For Dutch Fork (S.C.) High School teacher Kelly Payne and her “It” kids, perseverance really did pay off.
South Carolina’s top political forum – known to its visitors as the “Den of Payne” – welcomed the state’s top elected official yesterday, another coup for the class that continues to drive the Palmetto political discussion better than any mainstream media outlet.
After being graced by political luminaries such as House Speaker Bobby Harrell, former Democratic Leader Gilda Cobb-Hunter, Attorney General Henry McMaster (and of course, our own Sic Willie), Payne’s “It” Kids initiated a full court press to land the governor.
It worked.
Speaking to a classroom packed with over 100 students, Sanford didn’t hesitate to dive right into some heady topics, giving the kids a history lesson dating all the way back to ancient Roman civilization.
Specifically, he reminded them of a quote from Scottish historian Alexander Tytler, who once famously said that “democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government.”
“The point is no modern civilization has lasted much more than 200 years,” Sanford told the kids.
Prior to taking questions, the governor called several of them up to the front of the class to ask them questions.
“The students were incredibly bright and engaged,” Sanford told FITS. “I very much enjoyed the questions and conversation.”
So did the kids, several of whom emailed us to say that Sanford had “rocked the den of Payne.”
As is her custom with both Democratic and Republican guests, Payne did not take a position on the policies articulated by her famous guests. Her job, she told us recently, is to “teach them to think, not what to think.”
Afterward, Payne did praise Sanford for taking the time to come and speak to the kids in the middle of a huge court fight over the “stimulus” funds controversy.
“He gets a big thumbs up in my book,” Payne told us. “He is a hero to me for coming in and teaching the kids and showing them that they matter and make a difference in this world.”
By reggie May 28, 2009 at 4:51 pm
dang i wish i was there…. o well… maybe next time ms payne.
tight story by the way.
By Sarah May 28, 2009 at 4:55 pm
I can’t believe the governor really came to our class. I am more motivated now then I have ever been in my life that I can make a difference and that my opinion counts. This is something I will tell my children about one day.
Sarah
By Andrell May 28, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Well for all those who couldn’t make it, the reason we should care about the Government is because it is our money they are using. Thanks Governor Sanford and Mr. Patrick Franks for coming in. Life lessons were learned.
By Jeff May 28, 2009 at 5:57 pm
I have been very impressed with everything I have read on this site and others about Kelly Payne and her students. Next school year she should work on getting each of the candidates for Gov, Lt. Gov, etc to come and speak and make it a class project for her kids to each pick a campaign to volunteer for.
By An ardent admirer of Ms. Payne May 28, 2009 at 9:31 pm
What great timing. Ms Payne is able to get the Governor of the State to come to her class after all of the other officials have been to the class. I think that it is a class act by both the Governor and Ms. Payne to give the students such a practical and pertinent lesson. Even more impressive is how this lesson in civics did not turn into political grandstanding as most things in this state do. If only all of the other teachers in the state were as passionate as Ms. Payne about teaching the next generation to be critical thinkers, we would not be battling with Mississippi to occupy the basement of education.
By "It Kid Mom" May 28, 2009 at 9:36 pm
I am parent of a Dutch Fork “It Kid”. South Carolina’s public school system is notorious for struggling. There haven’t been too many bright spots that I have seen until now. My child and other children have become engaged in a way that many young people never have because they have been given the unique opportunity to be a part of this energized class. This gives me great hope for creating a well informed future generation of voters. Let’s follow this model class and continue to show our young people that they have a voice that matters. Thank you Governor Sanford and all of the people that have taken their time to speak and motivate the “It Kids”.
By BIN News Editorial Staff May 28, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Great job pandering, gub’ner sanfraud.
When will you announce a tour of schools in the S.C. Corridor of Shame?
Kids in those schools are just a deserving. You could start here:
http://www.dillon2.k12.sc.us/jvm/default.htm
Your reception at J.V. Martin School might be a little less cozy. They would certainly have a whole different set of questions for you.
But everyone knows you don’t have the nerve.
Do the “It Kids” understand your politically motivated scam over stimulus money is about to drive the S.C. unemployment rate up another Brazillion points because of all the teachers and police who will be laid off?
Just wondering.
By Rebecca May 28, 2009 at 10:56 pm
I am so grateful that Governor Sanford came in to speak to our classroom. It was a one in a lifetime oppertunity to meet the Governor personally and then have him share some of his wise words with us! He made excellent points, especially about Democracy and taxes. He was very straightforward with us and he had some really good ideas about changing South Carolina’s Government. He was so sweet and stayed as long as he possibly could, even when his schedule was extremely busy. Even though he was only there for around 40 minutes, he motivated me so much. I see how important it is for us to care about Government; we are the future generation. Governor Sanford magnified that point so much in many different ways; through using a $5 bill, questionin happiness, bringing up students for a demonstration. I know that I will always remember what Governor Sanford said.
By Rebecca May 28, 2009 at 11:04 pm
To Jeff:
Thank you for the kind comment. Two weeks ago, Ms. Payne and a few students(including me) went to the Republican Convention that was held downtown. There we met Karen Floyd, Ken Ard, and Mr. Neilson. We talked to all of them who will hopefully be coming in next year. We all signed up to work on Ken Ard’s campain too. We can’t wait!
-Rebecca
By hardened May 28, 2009 at 11:31 pm
Another superb job by Ms. Payne and DFHS. What a classy governor! What a classy school! What a classy group of students! What a classy teacher! How does she do it?
