SC State ‘MiSTERs’ find inspiration and brotherhood at national retreat in Denver
ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Snow is a rarity in the South Carolina Midlands, but two future educators from South Carolina State University recently enjoyed plenty of it thanks to an eye-opening retreat in the Rocky Mountains.
SC State Call Me MiSTER cohort members Savion Bouknight and Justin Smith joined peers from across the country for the MiSTER Magic Retreat in Denver, Colorado, where they swapped their textbooks for deep conversations about purpose.
The retreat wasn’t just an excursion — it was a turning point. Bouknight, a first-year MiSTER from Columbia, described the experience as life changing.
“From exposure and networking to learning and engaging in professional sessions, the trip has changed the way I see my future,” he said. “Being around like-minded individuals reminded me that we’re all in this together — building bonds and preparing to teach the next generation.”
Held March 20–23, the retreat gathered participants from across the country to sharpen their skills, expand their networks, and reflect on their roles as future educators and leaders. Hosted by the national Call Me MiSTER initiative, the event combined interactive learning sessions with cultural experiences and opportunities for connection.
“These excursions are transformative experiences that shape our MiSTERs into well-rounded, culturally competent, and purpose-driven educators,” Bryant-Martin said. “By stepping beyond the classroom, they gain critical skills, build powerful networks, and grow personally through exposure to new environments and ideas.
“Each of these experiences reminds them that they are not only preparing to teach — they are preparing to lead, inspire, and positively impact students' lives,” he said.
The retreat kicked off with a welcome mixer, then shifted into a full slate of development sessions focused on mentorship, leadership and effective teaching. Participants explored topics such as building school-based mentoring programs, strengthening communication in “Spot Talk,” and creative math instruction in “MiSTER Magic 101.”
They also took part in a leadership workshop titled “Bossing Up,” before capping the day with a networking event alongside Denver-area educators.
“Overall, my experience at the MiSTER Magic Retreat was very enlightening,” said Smith, a second-year MiSTER from Elloree, South Carolina. “I learned valuable lessons and methods to improve my craft. I enjoyed being around like-minded people who are working toward their own goals.."
The weekend ended on a warm, soulful note: a private dinner catered by Chef Kamal’s Kuisine, celebrating the shared purpose and passion that brought the MiSTERs together.
The Call Me MiSTER program at SC State is part of the Department of Education in the College of Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences. The cohort is dedicated to increasing the presence of highly trained, revolutionary educators in South Carolina’s K-12 classrooms. Through mentorship and professional development, the program empowers students to become leaders and role models in their communities.
For more information, contact Dr. Costonzo Bryant-Martin at cbryantm@scsu.edu or 803-536-8490. To learn more about SC State’s Department of Education, contact Dr. George Johnson at gjohns32@scsu.edu or 803-536-8793.