Patrick Gressett Parker of Thomas Heyward Academy won the Senator for a Day speech contest on Monday.
The contest, sponsored by Sen. Clementa C. Pinckney, was at the Technical College of the Lowcountry's New River Campus.
Pinckney, through his Delegation office, started the contest to provide students from all education venues in Jasper County the type of public speaking opportunities that he received during his youth from 4-H programs; as well as to showcase "the youth in Jasper that are present day leaders to my colleagues in at the State House."
Parker won the contest and a $200 scholarship. First runner-up was Ridgeland High's Charles Brandt, who won a $150 scholarship. Logan LaTara Murdock of the Jasper County Boys & Girls Club finished third and earned a $100 scholarship.
Every public and private school in the county was invited to participate.
Judges were Rep. Robert Brown District 116, Rep. Richard Chalk District 123 and Joy Locke, a communication instructor from Beaufort. The judges were charged with the performance of their duties by the Hon. Joanne McDonald, Jasper County's Chief magistrate.
Special thank you to the community business that sponsored a one of a kind opportunity for Jasper County students, Diamond Sponsors CenturyLink, Sembler Development Corporation, Gold Sponsor Farm Bureau.