Rjon Dunn may not have needed anyone’s help finding things on his wish list, but when it came to Pokémon cards, a local all-star was there to assist with the score.
Dunn, a student at Myrtle Beach Elementary, teamed up with Hampton County High defensive lineman Ka’von Chisolm and Abbeville High linebacker Mikhelyn Bowie for a Christmas shopping spree at a Target store in Myrtle Beach.
“It felt good to help put a smile on his face,” says Chisolm. “He knew exactly what he wanted, clothes, shoes, and Pokémon cards, which I played with when I was young.”
Chisolm and Bowie were among the 88 all-stars playing in the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium. The game is one of the oldest high school all-star games in the country.
Each year in early December, on the Thursday before the game, 44 deserving elementary school students are matched with players from each team, and the groups are equipped with a curated list of items that include a mix of the child’s needs and wants and a $150 gift card provided by the electric cooperatives.
South Carolina’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives sponsor the bowl game not only to recognize local players for their athletic ability but also for their character on and off the field. In addition to Chisolm, area all-stars selected to play in the game included Bluffton High linebacker Jeremiah Curry and Hampton County High wide receiver Zion Dobson.
The shopping spree was part of a full week of experiences for the players. The night before the game, the players were given the opportunity to take a tethered ride in the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives hot air balloon. They also got to explore careers as lineworkers through hands-on demonstrations presented by a crew from Horry Electric Cooperative.
In the South’s 28–8 victory, Chisolm and Curry contributed to a dominating defensive effort. Chisolm had three tackles, including a sack. Curry also registered three tackles. Dobson, who was honored at halftime as Mr. Football Finalist, had a six-yard touchdown reception.