My 'Hometown Hero' isn't a man. But, she should be recognized for her courage and certainly for her outstanding achievements. Her performances on American Idol have brought her notoriety and judging by the turnout for her recent visit home, including a parade and a concert, in the eyes of many she is nobility. My 'Hometown Hero' is Candice Glover.
If you have the opportunity, please vote for Candice tonight!
Candice lives on St. Helena Island in the South Carolina Lowcountry; Land of majestic oaks draped in veils of Spanish moss,Cicadas singing in the sultry summer afternoons, high humidity and mosquitoes.
The economy on the island is based on fishing (shrimping) and agriculture.
I have fond memories of taking my boys to the strawberry fields on St. Helena.(Well, maybe the exception is the time CS threw up on the way home!)
What St. Helena lacks in economic opportunity,
(15% of the households earn less than $15,000 annually*)
they make up for in a rich heritage.
St. Helena is home to the Penn Center,
one of the first schools for freed slaves.
St. Helena has art....
And, St. Helena has music!!
Crowds turned out in droves to greet Candice on her return home. Even in the rain!
The Mayor of Beaufort, SC, the county seat, was asked by American Idol producers to give a key to the city to Candice. He stated, "We have a key, but we don't need it because our hearts are open to all, so a key is not necessary."
A more fitting statement couldn't have been said!
Southern hospitality thrives in the lowcountry.The 'key' is actually a basket made of marsh grasses. It was made in the shape of a key and then painted with typical lowcountry scenes by a local artist.
Totally unique... just like that area of the south!
Southern hospitality thrives in the lowcountry.The 'key' is actually a basket made of marsh grasses. It was made in the shape of a key and then painted with typical lowcountry scenes by a local artist.
Totally unique... just like that area of the south!
Please take the opportunity to vote for Candice tonight!
After this evening's performance you may vote online at: http://www.americanidol.com/vote. Votes may also be called in or sent by text.
Picture credits:TreesMap
Shrimp BoatsAgricultureStrawberriesPenn CenterArt GalleryCandiceParadeKeyVotePicture credits:TreesMap
* Estimated per household income
I wish her the best of luck. May she touch the hearts of all who vote.
ReplyDeleteI seem to be drawn to this part of the country...the mystery, the romance, the unknown?
Not to mention the fact that she has one of the most powerful voices I have heard in a long time.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this post. Mostly, because I have been to st Helena island, and I jave been to all of those places you pictures, and I am missing it so much right now! Can't wait to be there this summer :)
ReplyDeleteI think she just may win, she is a powerful singer:)
ReplyDeleteOkay, I totally commented on this, but apparently blogger didn't like my comment.
ReplyDeleteI love this post, because I can't wait to be back in South Carolina (I'm going at the end of this month) and I have been to all the places in your pictures!
I have been to the penn center, and the red piano too, as well as all the other stores near there. Have you been to the shrimp shack? They have the best hush puppies, hands down.
We have also spent many days picking tomatoes at Dempseys..
Can't wait to be back there this year!