Letsie Boykin Bloom

Our Alumni Spotlight spotlights the inspiring journeys of our school's alumni who have made impactful contributions in their careers and continue to embody the values and mission of St. Martin de Porres Catholic School. This month, we're proud to feature Letsie Boykin Bloom, who graduated from St. Martin de Porres Catholic School in 1968 and serves as the St. Martin de Porres Catholic School Foundation Board Secretary.

Reflecting on her time at the school, Ms. Bloom shared, "My educational and spiritual journey at St. Martin de Porres School began when a St. Martin de Porres priest approached my parents in a neighborhood outreach ministry in the late 1940s. Because my parents recognized the quality of education we could receive there, all six of my older siblings and I had the good fortune to attend Blessed Martin de Porres (the school name prior to Martin de Porres's canonization in 1962).

One interesting viewpoint that the nuns taught me, my siblings, and no doubt all the children at St. Martin de Porres is that we held a unique place in society. We were always taught that we were special and should never think of ourselves, no matter the color of our skin, as less than anyone else in this world.

One of the most inspiring nuns at St. Martin who embodied this teaching was Sister Bernadelle. She remained a long-time friend of my mother long after we had all graduated and she retired.

While at St. Martin de Porres, I was chosen to participate in an "Up With People" singing outreach ministry developed by one of the Nuns. We toured many institutions, such as hospitals, Nursing Homes, and even prisons, proclaiming a message of love and goodwill to all people. The "Up With People" ministry continues to this day in countries all over the world, empowering youth to lead and make positive changes in the world.

After graduation, I attended Dreher High School for my Freshman and Sophomore years and then A.C. Flora for my Junior and Senior years, when "bussing" was instituted.

Later, I attended the University of South Carolina (the real USC) and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. My art work specialized in drawing, printmaking and woodblock printing. The South Carolina artist, the late Larry Francis Lebby, kindly mentored me during these years at USC.

My artwork has been exhibited at the University of South Carolina Arts College, the South Carolina State Museum, and in multiple galleries and private collections in South Carolina. I was also named to Who's Who in Arts and Colleges in the Southeast. My artwork was commissioned to illustrate the front and back covers of a self-published book of poetry by a local writer entitled "Matuta in the Morning."

After college, I worked for the South Carolina State Museum and was instrumental in attaining a special collection for their exhibitions. I worked with Rodger Stroup, the State Museum's History Director. I also contacted the administration of Allen University and spearheaded the acquisition of medical equipment and supplies from the historical Good Samaritan Waverly Hospital, the first African-American-based hospital in Columbia, South Carolina. Many of you may recall that the hospital was located directly across Hampton Street from St. Martin de Porres Church and School.

While at the South Carolina State Museum, I was fortunate to work with the late Rudy Mancke, the Natural History Director. This allowed me to accompany him on several natural history outings and even assist with the filming of an episode of "Naturescene," one of SCETV's national award-winning science programs.

Later, I used my Fine Arts degree as the manager of an art and decorating gallery where I had the privilege of decorating hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and private homes across South Carolina.

My final career endeavor led me to work at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina (BCBSSC). I started in Tricare Insurance and eventually transferred to the BCBSSC Medicare Advantage contract. I studied and attained my Medical and Life Insurance License. The contract Assistant Vice-President appointed me as Project Coordinator and Assistant Manager of the Medicare Advantage Grievance and Complaint Department for members in the United States and Puerto Rico.

At BCBSSC, I was presented with several awards for my quality of customer service and received recognition for reducing the number of complaints from Medicare beneficiaries by resolving their issues in an efficient and timely manner.

My career accomplishments were due to the emphasis at St. Martin de Porres School on performing every task comprehensively and with a standard of excellence that was instilled in all the students who attended the school.

As I recall my years at St. Martin de Porres Catholic School, I am grateful and humbled that my parents saw the potential of that institution and allowed me to be taught and mentored by these outstanding educators.

I could not have chosen a better example of moral support and scholarship than was given to me by the nuns, lay teachers, and priests of St. Martins.

Finally, the most important aspect and privilege of this excellent education was that the entire experience from first to eighth grade was intertwined with a solid foundation of faith in Jesus Christ.

We, the current alumni, are to be examples of continuous giving and leadership to the generations who come after us so that they, too, can learn to leave a positive legacy for future alumni.

I continue to be a long-standing member of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church and volunteer regularly with the children at St. Martin de Porres School.

"And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching." Titus 2:7.