By Samantha Lyles, Staff Writer, slyles@newsandpress.net
Last week, Darlington Chief of Police Kelvin Washington spoke to local kids about the path to success, and he focused on the importance of working hard, being courteous and honest, and showing strength of character to deny people who try to pull you into troublesome situations.
“It’s important that you are able to say no, even to your friends, because sometimes they’re the ones getting you into things that you shouldn’t be involved in,” he said.
Chief Washington chatted with the group about their career plans and learned that several of the youngsters dream of becoming police officers.
“I want to be a homicide detective,” said one little girl.
“You realize that means you have to be really nosy, right?” Washington asked. “You won’t have a problem with that?”
“No!” replied the girl.
Washington advised this future crime solver and her friends – a group that includes aspiring doctors, athletes, and public servants – to hit the books for school and for pleasure, because sharp reading comprehension will serve them well for the rest of their lives.
“When you get older and you’re going into the job market, you might see contracts and paperwork and you will need to understand what people are putting in front of you,” Washington said, adding that even elite professional athletes need to understand
their contracts to prevent unscrupulous people from taking advantage of them. “If you can’t understand your contract and you can’t count your money, someone else will. And you can bet that they’re taking out a little more for themselves than they really should.”
After a question and answer session with Chief Washington, the kids enjoyed a hot meal as part of the Vision Educational Center’s free summer food program, held at the Stanley Gym in coordination with Darlington Area Recreation and the City of Darlington.
“When the kids are out of school, they still need to continue with their educational opportunities during the summer, so we try to bridge that gap,” said food program site supervisor Joyce W. Thomas, noting that the program sometimes serves up to 60 kids.
Each Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., kids are welcome to come to the AW Stanley Gym at 112 Gary Street for games, learning activities, and free hot breakfast and lunch. To learn more about the program, please call 843-627-3212