Four businesses that are making an impact in area public schools recently received Business Education Partnership Awards from The Education Foundation and College of Charleston School of Business and Economics and the School of Education.
The Champions for Education Award is given to the extraordinary efforts of individuals and groups who work on behalf of improved education. In September, principals in the tri-county school districts, including Berkeley, Charleston, DD2 and DD4 were asked to nominate a business or community organization that is making a significant difference in school. One winner was selected in each of the four school districts.
Dorchester Two
Mr. Sign was nominated by Summerville High School and has been a faithful partner for more than 20 years. Wayne Waters, the owner of Mr. Sign in Summerville, is a graduate of Summerville High School and his children and family have also graduated from Summerville High School. The biggest impact that Waters has had is the implementation of the Education and Economic Development Act (EEDA). Upon hearing about it and recognizing its importance to the business community and the students at Summerville High School, he took the lead in helping get community support and expertise for the new programs at the school. As part of the EEDA, Summerville High School is transforming into Schools of Study, which will help students prepare for life after high school.

Dorchester Four
Giant Cement Company was nominated by Woodland High School. Joe Benoit and Susan Mertz of Giant Cement have implemented an effective program to educate students from dressing for success to completing a resume, students follow a 6-week course one day a week.
In the 9-hour workshop, conducted twice a year, students are given specific tools to aid them in successfully obtaining a desired job in their career search.   Students learn how to complete an employment application and create a resume’ with powerful accomplishment statements that showcase their special skills and talents.   For the culminating activity at the end of the workshop, students search for a job, prepare a cover letter, create a resume, memorize their own self-promoting summary, formulate questions to ask the interviewer, rehearse how best to answer interview questions, and experience a mock job interview conducted by area human resources personnel.
Giant employees have also contributed their time and talents and enthusiastically participated in mentoring, job shadowing, and career fairs.  The Company also supports academic and athletic scholarships and awards, and has also provided the school with classroom materials and supplies.