DATE:     12/5/00
CONTACT:  Martha Duke, (864) 656-4905
WRITER:   Giles Singleton, (864) 656-3876

Whitmire student in new 
Clemson University service program

     CLEMSON -- Dawn Smith, from Whitmire, enjoys being a role
model for youths.
     In high school, Smith liked working with Meals on Wheels. 
"A lot of the people were not able to go out, so they were really 
glad to see us, said Smith. Smith serves as a mentor at Sans 
Souci Intermediate School in Greenville.
      Smith, valedictorian of her high school class, is one of 
five students from Clemson and four from Furman were selected 
as Campbell Scholars because of their demonstrated commitment to 
public service activities. Each student spends 10 hours a week
participating in tutoring, after-school activities and writing 
and discussion to enhance their community. 
     The Campbell Young Leaders program is a school project also 
funded by Bob and Betsy Campbell and provides academics and 
enrichment activities at three Greenville area elementary schools 
and one middle school. The Campbells believe that if properly
motivated, young people can help other young people. By changing 
the lives of children, young leaders create changes in the 
community.
     The Campbell Young Leaders Corp. has been collaborating with 
Cone Primary School to offer an after-school program for the past 
two years. Daily school attendance has increased since the program started because students must be in school to participate in the after-school activities, according to principal James L. Gardner.
     "The Campbell Scholars exemplify the type of student we want 
to attract to Clemson University. They are bright, articulate 
and dedicated to serving the community," said John Kelly, vice
president for Public Service and Agriculture at Clemson 
University.
     The 2000-2001 Clemson Campbell Scholars are Smith, Jennifer
Criscola, from Elizabethtown, Ky.; Bylan Dillard from Columbia; 
Jason Friday from Sumter and Vineet Menachery from Knoxville, 
Tenn. 
     In addition to working with Meals on Wheels, Smith was 
valedictorian of her high school class and worked with the 
Junior Rescue Squad. She plans to be a teacher in secondary 
education.
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