“It Kids” Want The Governor
They’ve landed every big name in Palmetto politics except one – but that could be changing.
Dutch Fork (S.C.) High School’s “It Kids” are working hard to get Gov. Mark Sanford to pay a visit to their current issues class, which thanks to the efforts of teacher Kelly Payne has become the Palmetto State’s preeminent destination for political talk.
Judging from the looks of it, a few of them “ain’t too proud to beg,” either.
Will it work?
“The governor would certainly like to visit at some point,” said Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer, just one of the South Carolina political luminaries who has spoken to the “It kids.”
If Sanford is able to make the trip, count on FITS to bring you a complete report.
Comments
By "It Kids" on May 22nd, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Top Three Reasons for Governor Sanford to speak to our class:
1. He could use it to announce his bid for the presidency
2. He could recruit an enthusiastic campaign staff for his bid
3. He can use our class as a model for reforming the education system in South Carolina!!
By An Ardent Admirer of Ms. Payne on May 22nd, 2009 at 3:07 pm
I think that having the Governor visit the class would be a wonderful end to the school year. They have heard many other politicians speak about the Governor and the ideas that he has for the state, I think that the kids would relish the ability to hear directly from the Governor about his plans and ideas. What a way for future voters to be able to see the politial process up close.
By ha on May 22nd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Maybe they can stump him more than Wolfe Blitzer.
By Trey on May 22nd, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Any possibility of finding a classroom of black “it kids”?
By Cindy Mirt on May 22nd, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Please visit and speak with this class Governor Sanford. It is important to them and they have been extremely enthusiastic about this class this year and that is exciting that the younger generation is interested in the governing of the state of South Carolina and the rest of the United States. You speaking to the school would be welcomed!
By Corey on May 22nd, 2009 at 3:42 pm
I played soccer with your son, Landon, we called him “Landford”- Please come visit us! Corey Brown
By Andrell on May 22nd, 2009 at 3:48 pm
I’m in the picture! i’m there! come asap
By Alex on May 22nd, 2009 at 4:17 pm
I think having Governor Sanford visit the “It Kids” classroom would give the students the chance to meet with one of the most important, and controversial, political leaders in the country. The students continued eagerness to delve into the heart of S.C. politics and current issues would truly be rewarded by a visit from Gov. Sanford and show a side of Sandford that has all but been forgotten.
By Please Visit Us on May 22nd, 2009 at 4:33 pm
You’ll be safe at DFHS there won’t be any Legislatures there!
By Sarah on May 22nd, 2009 at 4:35 pm
We may even bump Sic Willie from his “best speaker” favorite status.
By Hardened on May 22nd, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Our governor should really focus national attention on Ms. Payne’s ability to motivate students to work harder. She’s had an amazing effect on my daughter’s academic interest and performance. Governor Sanford, Ms. Payne has developed an approach that works fantastically.
By reggie on May 22nd, 2009 at 4:58 pm
maannnn, back in my day it wasnt this cool to be an “it kid”. I WANT MY REFUND MS PAYNE!!!
By smart Kid Grant on May 22nd, 2009 at 4:59 pm
It would be a great honor to me and all of the rest of us who will be in the room when he comes to see our governor in person. This is the goal that we have had all year, and it would be a wonderful climax to a great year for those of us who are graduating the next week. I know I cannot wait to know if and when Governor Sanford will come into the class, and truly make us the it-kids, that we are told that we are. Of course all of us will wear our great T-shirts, and hope for more great people like our governor to come to the Den of Payne in the future!
By newzjunkie on May 22nd, 2009 at 5:41 pm
@Trey: That would NEVER happen! They are NOT his base. How dare he go out the box!
By Rebecca on May 22nd, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Governor Sanford,
Please come visit our Current Issues Class. We would be honored to have you in our classroom.
By King Cotton on May 22nd, 2009 at 6:10 pm
While it’s apparent Ms. Payne has done an admirable job getting her students interested in civics and the kids enjoy the unique opportunity to hear first-hand from those in power, it would be nice if our elected leaders could take time to spread their wisdom beyond these 20-or-so students.
With more than 200,000 students enrolled in SC public high schools, this group represents just .0005 percent of all high school students in the state, yet they’ve gotten more face time with SC’s movers and shakers than most South Carolinians will in their entire life.
It’s great that these kids are interested in being engaged in the political process, but maybe we ought to try and spread the knowledge around a little more.
By Yes Sir on May 22nd, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Agreed King Cotton. Its quite easy to that this school is 15 minutes from the capital. I am sure that legislators and local officials speak at schools when they can, but my guess is these kids stack up with most advanced civics students around the state. The reason Will pimps her is she is attractive.
By parker callison on May 22nd, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Don’t do it, Mark. Remember how Der Beaz was caught at a high school claiming a world’s record in track. His numbers and insight were much more accurate than yours.
By justsaynotojoe on May 23rd, 2009 at 12:03 am
Govenor Sanford
Take advantage of this invitation, take Jenny and the boys. You will never see this level of excellence in public education once (if) you return to Charleston County and the boys enter the public school system.
