"Character, not circumstance, makes the person." -- Booker T. Washington

Legendary Harlem Globetrotter Michael Douglass amazed and inspired the audience gathered at Claflin University's Tullis Arena on Friday.

More than 1,000 fifth-graders from around Orangeburg County, along with community leaders, took a day off to recognize students and staff who have implemented good character in their daily routines.

Setting an inspirational tone, Douglass reflected on a chapter in his life when he had to compete against 1,500 of the greatest players from around the world to become a Globetrotter. "Even when you do everything right, life is still not easy," Douglass said. "I had to believe in myself and it starts with good character."

Students were also honored for writing a winning essay on "Character."

Claflin's first lady and director of the university's Honors College Alice Tisdale encouraged the students to always pay attention. "Listen to your speakers today," Tisdale said. "Listen to your teachers, advisers, and, most importantly, your inner voice."

Before the start of the program, Don Tribble, executive director, Orangeburg County Community of Character casually walked around shaking hands and warning everyone about the spectacle they were about to witness.

Douglass delivered as Tribble promised.

Using several drills still performed by the Globetrotters, Douglass randomly picked students and teachers from the audience to participate.

The kids erupted in laughter watching their classmates, friends and teachers fumble and bumble around the basketball in attempt to master the professional drill. Tribble even took a shot at trying to spin the ball on his finger.

Using the ball as a representation of a student's goal, Douglass placed it on the floor.

Student Jarrett C. Irick of Edisto Elementary was selected from the audience and told to retrieve the ball.

Every time Irick went for the ball, Douglass blocked him.

Irick broke through Douglass' defense after a competitive struggle. "This is an example of what you have to do to overcome obstacles in life in order to achieve your goals," Douglass said. "You must have perseverance."

Mayor Paul Miller expressed his gratitude for the continuing success of the event and how proud he feels about the students in attendance and the contest winners. "Ya'll are the future of America," Miller said. "One day one of you probably would be mayor, governor, state legislator or the president of the United States."

Among other officials in attendance were Joan Dickerson with the program of character education at the state Department of Education; David Coleman, president, Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce, and Hazel Rickenbacker, district guidance coordinator, Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5.

Character Essay winners for Orangeburg County Consolidated School District 3 are: Ehime Ohue, Elloree Elementary; Jasmine Blancard, Holly Hill Elementary; Mickaela A. Aquart, St. James-Gailliard Elementary; Alisha Crawford, Vance Providence Elementary.

Orangeburg County Consolidated District 4 winners are: Jarrett C. Irick, Edisto Elementary; Takaisa Jacobs, Hunter-Kinard-Tyler Elementary; Ramonica Berry, Lockett Elementary.

Consolidated 5 winners are: Austin Gleaton, Dover Elementary; Karena Hammond, Bethune-Bowman Elementary; Chris Pringle, Brookdale Elementary; Angela Robinson, Marshall Elementary; Braxton Chavis, Mellichamp Elementary; Tyzell Whaley, Rivelon Elementary; Johnathan Issac, Sheridan Elementary; Talmadge Sprinkle, Whittaker Elementary.

Other winners include James Leroy Lewis, Felton Labortory School, and Will Williamson, Orangeburg Preparatory School.

The program concluded with the recognition of Thomasena Adams, Whittaker Elementary guidance counselor, for putting the event together and the master of ceremonies, Orangeburg Public Safety Chief Wendell Davis revisiting Douglass' opening inspirational chant, "If it's to be, it's up to me, it's not up to my parents, my teachers, or my friends. If it's to be, it's up to me."

"You got to keep your eyes on the prize because only the best get selected."-- legendary Globetrotter Michael Douglass

Correspondent Rodney Brown is a student in the Mass Communications Department at Claflin University.

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