By Betsy Finklea
A group of young ladies were honored for their achievement of completing the Girls Circle program at a graduation ceremony held in the courtroom of the Gibson Building on Thursday, August 7th.
The girls successfully completed the nine-week program. Director of the Dillon County Department of Juvenile Justice, Cynthia Ford, led the graduation ceremony.
“The Girls Circle is a model of structured support groups for girls ages 9-18. It is designed to foster self-esteem, help girls maintain an authentic connection with peers and adult women in their community, counter trends toward self-doubt, and allow for genuine self-expression through verbal sharing and creative activity,” according to their website.
Each of the girls told what they learned at Girls Circle. One Girl said the program showed her how to respect herself, love herself, and be better person. Another said she learned the importance of getting her education while others spoke about learning to voice their own opinions and not worrying about what others think.
Judge Janette Dupree offered an encouraging and inspirational message to the girls. She commended them on a job well done.
Others offering words of encouragement included Cynthia Hulon, the graduation coach at Dillon High School; Rebekah Baker, the guidance counselor at Gordon Elementary School; Jamilah Campbell, the Literacy Coach at Gordon Elementary School; Tamara Nance-Bethea of the Lake View Schools; Rhonda Dew of the Department of Juvenile Justice; Valerie Graves of Dillon County Veterans Affairs; and Regina McRae-Bradley.
The girls received certificates and gifts. A reception was held following the ceremony.
While the Girls Circle program has been done in South Carolina for several years, this was the first group in Dillon County. More groups are planned. The Girls Circle Program is through Clemson University.