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"Magic" Opens Center At Webber School By Brad McClam, Intern
Webber Principal Dorothy Ham extended greetings on behalf of the administration, faculty, staff and students of the school. "Becoming a full-service community school has been one of the goals set during my tenure as principal of Webber Elementary School," she said. "The addition of the Magic Johnson Community Empowerment Center will surely solidify the foundation this school and community has established toward the achievement of that goal." The Magic Johnson Community Empowerment Center will feature computers, cameras, printers, scanners, faxes and copiers, as well as state-of -the-art virtual technology for all program participants. Richland One Superintendent Dr. Allen Coles thanked Johnson for his commitment to the school district and the community. Dr. Coles also thanked the Richland One Board of Commissioners for its vision." Dr. Coles stated that through this new partnership, "Students and adults will be able to win. Education is the key to increasing control over our lives." Eastover Mayor Chris Campbell declared September 27, 2005, Magic Johnson Day in the town of Eastover. "The residents of Eastover will now have opportunities for betterment and job opportunities," he said. "Because of this new center, we are now able to bridge the digital divide." State Commerce Secretary Bob Faith said, "It all started as a spark that has now become a wildfire." Faith said he was reading an article about the centers that have been established across the country and shared the article with an intern in his office. "The intern made the call to the Magic Johnson Foundation, and here we are today," he said. After the initial call, HOPE Worldwide SC made a "move" then Richland School District One said "put me in the game coach, we are ready to go." When Johnson approached the podium, students and adults raced to the front to take pictures. Johnson humored the crowd by taking a few moments to allow his fans to take pictures of him before he began his remarks. "Just because you are from a small town does not mean that your dreams have to be small." He asked the students to rise to their feet and pay attention the story he was going to share. Johnson recalled that his first job was at the age of 15 and he worked in a building that had seven floors. He said that one day after cleaning the other floors of the building, he reached the seventh floor. "I kicked down the door to the CEO's executive suite and sat at his desk for two hours straight," he said. Johnson said that he pretended that he had a secretary, and her name was "Tolesha." "I would sit at the desk with my feet kicked up, saying 'Tolesha! Bring me some doughnuts and today's newspaper,'" he said laughing. At the end of his story, Johnson told the students that he was inspired to be an entrepreneur by the local black businessmen and businesswomen in his community. He encouraged students not only to admire celebrities, but to also admire individuals in the community who have a positive impact on their lives on a daily basis. The Webber Elementary School location joins 20 established Magic Johnson Technology Centers in 16 urban markets in such cities as Atlanta, Chicago and Philadelphia. Dr.
Sean Alford, executive director of Richland
One Student Support Services, said that
there is a great need in Eastover for economic
and educational development. "There
is a community desire to move forward
and reach a higher level and better quality
of life for all its members," he
said. Note: Additional photos from the event may be viewed on the Richland One Intranet.
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"The magic starts
here. Stand up and cheer!" was the phrase
students and teachers chanted as entrepreneur
and former NBA star Earvin "Magic" Johnson
entered the stage for the Sept. 27 opening
of the Magic Johnson Community Empowerment
Center at Webber Elementary School.