North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
By Kaye Collins
For some individuals, service is merely an expectation from others. However, for the best among us, it is a source of pride to offer service to our community, both in prosperous times and in challenging ones.
For more than 87 years, the Loris Civitan Club (LCC) has dedicated themselves to serving, celebrating, honoring and supporting our Loris community. They have played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Loris Hospital, now the McLeod Loris Hospital. Throughout the years, this humble group of neighbors and friends has significantly improved lives, especially those of our children and citizens with special needs. One of the ways they achieve this is by backing our youth and athletics programs. The LCC serves as the foundation for the Loris Lions Football Program that we witness every football season. They are responsible for the display of Old Glory along our streets during special holidays, with each patriotic flagpole being meticulously placed by a member. Their contributions to our Loris community are numerous.
The LCC is a compassionate organization that has taken initiative to support particular causes through contributions, such as when Giving Hope Gardens required assistance following the revelation of financial crimes committed against them. Additionally, in collaboration with the American Legion Loris Post 41, they awarded our Police and First Responders with a personal monetary thank you in recognition of their service to our community. They have been performing these acts of kindness for many years.
The LCC stays informed of various aspects of our community, state and the world by inviting speakers to discuss a diverse range of topics and issues. Their guests have included individuals who are highly knowledgeable in their respective fields, sharing firsthand experiences and expertise. Each speaker provided valuable insights into facets of life that are not commonly known or witnessed by others. Among the most intriguing was the Army Chaplain, whose responsibility was to greet the planes bringing our fallen heros home to Dover Air Force Base and offer comfort to their families and had a guest speaker address the issue of human trafficking. They have hosted speakers who shared the most recent legal updates regarding wills and trusts in relation to current laws, discussions on state and local special needs programs, as well as Loris mayors and city administrators who provided their viewpoints on our city government. Additionally, a guest speaker from Giving Hope Gardens, a local business operated by neurodiversity individuals, contributed to discussions offered. These topics represent just a few of the subjects covered over the years.
Recently, the LCC extended an invitation to the three delegates from American Legion Loris Post 41 to discuss the Boys State program and share their experiences from the weeklong event. Dinner was served at Adams Steaks and Seafood, where the “Rising Seniors” (students who have completed their junior year and are about to enter their senior year) talked about their favorite aspects, memorable moments, and lessons learned during the event. The 2025 delegates chosen by Loris Post 41 to represent them at Palmetto Boys State are Luke Martin, Alistair Wigglesworth, and Curtis Gilstrap.
Palmetto Boys State has been held annually in South Carolina since 1940, “originally located at a school near the airport in Columbia, South Carolina.” Over the years, Palmetto Boys State has been hosted by several distinguished and remarkable institutions, including The Citadel, the University of South Carolina, Wofford College, and since 2011, Anderson University.
The American Legion Boys State program offers a “distinctive opportunity for young men to understand the American system of government and politics by engaging in a mock government system.”
Palmetto Boys State stands out for its multifaceted learning environment. Besides participating in a simulated government system, Boys State can explore potential career paths through various specialized schools. These include the Performing Arts School, Criminal Justice Academy and Law School, each providing unique insights and experiences.
Certain factors for selection encompass academic success, participation in community activities, and individual pursuits.
The young men felt privileged to be invited to share their experiences, each contributing their own insights and distinct viewpoints. A recurring theme among them was their initial uncertainty about what to expect, ultimately leading to the realization that it was one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives. Meeting roommates from different regions of the state was intimidating, yet individuals they initially doubted would become friends ended up doing just that. They recounted how 800 young men established two political parties, the Nationals and the Federals, created cities, and elected their leaders. Remarkably, all three delegates from Loris were elected to office.
Alistair Wigglesworth was elected Coroner of the Boys State City of Okatee, Luke Martin was elected Mayor of Rocky and Curtis Gilstrap was elected Mayor of Keowee. They were very impressed and excited when they marched, 800 strong, down Main Street in Columbia, met up with the delegates from Palmetto Girls State and proceeded to the State Capitol where they were warmly greeted and addressed by a number of elected officials.
In addition to the honor of serving as a Boys State Delegate, the advantages of being a Palmetto Boys State Alum encompass valuable scholarships, including a Sony Scholarship designated for Boys State Delegates. Furthermore, as Alastair pointed out, it provides an advantage when applying to colleges.
The informal meeting of the LCC was a friendly and informative event, which also welcomed the parents of the three young men. The meeting concluded with everyone appreciating the shared insights and the warm camaraderie the three young men shared.
