Coach Ken Carter to address regional high school students at HGTC

The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, in partnership with Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC), the Coastal Carolina University (CCU) MISTER Program and Partnership Grand Strand, will host an inspirational student leadership event featuring nationally recognized educator and coach Ken Carter on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at HGTC’s Conway Campus.

Carter, whose story inspired the hit film Coach Carter, is known for putting education before athletics and challenging young people to recognize their potential both inside and outside the classroom. His message centers on leadership, discipline, accountability, perseverance and the importance of education. 

The event is designed to encourage students to recognize the connection between education, personal responsibility, leadership and their future opportunities.

“Coach Carter’s message reinforces what we want every student to understand: Their choices today can have a lasting impact on the opportunities available to them tomorrow,” said Eileen Fleming-Patonay, regional workforce advisor with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. “By bringing students together from across our region, we hope to inspire them to believe in their potential, take ownership of their future and recognize that leadership begins with discipline, accountability and a commitment to education.”

Students from 12 high schools representing Horry, Georgetown and Williamsburg counties will participate in the event under the theme, “Students First. Leaders Always.”