TERRY BENJAMIN - BETHUNE-BOWMAN HIGH SCHOOL '19
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: TERRY BENJAMIN – FROM ORANGEBURG TO NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Terry Benjamin, a 2019 graduate of Bethune-Bowman High School, embodies the spirit of ambition and determination that Orangeburg County nurtures. Born and raised in Orangeburg, Terry’s journey reflects the belief that good things can come from small towns and that dedication can open doors to incredible opportunities.
Growing up, Terry was influenced by his mother, Kiya Benjamin, an educator at Bowman, who instilled in him the value of education and community involvement. This foundation helped shape his interests and aspirations from a young age. “Good things happen in Orangeburg, good people come from Orangeburg County School District,” he remarks, reflecting on the positive energy that the community fosters.
Terry’s passion for journalism was sparked during his time at Bethune-Bowman, where he discovered his love for writing and current events. His early experiences, including discussions around news articles and school projects, ignited a fire in him to pursue a career in journalism. “My experience at Bowman definitely helped me get on this track,” he says.
After high school, Terry chose to stay close to home and attended Claflin University. Initially, he started as a biology major but quickly realized that his true passion lay in journalism. With the support of his professors, particularly Mr. Lee Harder, Terry began freelancing for The Times and Democrat in Orangeburg, further honing his writing skills.
His dedication paid off when he landed an internship at the State Newspaper in Columbia during the summer of 2021, followed by another internship with The Times and Democrat. However, his most notable achievement came in 2023 when he was one of just seven interns selected from 200 applicants to join the Charlotte Observer.
Terry’s journey took an exciting turn when he was selected to ride in Vice President Kamala Harris’s motorcade from Columbia to Orangeburg, where he had the unique opportunity to interview her for The Times and Democrat and Claflin’s website. This experience not only showcased his talent but also highlighted the potential that exists in the Orangeburg community.
Currently working as a public safety and breaking news reporter in Greenville, Terry covers crime and safety issues, diving deep into the stories that matter most to the community. “I like the writing aspect of journalism,” he explains. “While TV only gives you a few minutes, writing allows me to fully explore and express the topics that are important to me.”
Terry believes that Orangeburg has immense potential and emphasizes the importance of community involvement. “It just takes a little bit of effort from everyone to make it the community that it can be,” he states. His vision is clear: when community members come together and actively participate, they can reignite the spirit that makes Orangeburg a great place to live.
As Terry continues to make his mark in journalism, he serves as an inspiration for current students at Bethune-Bowman and throughout the Orangeburg County School District. His story is a powerful reminder that with hard work and commitment, anyone can achieve their dreams, no matter where they start. Terry Benjamin is proof that big achievements can come from small towns, and he is just getting started on his journey.
This piece is part of an ongoing series telling the stories of our OCSD Alumni! We share a new alumni story once a month, and we want YOUR story. If you or someone you know is a OCSD graduate and an excellent representative of the Orangeburg community and the idea of #WeAreOne, whether they live in Orangeburg County or not, please fill out the form linked below. You can also show your OCSD Alumni pride on social media with the hashtag #OCSDAlumniStories
This piece is part of an ongoing series telling the stories of our OCSD Alumni! We share a new alumni story once a month, and we want YOUR story. If you or someone you know is a OCSD graduate and an excellent representative of the Danville community and the idea of #WeAreOne, whether they live in Orangeburg County or not, please fill out the form linked below. You can also show your OCSD Alumni pride on social media with the hashtag #OCSDAlumniStories