Lowcountry

CHARLESTON, SC – January 18, 2019 – Charleston Acceleration Academy (CAA) recently celebrated their first graduate, Malik Fraiser, on January 16, 2019. Malik attends Charleston Acceleration Academy (CAA), which is part of the nationally accredited Acceleration Academies Network. Acceleration Academies provides students who have disengaged from their school districts an innovative approach to graduation and post secondary options.

Malik began his high school experience at North Charleston High School but found himself lacking the motivation to participate in his classes and also making poor decisions that would have a negative impact on his future. Eventually, Malik stopped attending school altogether. He was out of school nearly a year and a half when a team member from CAA visited his home to discuss a new option to complete high school and earn his diploma. Shortly after that visit, Malik visited the CAA website and signed up forthe program. Malik describes the CAA team as a “supportive family” who constantly motivated and pushed him to cross the finish line.For students like Malik,

Acceleration Academies is re-defining the traditional high school experience through a hybrid model that leverages both technology and social emotional supports to create a personalized learning pathway for every student. The Acceleration Academies academic model optimizes opportunities for students through access to their coursework online both day and night. The anywhere and anytime blended learning approach is supported in-person at brick and mortar academy sites by licensed teachers, tutors, career and life coaches. Students are provided in-person rigorous academic support and coaching to guide their online course completion and journey to graduation.Through partnership with Trident Technical College (TTC), CAA offers every student ​dual enrollment courses and apprenticeships as they embark on their college and career path and build a bright future.

At his graduation on Wednesday, Malik was surrounded by classmates and educators from his previous school as well as new friends and teachers from CAA. Together, they celebrated his graduation and a scholarship that he earned from CAA partner, ​Trident Technical College​. Malik plans to use that scholarship to earn a degree in business and culinary arts. Though his supportive experience at CAA, Malik is optimistic about his future with a clear path to a career and goal of owning his own property.

Acceleration Academies currently operates sites throughout Florida, South Carolina and Washington State. ​The program has graduated 445 students since​​2014​, and is currently serving over 1,200 graduation candidates nationwide. ​For more information about the program,

visit www.accelerationacademy.org​ or call 872-529-5115.-

About​ Acceleration Academies​

You have the potential. ​We have the tools. This is your opportunity. #OwnYourSuccess

See a video of our unique approach and experience here: ​http://bit.ly/2OZn8NK

Acceleration Academies​ is an innovative education partner helping young adults overcome real-life challenges to earn their district issued high school diploma tuition-free by offering:

●Web-based curriculum and technology

●Individualized learning plans●Hands-on life and career coaching For more information, email Acceleration Academies at contact@accelerationacademy.org​

Check out the first music video, “Candy” by Thomas Champagne with Friends, featuring Whitney Hanna. Directed by Hector J Salazar, filmed all over Downtown Charleston. Thomas Champagne with Friends CD Release Party, January 31, 2019, 7pm at The Washout!

Linked to Video “Candy”

Low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines is adding Charleston, South Carolina, to its roster of destinations from Cleveland starting in early May.

Twice-weekly flights to Charleston, starting May 2. The flights will run Thursdays and Sundays. An introductory sale on the route includes one-way fares starting at $39, if purchased by 11:59 p.m. Tuesday. The Cleveland flights leave at 3:13 p.m., landing in Charleston at 5:15 p.m. The flights from Charleston depart at 6:15 p.m., arriving in Cleveland at 8:12 p.m.

Official Frontier Airlines Website

Wild Dunes Resort Offers Harbor Friends Golf Program for Year-Round VIP Access to

Golf Digest-Acclaimed Course

WHAT:                 The Harbor Friends Golf Program is the ultimate annual VIP pass to one of the most beautiful courses in the Lowcountry.Golf Digest says Harbor Golf Course of Wild Dunes Resort, a Destination Hotel, is among the “Best in State” for golf in South Carolina. Designed by Tom Fazio, the course is known for its challenging design and beautiful views, and most of all, water. From lagoons and salt marshes to the Intracoastal Waterway, this varied golf course in Charleston, South Carolina will test all aspects of any golfer’s game.

