DATE:     11/3/97
CONTACT:  Connie Lake, (864) 445-8117
WRITER:   Tom Lollis, (803) 284-334

Gov. Beasley Honors Saluda 4-H'ers
With Order of the Silver Crescent

     SALUDA -- Gov. David Beasley presented 16 civic-minded
4-H'ers with the Order of the Silver Crescent, the highest youth
award given in the state of South Carolina, during ceremonies at
Saluda High School on Sept. 21.
     The award, initiated by Gov. and Mrs. Beasley to honor young
people who are positive role models, was presented to Saluda
County 4-H Teen Leaders before an audience of community leaders,
school officials and student body leaders.
     Each Teen Leader received a Silver Crescent pin, a symbol of
the crescent moon on the state flag.  "Thank you for the
leadership, the hard work and for making a difference," Beasley
said.
     The Teen Leaders are a group of older 4-H members who have
given hours of their time and talent to others, according to
Connie Lake, Clemson Extension agent in Saluda County.
     One of their projects was the 1996 Saluda County Kid's Vote,
which allowed more than 250 youths to vote in their own mock
Presidential election.
      "They learned about the political process, decision making,
candidate qualifications, the ballot and tallying the vote," Lake
said.
     "Through other projects these young people have helped teach
younger 4-H members the importance of proper food preparation and
nutrition, electric safety, basic circuitry and basic sewing
skills," she added.  "They have also taught younger 4-H'ers how
to be responsible for
animals under their care and how to keep basic records."
     Silver Crescent pins went to: Lakiesha Abney of Spartanburg
Methodist College; Haley Rinehart, a student at Lander
University; Meredith Edwards and Keelie Shealy, students at
Riverside Middle School; and Saluda High students Nena Banks,
Charisse Bates, Ashley Butler, Andy Edwards, Stephanie
McCullough, Amber Meredith, Lori Mills, Amanda Nichols, Jason
Nichols, Katie Rhodes, Chace Shealy and Mitchell Spearman.

                          END