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<p><strong>By Tony Kukulich</strong></p>
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<p>A warm crowd of about a dozen people welcomed author Abbiegail Hugine on Saturday, Feb. 12, to the Gullah Geechee Visitors Center in Beaufort, for a book-signing event.</p>
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<p>Hugine’s first book, “There Must Be Something in the Water: Anthology of the Fourth Generation: Descendants of Green Pond After the Emancipation,” chronicles the impact that 42 residents of the small town of Green Pond, S.C., have made in the world.</p>
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<p>Located in rural Colleton County, Green Pond boasts a population of just about 2,500 people and still doesn’t have a traffic light. Despite its humble appearance, Hugine tells the stories of many who have gone on to serve in the highest levels of education, government, public service, elected office, entrepreneurship and the medical profession. She hopes her book will inspire readers to believe that greatness can be achieved regardless of one’s background.</p>
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<p>With her first book done, Hugine is already considering a second book that will also feature her beloved hometown. The next book, she said, will provide a more intimate look at small-town life and her experience growing up in the rural South.</p>
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<p>“There Must Be Something in the Water: Anthology of the Fourth Generation: Descendants of Green Pond After the Emancipation” is available locally at the Gullah Geechee Visitors Center as well as Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.</p>
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<p><em>Tony Kukulich can be reached at tony.theislandnews@gmail.com</em>.</p>
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