Practice facilities are also located across from The Links clubhouse which includes a driving range, chipping area and putting green.

Harbor Friends Golf Program Perks:

• $44 Rounds Year-Round at the Harbor Course
• Exclusive Monthly Offers & Tournament Access
• Friends Reward Punch Card to Earn Free Rounds & Merchandise
• Get 10% Off Restaurant & Pro Shop Purchases
• Complimentary Harbor Friends Tumbler After Sign-Up

WHERE:               Wild Dunes Resort
                                1 Sundial Circle
                                Isle of Palms, 29451

COST:                    $49.00 plus taxes and fees.

Enrollees must be a Charleston, Berkeley or Dorchester county resident to qualify. Valid ID required at sign-up. Harbor Friends Golf Program annual enrollment is valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Dedicated tee-times available 48 hours in advance of play, after 10:00 AM.

TICKET LINK:      For more information and to purchase a Harbor Golf VIP pass, please click here.

About Wild Dunes Resort, A Destination Hotel

Nestled on the northern tip of Isle of Palms, a lush barrier island off the coast of South Carolina,Wild Dunes Resort, is located 30 minutes from the charm and grace of historic downtown Charleston. The Resort occupies 1,600 acres of oceanfront paradise with a variety of accommodations ranging from the AAA Four-Diamond Rated Boardwalk Inn and the Village at Wild Dunes to private condos and luxury home vacation rentals. Offering a year-round menu of championship golf, nationally-ranked tennis, award-winning recreation, spa services and restaurant options, Wild Dunes Resort has been distinguished by many publications and associations as a top destination for families, golfers, tennis lovers, and meeting and event planners. Visit Wild Dunes Resort online on Facebook,Twitter,Instagram andYouTube.

About Destination Hotels

Destination Hotels is a collection of more than 40 upscale and luxury independent hotels, resorts and residences across North America. Each property is intentionally diverse and true to its location, transcending status quo in fresh, authentic and unforgettable ways. Serving as both the explorer and the guide, Destination ensures a sense of genuine belonging and the chance to encounter life-enhancing discoveries. The award-winning portfolio features 19 renowned golf courses, 18 indigenous spas, and 112 exceptional food and beverage options including bars, restaurants, cafes, and rooftops. Destination Hotels captures the unique essence of each location through authentic experiences, immersive programming and genuine service. For more information, visit www.destinationhotels.com. Follow us on Instagram: @destinationhotels and Twitter: @Destination. Like us on Facebook: DestinationHotels.

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Media Contacts:

Gina Stouffer / Charlotte Park / Blaire Massaroni

Lou Hammond Group

843.408.4360 / 843.371.1362 / 843.531.9995

GinaS@louhammond.com / CharlotteP@louhammond.com / BlaireM@louhammond.com

www.louhammond.com

During the tragic period when Hurricane Florence hit North Carolina in late 2018, a flag, nicknamed “Kevin” was ripped and torn through the devastating winds and rain, but withstood the storm with resilience and strength.  That flag became a symbol of the unconditional fortitude of the communities affected by the land fall hit of this 2018 Hurricane.

In 1989, the Lowcountry region of Charleston, Isle of Palms and neighboring communities suffered one the most tragic natural disasters in its history when Hurricane Hugo hit land and destroyed homes, property and lives.  A symbol of this regions unbridled perseverance, in the face of harm, rose from the ashes, the Folly Boat.

For the last 30 years, the Folly Boat has stood in the same spot from when it washed on the side of Folly Road during the massive invasion of Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

Over the years, this symbol of resilience, fortitude and strength has become a canvas for the community.

From messages of love, declarations , anniversaries, remembrance, gratitude, proposals and thank you notes, the Folly Boat has been our message board, but most importantly, a reminder of how fragile this community can be.

