USC Student Returns From Study Program at Princeton

Aug. 15–Columbia resident and University of South Carolina senior Mark McLawhorn recently returned from seven weeks of study at the 2005 Junior Summer Institute at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.

McLawhorn, the only S.C. representative, was among 35 students selected for the program from more than 200 who applied worldwide.

The Junior Summer Institute program aims to prepare students for graduate study and careers in public policy and international affairs. Course work includes six weeks of policy-related classroom instruction and one week of field research, including a policy workshop.

During the weeks of study, McLawhorn and other participants focused efforts largely on reducing the disproportionate number of minorities in the New Jersey Juvenile Justice system relative to the minority percentage in the general population.

“It was intense, but rewarding,” McLawhorn said of the experience, adding that he had been exposed to many issues people often take for granted.

“The kids there were very, very diverse,” he said.

McLawhorn is an honors student majoring in political science with a minor in economics. After graduation he plans to pursue his law degree and a master’s in public policy.

McLawhorn is the son of J.T. and Barbara McLawhorn.

TOP VOLUNTEERS: The Richland County Public Library has named its top junior volunteers from the main library and its nine branches.

Casey Wentworth was named RCPL’s 2005 Junior Volunteer of the Year.

Others honored from each of the branches include Heather Hart, Blythewood Branch; Rose Cely, Wheatley Branch; Avnika Amin, Sandhills Branch; Layla Gumati, Children’s Room at the Main Library; and Elizabeth Walker, St. Andrews Regional.

Rounding out the list were Dominique Washington, Eastover Branch; LaToya Watkins, North Main Branch; Ravenel Godbold, Cooper Branch; Gabriel Hurst, Northeast Regional; and Grace Moore, Southeast Regional.

The 11 were among 180 countywide junior volunteers honored recently by the library.

RCPL relies on adult and junior volunteers to maximize its resources and better meet the needs of library users. To volunteer or for more information, call (804) 929-3436.

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