Attendees of Public Education Partners’ (PEP) 10th annual Partner of the Year Luncheon had the opportunity to engage in local efforts to strengthen public education through knowledge-building, collaboration and partnerships. This year’s event, which was held at the Greenville Convention Center on Monday, November 25, honored The Capital Corporation and featured a keynote from Professor Derek W. Black, the Ernest F. Hollings Chair in Constitutional Law at the University of South Carolina School of Law.
“The Capital Corporation knows that public education is a smart investment, and we are proud to celebrate them as our Partner of the Year,” said Catherine Schumacher, PEP’s President & CEO. “Under the leadership of CEO Dan Adams, The Capital Corporation has made support of public education a top philanthropic priority. Their generous support of Public Education Partners since 2015 has helped us build on our record as an innovative force supporting creative, collaborative efforts to advance public education and student achievement in Greenville County Schools.” In addition to co-founding The Capital Corporation, Mr. Adams is involved in numerous private companies and nonprofit organizations, including serving on PEP’s Board of Directors. Additionally, The Capital Corporation volunteers to support PEP’s Make Summer Count summer reading program. “Education is one of the most important things we can provide our children,” said Adams. “It provides knowledge and a basis for their growth in many areas including decision making, critical thinking, interpersonal skills and confidence.” Following the Partner of the Year award recognition, Prof. Black addressed South Carolina’s historical obligation to ensure a strong system of public schools, and the pivotal role teachers play in strengthening democracy. The message was entitled, “The Long Road to Realizing the American Dream through Public Education.” “Public schools have long played a critical role in preparing children for citizenship and strengthening democracy,” said Black. “In South Carolina, this history dates back to 1868, when the constitutional convention determined that South Carolina would rebuild its democracy on a foundational commitment to public education. While so much has changed in the last 150 years, this wisdom has not.”