In a twist of irony, Hurricane Irma, 28 years later, unhinged this symbol and since then much debate has been raised on what to do now.

We feel the proper place to pay homage and give this historic symbol a proper home is the South Carolina State Museum.

Over the course of Charleston’s history, a number of significant events have solidified the importance of this port city from the first shots of the American Civil War to the tragic and needless shooting of the Emanuel Nine.  Charleston has witnessed extreme highs and lows throughout its history and Hurricane Hugo is no exception.  The recovery of this community and the boat that became its symbol have been a rock in a community that has withstood so much.

Let us restore it back to its original look and create an exhibit that will allow others to learn and understand this piece of our history

The exhibit can include:

• Detailed documentation of the events prior and post Hurricane Hugo
• A visual collage or film of all the creative ways the boat has been a canvas of love for Charleston
• Stories from those that lived the events
• Interactive simulations allowing patrons to paint their own message

Maybe it is time to speak to our state representatives and look at giving the Folly Boat a much deserved home so the entire state and beyond can celebrate its contributions to Charleston.

Official Folly Boat Gallery and Website

“For years now I’ve been photographing and painting wading birds and shorebirds. But it wasn’t until recently that I decided to take some of my favorite birds and create life-size and larger original oil portraits of them. Each bird chosen made a lasting impression on me. So much so, that I wanted to immortalize them on canvas. With each painting I tell the story behind the close encounter and write about what makes each bird memorable”.

William R. Beebe bio:

William is a graduate of the University of Maryland in Fine Art. For close to three decades William has developed his recognizable painting style of Realism with touches of Impressionism, producing original oil paintings found in many private and corporate collections throughout the country. William’s paintings have been exhibited in numerous gallery and museum shows throughout the years.They have often been referred to as “museum quality”.

For William, bird portraiture allows his attention to detail to shine, bringing each bird to life by capturing its unique features. Sometimes it’s a striking pose, other times it’s an expression or mood that endears one to the work of art. Each portrait becomes a conversation piece.

Website: www.williamrbeebe.com

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/williamrbeebe

Instagram page: www.instagram.com/williamrbeebefineart

Obituary for Mr. T. Moffatt Burriss

Thomas Moffatt Burriss, Sr. passed away on January 4, 2019 at the age of 99. He was born in Anderson, SC, on September 22, 1919, to Frank Judson Burriss and Frances Moffatt. He had two siblings, Frank J. Burriss, and Jean Burriss Wattley, both now deceased. Upon graduating from Clemson College in 1941, he moved to Orangeburg and taught physics and science at Orangeburg High, where he met his future wife, Louisa Righton Hay, of Morristown, Tennessee.

When the war broke out on December 7, 1941, Moffatt was called into the service at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he volunteered for paratrooper training school. While on a two week leave, he and Louisa were married on June 22, 1942, in Morristown, Tn., by Louisa’s father, a Presbyterian minister. In May, 1943, Moffatt’s unit was ordered to North Africa to prepare for the invasion of Europe and would not see his wife again for two and a half years. Moffatt was involved in almost every major World War II European battle including Sicily, Italy, Holland, and Belgium. In Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands, Burriss’s company was the lead company in the famous Waal River Crossing and the capture of the Nijmegen Bridge. As a company commander, Captain Burriss’s part in the battle was portrayed in the movie A BRIDGE TOO FAR. For his service during the war, he received the Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, and Combat “V” for valor, the Purple Heart, three Presidential Unit Citations, French Fourragere, Belgium Fourragere, and the Dutch Lanyard.

After the war, Moffatt and Louisa moved to Columbia where he taught school for a few years and then went into the construction business. In 1970, Moffatt and his three sons formed Burriss Construction Company which was involved in major construction projects throughout the southeast. He was active in numerous civic and business organizations including the Executives Association of Greater Columbia (EAGC) of which he was president in 1964-65, a Board Member of Lions Club, Presbyterian Home of SC, Medical Missions, SC Lottery Commission, and as Executive Director of the Business and Industry Political Action Committee (BIPEC). Moffatt was a founding member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church where he served as a ruling Elder.

