SANTEE – “That’s fascinating. I’ve never before been able to go around the room and see what everyone wants to do. That’s a compliment to you,” Gov. Mark Sanford told students at Lake Marion High School Wednesday morning after taking an impromptu poll of students about their career goals.

Thirty-five LMHS students take part in Jobs for America’s Graduates-South Carolina, a dropout prevention program focused on academic success and career readiness skills. Students, on average, enroll in JAG with six documented “barriers to success,” such as teen pregnancy, excessive absenteeism, low-income household, or substance abuse.

JAG currently works with 20 school-affiliated sites. Lake Marion High is one of 14 pilot sites funded through State Workforce Investment Funds.

At Sanford’s request in 2005, state officials launched the JAG program, which is currently in its fifth year.

Sanford’s visit with students in LMHS’ Jobs for America’s Graduates program provided insights for the Governor and for the students.

LMHS senior Antriel Palmer, 17, of Eutawville told Sanford the JAG program helped him become a “better leader and a better person,” specifically through community service-oriented projects.

“JAG caught my eye,” Palmer said.

Sonya Allen, JAG job specialist for the school, likened her role as a “personal cheerleader” to students.

“If I see their confidence and self-esteem is low, then I’m going to build it up,” she said.

Allen said she and other job specialists work directly with students to help them create and attain reachable academic, personal and career-oriented goals.

Dr. Cynthia Cash-Greene, superintendent of Orangeburg Consolidated School District 3, said JAG is beneficial because it allows “a nucleus of students to stick together throughout a four-year process.” She said the students support each other.

“The kids need each other,” Cash-Greene said.

Elaine Midkiff, JAG state coordinator, said one of the primary focuses of the program is “helping someone find their way.”

Sanford told students he studied business in college and initially planned to one day become the owner of a company.

After being in the business field for several years, a colleague suggested he run for political office, Sanford said.

“It’s important to realize how frequently the goals for our lives may change,” Sanford said, adding that he has dedicated the past 15 years to politics.

“I feel like I’m doing what I need to be doing in this chapter in my life,” the Governor said.

Asked by one of the students what he will do when his term as Governor comes to a close, Sanford said he plans to return to the real estate field.

“It’s kind of what I know,” he said.

Added Sanford, “I encourage you to be successful in following your dreams.”

T&D Correspondent Martha Rose Brown can be reached by e-mail at marfawose@aol.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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