Florence 1's school foundation holds red-carpet gala
Morning News
By: John D. Russell
Published: September 29, 2011
The School Foundation rolled out the red carpet for all who attended its 10th annual gala at the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing Technology in Florence. The event honored Mark L. Walberg, who’s best known these days as the host of the “Antiques Roadshow,” as the foundation's 2011 Distinguished Graduate, some 31 years after he set out with an education from Florence School District 1 and aspirations to create and produce.
Walberg still has family and friends in the area and said the gala was a nice excuse to come home because it really is his home. “I have to admit, though, that I wouldn’t be surprised if the whole event was a ruse to tell me I didn’t actually graduate,” he said with a laugh.
Debbie Hyler, the foundation’s executive director, said because Walberg lives in Los Angeles, the foundation gave the gala a Hollywood theme this year.Each guest was treated to a long walk down a red carpet, complete with a Hollywood style backdrop as Southside Middle School drama students, posing as paparazzi, snapped photographs as they leaned over velvet ropes. “All of our attendees and sponsors are stars and we appreciate their support so much,” Hyler said.
As guests made their way to the dinner area past the silent auction items, the stage was set for the night’s entertainment with a huge backdrop of a landscape featuring “W-A-L-B-E-R-G” spelled out like the famous Hollywood sign.
Walberg had a table right in front of the stage for him and his family to enjoy the entertainment that started with a performance from the West Florence High School Knight Edition show choir. At times Walberg, a choir alumnus, and his family could be seen singing along with the production.
Walberg told the crowd that when he grew up, his parents never had to worry about a quality education in Florence no matter what school he attended. Now, he said, he has to spend money for school in LA to give his children the same educational opportunities. “I was thinking this morning what a value and what an important part of my life it has been to be able to have an education that really afforded me any door I wanted to walk through and it was free and I went to school based on where I lived,” he said.
To conclude the event, the foundation named Susan Jenkins of Royall Elementary School its 2011 Teacher of the Year. She was chosen from among five finalists, including Joan Shortall of Florence Career Center, Robin Voss of West Florence high, Annie Hinson of Southside Middle and Sandra Wallace of Wilson High School, selected through a process of interviews, classroom visits and the like.