By Trey on May 23rd, 2009 at 7:49 am
I really think you should take on the challenge of finding some black “it kids”. With what you have done with Robert Ford and trying to get a black coalition supporting school choice, doing work like that in the black community would be helpful.
By liz on May 23rd, 2009 at 8:06 am
The Governor should not shy away from these well educated kids.
My bet is that they could give him a run for his money, therefore he stays way far away……
By GnuBerry on May 23rd, 2009 at 8:30 am
You seem fixated on vouchers.
By Rebecca on May 23rd, 2009 at 9:06 am
Trey,
We don’t “find black it-kids” This is a class you sign up for, its not something you’re elected to be in. No special given oppertunity. Oh and before you go making racist comments, check your facts first. Since you care so much about about race, we have about 20 black students. To me, Ms. Payne, and all the other students, it doesn’t matter what race you are and it shouldn’t matter to you either.
By Sarah on May 23rd, 2009 at 9:28 am
Trey: we have plenty of African American “It Kids” in our Current Issues classes. Ms. Payne makes all of her students strive to be “It Kids”- she holds ALL of us up to higher standards and motivates us to work hard and think outside of the box. The students in this picture are from our World History class. The Current Issues class is at the end of the day. The average attendance in our room for a guest speaker is around 55 students when we combine Ms. Payne’s A day and B day classes. When the desks are filled we sit on the floor, or on the back tables and take the crates down to make room. We could use the school auditorium, but we don’t want to. We want to keep our room the real deal for the students and the guests. It isn’t a “show” for people. We do ask thoughtful and challenging questions that are worthy of an honest debate.
By No Sir You are off base on May 23rd, 2009 at 9:44 am
Yes Sir: I am sure that we do stack up to most civics classes around the state as far as “state standards” required knowledge. The thing that sets us aside from all of the rest is that we have created a passion and excitement for what is going on outside of the classroom and in the real world. We ask for people to come in and share their knowledge with us. If you don’t ask for things in life… you won’t receive. Ms. Payne has taught us to be go-getters, movers and shakers, and independent thinkers. I think the reason why Will “pimps” Ms. Payne is because she has undeniably created a very conducive, and creative, environment for learning and helped us meet a lot of the state’s top political luminaries and public servants. Plus she is a very intelligent lady with street smarts.
By Zac on May 23rd, 2009 at 10:43 am
“Will it work” ??? You don’t know if you don’t try. Gov. Sanford is welcome in our class. It would be an honor for him to come next week.
By Yes Sir on May 23rd, 2009 at 10:58 am
No Sir…
Point is taken. But you are showing your youth by stereotyping yourself. Have you set foot into another advanced civics class in a South Carolina public school…aside from DFHS? The point is Ms. Payne, while I am sure is an excellent teacher/motivator, is not breaking new ground here. 20+ years ago, when we had no internet in school, blogs were not even thought of, and MSA was it, I was challeneged by my 10th grade government teacher to do many of the same things, without half the resources you have today. That is not a knock on your or your class, as I do beleive you excel well, and probably above the average student. The point was that this class, while deserving credit, is not the only one in the state doing these things and Ms. Payne is not the only teacher motivating her students. My comments were directed to King Cotton and agreeing with his/her assesment. It is really more of a motivational speech to FITS to get out of the Columbia/Lexington comfort zone and see what’s happening in Greenville/Charleston/Pee Dee…etc.
And trust me, Will “pimps” Ms. Payne…in part if not all, because she is attractive and female, and the sooner you “it” kids realize what type of person he really is the better. My guess…5 years, he will be irrelevant in the SC political scene.
By Yes Sir on May 23rd, 2009 at 11:00 am
and as you can tell from lack of computers 20 years ago, my typing skills are a bit off…MSA should be MSM…and forgive the mispellings
By wow on May 23rd, 2009 at 2:19 pm
OH MY GOD! “Yes Sir” should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for not using technology to bring in speakers!!!
By Rebecca on May 23rd, 2009 at 2:44 pm
To Yes Sir
1. Whoop de doo, we blog. Whats such a big issue about blogging? It’s called using our resources.
2. Back in your time, you didn’t have technology to use, so you had to find other ways. Today, the internet is one of the most important ways of communicating.
3. We don’t just blog. We write letters, attend political conventions, write papers, make speeches. There are many ways that we communicate with politicans and leaders. So don’t stereotype us.
4. Good for the other classes in South Carolina that are doing the things we are doing. I am sure they are recieving credit too. If not, please, do show them to us.
5. I have met Mr. Folks and he is one of the nicest and funniest people I have ever met. He’s not two-faced like you’re suggesting
6. Who wouldn’t want to show off Ms.Payne? She is one of the most beautiful people I have ever met.
7. “probably above the average student?” If we weren’t above the average student, 90% of the speakers whouldn’t have come in! I hope you aren’t underestimating our ability, our knowledge. Will has done so much for us, but there’s more than just blogging. We were on Hannity for Neal Boortz, Neal Boortz personally called Ms. Payne on stage in the middle of his rally and thanked her in front of 12,000 people. We have been interviewed by Neal Boortz’s assistant, interviewed by the Press, we’re on YouTube! If you ask me, you’ve got to be pretty special to have had all of those amazing oppertunities.(and more)
8. Gilda Cobb-Hunter came to speak to us. Jim Rex came to speak to us. John Steinberger is coming in to speak to us. We know what’s going on outside of Columbia.
