U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham Honors CCES Achievement, On and Off the Field

United States Senator Lindsey Graham visited campus on January 30th, honoring the 2011 state championship football team and encouraging students to take advantage of the multitude of opportunities afforded to them by their educational experiences.  Graham, a native of the Upstate, presented football coach Don Frost with a flag flown over the Capitol in honor of the team’s success this fall.

Photo: Headmaster Leonard Kupersmith, football coach Don Frost, Senator Lindsey Graham and US Director Pete Sanders.

Headmaster Leonard Kupersmith introduced Graham to the student body, saying, “Senator Graham is one of many reasons that I am proud to be a South Carolinian. He is a voice of reason, humility, and conciliation amidst a sea of bombast and divisiveness.”

Senator Graham was quick to express his positive impressions of CCES, thanking Rev. Richard Grimball for opening the assembly with a prayer for all of our political leaders.  A member of the Air Force Reserves who frequently visits Iraq and Afghanistan, he encouraged students to be thankful for the many opportunities given to them, both as citizens of the United States and as members of the CCES community.  “There are so many places in the world where people would die for the ability to do what we take for granted,” he said.

While the impetus for Graham’s visit was the success of our athletic program, he praised the school community for their overall commitment to excellence.  “You have bought into the idea that while you can be good on the field and off the field, you also have to understand values.  [CCES] is the best combination I’ve seen in South Carolina of a values-based education,” he noted.

During his presentation to Coach Frost, Graham was reminded of his high school athletic career – during which, he admitted, he spent most of his time on the bench.  He recalled, “I learned as much for being a part of the team as the people who got to play.  I got to be a part of something bigger than myself, and I formed friendships that have sustained me through my entire life.”

Students asked thoughtful questions of the Senator’s political opinions, including his comments earlier this year on freedom of speech during wartime and his impressions of the recent presidential primaries.  Several students stayed behind after the presentation to thank Senator Graham for his visit to campus.

The flag presented during the ceremony will soon be on display in the Upper School building. According to Graham, “More than anything, I give you this flag in honor of your sustained excellence through decades.”