From Across South Carolina And The Nation

**Dr. Gary L. Burgess, Sr. Candidacy For SC State Superintendent Of Education**

Dr. Gary L. Burgess, Sr. officially filed for candidacy for SC State Superintendent of Education at 1:00 p.m. on March 29, 2022. He announced his candidacy to become South Carolina’s next Superintendent of Education on Monday, February 21, 2022 with Wofford College in the backdrop as well as family members and a group of his supporters.
He is a product of the public school system and matriculated through Wofford College, Converse College and earned his doctorate degree from the University of South Carolina in Columbia. He holds a South Carolina professional teaching license in the areas of teacher, principal, and superintendent. His political experience includes his service as a school board member in Anderson County School District since 2010. He was re-elected in 2018 and continues to serve in this capacity. He is a published author and presenter with numerous articles focused on teaching, learning and curriculum.

“Learning is the most important outcome for students”, states Burgess. Although education is a State responsibility, He believes that parents, teachers and local communities, through their school boards should be charged with the education of the children in their respective communities. He further stated, “teachers thrive in learning environments where they are supported in their craft and are compensated for their professional work”.
Burgess is a career educator who has served as classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, superintendent and adjunct college professor. Dr. Sarah Simmons (Spartanburg) said that she has known Dr. Burgess for many years. According to Dr. Simmons, “Gary Burgess is a man of faith and a person of high integrity who has a strong commitment to make a positive difference in the lives of students, parents, teachers and community members throughout our state.”

**SC Artist Publishes Children's Book About Mom's Time of the Month**

Tega Cay, SC – Give Mommy Dragon SOME SPACE by local author and mother of three, Monica Upson, is a unique book that teaches children lessons on thoughtfulness and appreciation. Released to Amazon.com on February 9, 2022 as a paperback and an e-Book, Monica says that she hopes other moms will see this book as a tool for the entire family.

"I actually got the idea for this book during my ‘fire breathing week.’ I was in the process of writing another book when I started getting constant interruptions from my darling children,” Monica shared. “I was already on edge because I didn't have my chocolate breakfast smoothie that morning to satisfy my cravings. A few minutes later my husband walked in with my favorite double chocolate chip cream frappuccino and it completely reset me and made my day. In that moment, it felt as if the story wrote itself." said Monica.

Give Mommy Dragon SOME SPACE is a 44 page fictional children's book geared towards children ages 5 - 8 and guardians with a sense of humor. In this story, when Mommy dragon’s little ones realize it's her time of the month again, they figure out ways they can be thoughtful in helping to ease her symptoms. Mommy dragon thinks all she needs is a little space to herself. During their family’s fun-filled adventure, even mommy dragon gets a lesson. Readers can find the book and more at MonicaUpson.com or by searching the book title on Amazon.com.

**FDA Authorizes 2nd COVID-19 Booster Shot For People Over 50**

The Food and Drug Administration has granted permission for a second COVID-19 booster shot – a fourth for those already receiving the additional dose.

The authorization is for individuals 50 and older, which health officials said would provide extra protection for the most vulnerable population if infections spike again.

The FDA previously approved fourth doses for those 12 and older with severely compromised immune systems. The agency noted that a third booster – or fifth shot – would also be available for that group.

The Centers for Disease Co.

**Will Smith Issues Public Apology for Oscar Smackdown**

With news that the Academy officially launched a formal review of Will Smith’s assault on Chris Rock during Sunday’s ceremony, the Best Actor Oscar winner issued an apology to the comedian.

As those in charge of the awards show asserted they would “explore further action and consequences in accordance with our bylaws, standards of conduct and California law,” Smith issued a repentant tone for his role.

“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable,” Smith wrote on his official Instagram page.

“Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.”

He continued:

“I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line, and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.

“I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world. I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my ‘King Richard’ Family. I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us.

“I am a work in progress.”