Don’t jump to conclusions.
By Yes Sir on May 23rd, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Rebecca,
You make valid points. I was not downing the use of blogs or technology. I think they serve a great purpose for young and old minds alike. I was simply stating that you, your peers, nor Ms. Payne were pioneers in this arena as Will likes to to paint you to be. People have always used what is available to them as they should. And before you toot the Neal Boortz horn to loud, just keep in mind that 24hr news channels have to have something to fill the air. That doesn’t discredit you or your class, but it’s just a fact.
I give you the utmost credit and respect and glad that you are eager to learn. However, my humble opinion is that it is easier to get people to come and speak with you b/c you are in Columbia, where government is HQ’d, so to speak. Never did I suggest you didn’t know what was going on outside Columbia. I suggested that FITS maybe do the same expose and love affair he has for your class on other schools (i.e. – get outside the Columbia comfort zone)
As for Will, he’s sort of like an open house in person when he speaks to group…kind of like most people, you see the best side and what he wants you to see. You don’t see the side that has the CDV conviction (not just a charge) or the side that makes up stories to simply not be true and then NEVER prove them (something that MSM still must do or be libel).
Keep up the good work Rebecca and congratulations to your class and Ms. Payne (one of the most beautiful people you’ve ever met)and don’t stop all the good you do this summer when school lets out…keep it going.
By Rebecca on May 24th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Yes Sir,
This was at the FairTax Rally. It was streaming live online across the nation so its not some 24 hr filler, thank you very much. If it was some “24 hr filler” they (Mike Huckabee and Neal Boortz) wouldn’t have been interviewed on Hannity’s Show.
I know our class and Ms. Payne aren’t “pioneers in this arena” but look around, I don’t see any other classes getting involved as much as we do. If there are, and they aren’t recieving the credit, I’d be happy to give them some. This is one of the main focuses of our class: To get others like us involved in the community and world around us.
Believe me,I won’t stop and neither will this class.
By Trey on May 25th, 2009 at 2:57 am
Rebecca,
Here is why race matters. Dutch Fork is about 68% white, 15% of the students parents earn less than $16,000 per year and score on math exams at 74% proficient. If you lived in Lee County and went to public schools you would be going to a school that is 98% black, 87% of the parents would earn less that $16,000 per year and scores on math exams suggest that 26% of the students are proficient in math.
Let’s go to a Lee County or an Allendale and find black kids engaged in the rich content and opportunities that you guys are involved in. And let’s find a teacher like Mrs.Payne. And while we are at it, let’s find any political figures that are willing to come and talk to kids in Lee County or any media that would be interested if they did.
Lastly, Mrs. Payne would never, ever teach the kids in Lee County. Might not survive were she to try. Yet, these kids deserve all at you have and the rich experience that you are getting. It should not matter that your parents are able to buy a house in one of South Carolina’s most advantaged districts that can provide teachers like Mrs. Payne.
Race Matters,
Trey
By Rebecca on May 25th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Trey,
You make an excellent point. Its sad to see that, and I have seen it personally, firsthand. I have been to worse places than Lee County in South Carolina. I’ve seen stuff no one would like to imagine. (in South Carolina) Don’t think that we haven’t seen the bad side of things.
I know those kids don’t deserve that- everyone deserves to have the same chance at success and education. It’s very sad to think not everyone is given an equal opperunity. Let me tell you something though, if you think for one minute we are stuck up little rich brats who are living in our own “bubble”, you are certainly wrong. In fact, we love the idea Rex is proposing- the exchange program. The idea is to send kids like us to one of the Corridors of Shame schools for one day and to go to school there, and the kids from there go to Dutch Fork. This also includes teachers. So that means Ms. Payne would go along with us. She would get to teach them. I think its an awesome idea. So does Ms. Payne. Right now we are trying to get the program started at Dutch Fork.
Also, don’t you remember when the girl from South Carolina wrote the letter to President Obama about her school? There were a bunch of press talking about her situation. It was on the national news everywhere.
Tons of people locally have reported on the situation of some of our schools here. People just don’t listen. To them, the results of the football game are more important than caring about children’s futures. We need more people like you who will be an advocate for these children. You have such a strong passion for them; maybe you could start a program to help them. I’d be happy to help you if you need it.
By Sarah on May 25th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Trey:
Ms. Payne would teach in an area like Lee County…She previously taught in a similar school in Chatham County, GA. And I agree with Rebecca. It sounds like you have a heart for children. Although I’m not sure what your stock and trade is you should consider going into education and helping the children that do need people like you who care! God bless you Trey…I will be praying that you will make a difference in a child’s life.
By Neocon on May 26th, 2009 at 11:51 am
These kids are about gay!