By Toyota Kawaski May 29, 2009 at 8:26 am
Same ole garbage from the head garbage man
By PK & DA May 29, 2009 at 9:37 am
We’re glad more then just Ms. Payne’s students got to be there when our governor stopped by but I hope his opinion of us didn’t diminish when he asked a student that had not been a part of our class about how much taxes she would be willing to pay “Uncle Sam.” If she had been in Ms. Payne’s class she would have known exactly what the Governor was getting at. And yeah, Reggie, you definitly should have been there.
By Nathan Bell May 29, 2009 at 10:11 am
First of all I just want to say that Governor Sanford was an amazing speaker and a very enlightening person. He spoke to us and encouraged us to actually get out into the community and do something productive. One thing really surprised me about him; he seemed to underestimate our desire to learn and our ability to analyze critical public data such as state job salary databases and the online spending transparency website for state agencies. We do CARE and NOTICE that details are only provided for travel, office supplies, and subcontracts. Shouldn’t the state be more transparent by providing detail for all spending? We are definitely watchdogs and have been “watching” our government and holding them accountable. It is called keeping things HONEST people.
One student, Hunter, asked “Isn’t the Treasurer on the Budget and Control Board? Didn’t he used to be a legislator?” and “Does his voting pattern reflect the interests of the legislative branch or the executive branch.”
The Governor responded, “You can’t possibly be interested in this.” He did give us a candid response though. He said yes he was a legislator and his voting pattern has historically reflected the interests of the legislative branch and not the executive branch. That told me that there is not a “balance of power” thing going on. Wow. How about the Gov. was right and not afraid to tell it like it is. What most people don’t realize is that we ARE interested in politics and government. That is why we work so hard to get these speakers into our classroom. Another thing I noticed about Gov. Sanford is that if he didn’t have the answer to a question he would take us on a tangent and explain to us about something else that revolved around the topic. I do not think that this is a bad thing because when some of the speakers that we have had did not have an answer they would simple ignore the question. I also enjoyed the way the forum with the Governor had a lot of flexibility. He said, “Let’s just see where the conversation goes.” I think that in order to really get involved in a conversation, the conversation needs to be open and flow smoothly. Again I compliment Governor Sanford and I think that he was an amazing speaker. I am so glad he took the time to visit our classroom. And I plan on continuing to advocate for a more open government, people that stick to their principles and are willing to get into the trenches and fight for what is just and right!
By Kyle Wessinger May 29, 2009 at 10:12 am
The Den of Payne Rocked!
By Jonathan May 29, 2009 at 10:26 am
Governor Sanford’s visit to our classroom was very inspirational and I greatly appreciate having the opportunity to listen to him.
By Jeremy Wilson May 29, 2009 at 10:35 am
I’m glad the governor came to our class. He was very humorous and I enjoyed it. It disappointed me that he couldn’t stay to answer written questions though.
By Hmmm May 29, 2009 at 10:39 am
OK, let me be clear: I think it’s great that all these politicians are taking the time to visit with SC students and expose them to important issues of the day. But playing devil’s advocate, isn’t a bit off-putting to anyone else that they all come to the same class, to meet with the same kids, and get the same blog-props for doing so? Why not spread the wealth and visit with some kids that never get this kind of opportunity or attention. Granted, some pols. probably do visit schools routinely, but that’s clearly not the case with others. Wouldn’t it be cool if the Gov. instead visited one of the schools with the 50% or less graduation rate; the kids his school-choice positions are supposed to help? I guess it seems to me that the whole “It Kids” thing seems more of a PR stunt for pols. trying to connect with largely white, upper to middle class voters than anything else. Cynical? Sure, but probably true. Lets give the “It Kids” a break.
By WCTV May 29, 2009 at 10:41 am
I thought the governor was very sincere and approachable. He answered our questions very honestly while being respectful.
By Rabun Pryor May 29, 2009 at 10:50 am
I thought he was a very motivational speaker, and inspiring guy.
By Stuart Vincent May 29, 2009 at 10:55 am
I enjoyed listening to Governor Sanford, It was
a great experience for my classmates and I!
By Rabun Pryor May 29, 2009 at 11:00 am
wow! he is freakin awsome.
By Blair May 29, 2009 at 11:17 am
I am still undecided what I want to do when I get out of High School. I have learned a lot this year with the many different experiences I have had at DF, academically and socially. My friends and I were very surprised but mostly excited about the Governor’s visit to our classroom.
By Outsider May 29, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Oh and to BIN… could you please get over your self-centered, ignorant, and arrogant self. What you do with your time is your own deal, however, I am entitled to my own opinion. My opinion is that you are pathetic and need a new hobby. Oh and next time can you link us to your website instead of the countless others you give…. oh thats right you don’t actually have one.
By Payne N. Mahart May 29, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Mark, I’m sure you were thrilled to speak to a class of 100. What cost efficiency you are getting our schools up to. Great learning environment.
To the questioner who asks why he doesn’t visit the “Corridor of Shame”, well, it aint Heathwood Hall so don’t put him through culture shock. But the real reason is that the more he fulminates, the more the people of the state realize that the wing of the State House that encompasses his suite is the corridor of shame.
Students, glad you got to see him and were awed. Your awe will dissipate with time. I concur with his admonition to do something productive. Now, if he would only prcice what he preaches. That’s productive, not obstructive.
By John Steinberger May 30, 2009 at 7:40 am
I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to speak to the “It” kids Mon. about the FairTax. Tough act to follow! I won’t be making any references to the Roman Empire, but I will tell them that the imposition of the federal income tax in 1913 put America on a path to Socialism.
I hope some of these informed young people will become leaders in the FairTax movement and help us swing the pendulum back to the side of freedom!
By Jared June 1, 2009 at 11:01 am
I really enjoyed having Governor Sanford come to our classroom. It really got me interested in our local goverment.