In 1976, he was elected to the S.C. House of Representatives where he served until he retired in 1991. He was elected minority leader for nine of those years where he was instrumental in building the present day Republican Party. In 1989, he received the “Order of the Palmetto” from Governor Carroll Campbell.

In 2000, inspired and persuaded by his children, Moffatt documented his war experiences by writing the book STRIKE AND HOLD, a memoir of the 82nd Airborne in World War II. In 2009, Moffatt was invited to Holland to participate in the 65th Anniversary of Operation Market Garden in Nijmegen. At the ceremony Mr. Burriss was recognized by the Queen of Holland and the Mayor of Nijmegen and awarded the NIJMEGEN MEDAL OF HONOR for his part in capturing the Nijmegen Bridge in 1944. Mr. Burriss celebrated his 90th birthday by once again parachuting at the original WWII battle site in Holland.

Over the years, Moffatt and Louisa built their vacation home at their beloved Lake Dogwood in Eastover, where he enjoyed fishing in the lake. They also enjoyed vacations in Montreat, N.C., where, even in his nineties, Moffatt helped each of his four children build their own vacation homes. In the early 70’s, Moffatt faced the toughest battle of his life when Louisa was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease. He courageously cared for her until her death in 1986. Moffatt was later blessed to marry Jean Wheelwright Dooley, who had four grown children of her own, Richard, John, Mary, and Michael. Jean died in 2010.

He is survived by his three sons and one daughter, John Hay Burriss (Becca), Moffatt Burriss Jr.(Suzanne), Francis Burriss (Nancy), and Louisa “Weesa” Burriss (Bob Toomey); twelve grandchildren, Catherine Tuttle, John Burriss, Jr., Louisa Adam (Brian), Elizabeth Teal (Bart), Alle Denny (Chris), Lisa Thornton (Brian), Philip Prescott, Rich Prescott, Moffatt Prescott, Rachel Burriss, Thomas Burriss III, and David Burriss (Rebecca); and ten great-grandchildren, all who are grateful and humbled to have shared the life of this honorable gentleman.

The family would like to thank the staff at Lowman Home and Lutheran Hospice for their compassionate care of Mr. Burriss during his last two months.

A memorial service will be held at Lake Murray Presbyterian Church, in Chapin, on Sunday, January 13, at 3:00. The family will receive visitors at the church at the conclusion of the service. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memorials may be made to Lake Murray Presbyterian Church, 2721 Dutch Fork Road, Chapin, SC 29063.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mr. T. Moffatt Burriss please visit our Sympathy Store.

Obituary courtesy of Shives Funeral Home

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions for a parent to make.  Choosing private vs public is equally as important.  Here are some key facts and information that may help you as you think through that decision.

• For the 2018-19 school year, there are 425 top private schools in South Carolina, serving 66,383 students.
• The average private school tuition is $6,132 for elementary schools and $6,699 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
• The average acceptance rate is 90% (view national acceptance rates).
• Minority enrollment is 14% and the student:teacher ratio is 10:1.
• 78% of schools are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian and Baptist).
• There are 5 Blue Ribbon schools, 3 all-girls schools, 4 all-boys schools, 29 Montessori schools, 55 schools offering summer programs and 313 Preschools/Day Care schools.
• Counties with the most private schools:  Greenville County – 59, Richland County – 43, Charleston County – 42, York County – 21, Spartanburg County – 20, Lexington County – 19, Florence County – 15
• Counties with the highest percentage of minority students:  Kershaw County – 28%, Jasper County – 25%, Lancaster County – 25%, Newberry County – 25% and Union County – 25%

Tri-County Key Statistics

• Charleston County – 42 Schools / 8,125 Students / 11% Minority
• Berkeley County – 12 Schools / 2,528 Students / 17% Minority
  
• Dorchester County – 13 Schools / 3,268 Students / 14% Minority

Breakdown by all counties including top schools in each