2008 Richland One "Great Friend to After- school" Award recipients are (First Row, l- r) Camille Weston, Jocelyn Brannon, Olisha Durant, Lashonda Outing, Melanie Rease and Billie Fisher ( Second Row, l- r): Henry Hopkins, Captain Joseph Pellicci, Dr. John Spurrier, City of Columbia Police Chief Tandy Carter, and WIS- TV reporter Lucas McFadden. The winners of the 2008 Richland One Friend of After- school awards come from many different walks of life: a sheriff, teacher, mom, community leader, baseball team manager, and etiquette coach. But they share a common bond: supporting Richland One's after- school programs and the vital services they provide to thousands of families.

Award winners were announced at the Richland One After- school Convocation held September 3 at Gibbes Middle School.

The winners of the Friend of After- School Award are

•Sheriff Leon Lott (Richland County Sheriff 's Department)

•Dr. John Spurrier (University of South Carolina - Capstone Scholars Program)

•Camille Weston (Richland One Teacher and Afterschool Staff Member)

•Henry Hopkins (Eau Claire Community Council)

•Jocelyn Brannon (Palmetto School of Protocol)

•Joyce Epps (Benedict College - School of Education)

•Jimmy James (Columbia Blowfish manager)

•Ed Carlon and Staff (Richland School District One - Office of Budget Services)

•Robert Hardison and Staff (Richland School District One - Office of Procurement)

•Olisha Durant (Richland School District One - Transportation Division).

The After- School Convocation was hosted by Richland One's Office of Extended Day Programs to advocate for after- school programs, increase awareness of after- school opportunities in the community, honor the staff working in those programs and recognize those individuals, businesses and organizations that quietly and tirelessly support after- school programs. The Convocation featured a keynote address by City of Columbia Police Chief Tandy Carter and student performances by the St. Andrews Middle School Choral Ensemble. WIS- TV news reporter Lucas McFadden served as the event's master of ceremonies.

Richland One hosts a variety of award- winning after- school programs including 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Project ACT, SCE&G Homework Centers, athletic tutorials, after- school childcare, and comprehensive remediation.

For more information please contact the Richland One Office of Communications at 231-7504 or 231- 7510.