Hometown Hero

hero |ˈhi(ə)rō|noun ( pl. heroes )a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities: a war hero.
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.

I lived in the Lowcountry for 34 years, which is why I am claiming Candice as 'my' hometown girl. OK, so my town was a bit south and west of St. Helena, but I lived in the same county and my work often took me out to St. Helena... so, doesn't that count?

St. Helena is a barrier island. It is surrounded by marshes, and the waterways are the highways for local shrimp boats. 

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!

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 GalleryCandiceParadeKeyVote
* Estimated per household income