With a graduation and ribbon cutting behind them, the students of Leadership Dorchester have completed the 11-month course.

“Leadership Dorchester, 2021 was a very special class,” Jen Quattlebaum, the program coordinator, said. “Their maturity and dedication to the program was evident from the first day of our retreat.” 

Graduation was sponsored by Middleton Place, and it was a picture-perfect day for the 18 graduates and their guests. 

“Thank you for the continued support from our presenting sponsor, Summerville Medical Center. They have been with the Leadership Dorchester program since day one, and we wouldn't be able to do it without them,” Jen said of the program.

As part of the group’s class project, the participants adopted Beyond BASIC. They raised more than $20,000 in cash and in-kind donations to revamp the exterior of the building.

“The project sponsors helped Leadership Dorchester create a space that Beyond BASIC will find functional for years to come,” Amanda Redick explained. 

 Beyond BASIC has new sidewalks, turf, landscaping, and planting beds. Beyond BASIC has already started outdoor yoga sessions for their teammates and looks forward to horticulture therapy sessions, organized outdoor time, and other fun events in this new space. 

“A team dedicated to excellence made this project easy to accomplish,” Amanda said.

The group also raised $900 for the Dorchester Senior Center in St. George. 

The Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Dorchester program is an 11-month intensive and comprehensive study of the political, civic, economic and social dynamics in action within Dorchester County. The program begins in January with an overnight retreat and ends with graduation in November. Upon completion of this program the participant are well-positioned to educate their peers, coworkers and potential residents about Dorchester County.

Participants enjoy monthly trips to places like the Indian Field Campground, Biedler Forest, Colonial Dorchester State Park,  Dorchester Career & Technology Center, and the SC Aeronautical Center. Students learn about education, politics, nonprofit work, and history through tours, presentations, and classes.

The class participates in unique opportunities in team building exercises, professional network development, training and leadership development. Leadership Dorchester emphasizes diversity and develops proactive, forward-thinking leaders that can identify and offer unique solutions to specific community issues. The primary objective is to increase awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the region’s economy and community networks while developing the future community and political leaders of Dorchester County.