I wish I knew [how to help] Gov. Mark Sanford understand and recognize all the creative, educational opportunities that Santee Cooper offers for our county and state. Industries are constantly encouraged to partner with schools. This request is mainly due to the lack of funding by the state and the rising cost of education. Partnerships save districts and states from increasing local taxes. These partnerships enable our students to be more involved in education and allow our teachers to be better trained (sponsoring summer classes and programs). Education and learning are enhanced thanks to businesses/industries such as Santee Cooper.

I work with the Career and Technical Education programs in Berkeley County. I have never contacted a person at Santee Cooper requesting assistance with a program or for a student (to shadow, co-op, intern, etc.) and been denied. All their employees take education personally. I would like to list some of some of the programs and activities Santee Cooper sponsors in Berkeley County. They are:

Teachers of the Year recognition for all schools (with a cash reward).

Partnerships with Macedonia Middle, Berkeley Middle, Berkeley Elementary, Berkeley Intermediate, Cross Elementary, Cross High, Westview Primary and Westview Elementary schools.

The CHOICES Program at Macedonia, Berkeley and Cross middle schools.

Energy Educators institute (statewide program for training teachers).

A student-recognition program for the Career and Technical Education program completers in Berkeley, Georgetown and Horry counties.

Project Inquiry (support for science and math education).

Placement of high-school cooperative students and intern programs.

Assistance with the Robotics Program at Timberland High School.

A variety of speakers for our students from all different career areas.

Mock trial assistance.

Junior Achievement.

Presentations on electrical safety and environmental issues.

Carolina Coastal Adventure workshops for ninth- and 10th-grade students.

Curriculum materials to all teachers throughout the state for outreach efforts.

I do not doubt that Santee Cooper provides the same [kinds of assistance] in Horry and Georgetown counties.

Before Sanford pursues [his attempts to take Santee Cooper money to support state budgets] any further, I hope he will please take the time to consider this list of activities and programs in Berkeley, Georgetown, and Horry counties that are impacted by this one industry partner. The impact Santee Cooper and its employees make through charitable contributions, sponsorships, volunteer hours - simply good corporate citizenship - are far-reaching and immeasurable and invaluable to the communities in which we serve and live. All these programs and activities are being accomplished because it is simply the right thing to do.

Sanford's decision to take this away would be a sad day in Berkeley, Horry and Georgetown counties, whose communities and schools benefit so much from this industry.