Sixth grader Carter Falk spoke of a recent exit polling project during the Town of Mount Pleasant's election at the Open House of his school, University School of the Lowcountry in Mount Pleasant last Tuesday.

Falk spoke of his experience — looking at biographies on each of the candidates, the field trip during the elections, foreseeing that the 593 exit polls were completed, and compiling the surveys to predict the winners of the races.

The predictions were pretty much right-on.

His principal Jason Kreutner told students to make candidates' Web sites.

'I didn't know how to make a Web site,' Falk said.

 But he learned and built Tom Reilly's site.

Glenn Chave is the division manager of the information systems technology division for Science Applications International Corporation. When Chave heard Falk's details of the exit polling project, he was impressed with the 11-year-old's initiative.

In 15 minutes, Falk outlined a number of things he was working on.

'Today's client and business executive concerns are, ‘are there enough qualified people in high-end technology?' Carter represents an example of what you don't hear about,' said Chave, mentioning how there is always talk of how poor and behind South Carolina schools are.

'Carter is inspirational, not just for education but for his initiative in public affairs,' Chave added.

Falk would like to speak to Charleston Mayor Joe Riley about improving the playground under the Ravenel Bridge.

Last Friday, Falk spoke to 45 employees of Science Applications International Corporation, per Chave's request and Kreutner's nod of approval.

And he has no problem standing up in front of people to talk.

Headmaster Kreutner said that Carter's story is something to repeat.

Back in December 2008, when students listened to an audio transcript of Medal of Honor member, General James Livingston, they were intrigued.

While the students expressed their interest, Kreutner's students got the opportunity to visit Parris Island last spring.

'We are trying to foster this institutionally,' said Kreutner. 'Kids taking initiatives leads to opportunities.'

'I hope it's a continuous path; I want to go talk to other people,' Falk said.

As speakers are usually paid, the students at The University School of the Lowcountry enjoyed a pizza party, thanks to Falk's initiative.

 

(Helen Ravenel can be reached at helen@moultrienews.com.)