,” Center Director Eric Jones told the graduating class. “This graduating class and each of you individually are very special to me."

Ravenell message coincided with Mr. Jones’ presentation. “Be proud of what you have become. Be firm. Be fair. And above all, be consistent.”

The Rematch

Jerry E. Halmon, Sports Editor

It’s funny how history seems to repeat itself. Last year the Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School Red Raiders rode an emotional wave into a first-time ever game with Class 4-A opponent Orangeburg-Wilkinson after the death of beloved School Resource Officer Eric “E.B.” Bamberg and came away with an historic 49-48 win in overtime at Bruin Stadium in Orangeburg. That win propelled the team to an undefeated regular season and its first state championship game in almost 20 years.

Fast forward to this season as the Red Raiders enter a re-match with the Bruins after the death of beloved cheerleader Kendra Stewart, who died tragically in a car accident a little over a month ago. Could Kendra’s tragic death be the impetus the team needs to get another win over the Bruins?

To repeat their historic performance of last season in becoming only the fifth Class A school since 1981 to defeat a 4A opponent. On offense the Red Raiders will try to match their close to 350 yards and five touchdowns rushing and two touchdowns passing performance against the Bruin defense. On defense the young Red Raider secondary will try to prevent a repeat of the 78 and 80 yard pass plays and 381 yards and four touchdown performances by a senior quarterback and receiving corps the Bruins featured last year.

This year’s Red Raider team has a number of talented players and Division 1 level prospects and showed in the region jamboree they are capable of moving the ball in the air and on the ground on offense and capable of making stops on defense, holding the venerable Allendale-Fairfax Tigers Wing-T Offense to one score over the first 18 minutes of the scrimmage.

The rematch of last year’s historic game between B-E and OW was played at Leon Maxwell Stadium on 8/19/11 and the Bamberg-Ehrhardt Red Raiders won the contest 35-7.