Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
The staff of Heavenly Angels Day Care center in Blackville held an end-of-year graduation for their 32 students. From left to right: Alisha Joyner, Tykera Kinard, Destini Williams, Darlene Walker, Kadejaha Joyner, and Aretha Joyner.
Kobe Lary excitedly waves to his grandfather who is there to support him at his graduation.
Kali Mole excitedly awaits receiving her goodie bag and diploma after completing the 2022-23 school year.
Blesson Fraizer holds hands with Alexander Joyner.
Tykera Kinard congratulates Kali Mole on finishing the school year at Heavenly Angels Day Care.
Toryan James is supported by his family as he is celebrating finishing the school year.
Zamora Odom waves to her teachers as they cheer her on for finishing the school year.
Darlene Walker hands student Zamora Odom her goodie bag and diploma for finishing up the year.
The staff of Heavenly Angels Day Care wave to their graduates and returning students.
Cross Thompson rides with his mother LaTonya Thompson as he is celebrated.
Quavon Johnson is all smiles.He is starting preschool in the upcoming school year.
The love the staff of Heavenly Angels Day Care in Blackville have for the children in their care was evident at the June 1 graduation celebration.
Every child in attendance was cheered on as their parents steered through the drive-thru event with balloons and posters decorating their cars. Heavenly Angels staff handed them goodie bags and diplomas.
Thanks to the Blackville Police Department, traffic was rerouted around the Solomon Blatt Avenue day care so children were safe to wave out of car sunroofs and windows while being applauded by staff and family.
Many of the children will be returning to Heavenly Angels Day Care in the 2023-2024 school year as they serve ages six months to six years old. Director Kadejaha Joyner is going to miss those leaving the center and taking the next step in their academic journey, but feels good knowing she was a part of laying a solid foundation.
“It just really warmed my heart,” said Joyner. “I was so proud of the ones that are moving on. It feels good knowing you were a part of the foundation to help build their education.”
Kennedy Isaac, Jaxon Reed, Andrea Santimaria, Ishmael Black, Alexander Joyner, and Edward Jones are all taking the next step in their education and beginning 4K.
Heavenly Angels Day Care center was established in 2010 when founder Latonya Conelly moved her business from her home to their current location on Solomon Blatt Avenue.
“I’ve always had a passion to work with children ever since I was young, and I’ve always wanted to open a child care facility,” said Conelly.
Conelly ran the daycare from her home for two and a half years before purchasing the center. Here is where her daughter, Joyner, grew her passion for childcare and teaching by “growing up watching [Conelly] do it.”
When Conelly became the director of the new Williston child care center in January, Joyner was promoted director of Heavenly Angels. Joyner began in the infant room and then the toddler room, allowing her to become attuned to the needs of all ages.
The youngest student at Heavenly Angels Day Care is only three months old. Both Joyner and Conelly are proud to serve as a place where parents can “bring their children here and not worry about them being in harm’s way and know we are going to care for them as if they were our own,” said Joyner.
Building this trust with the community came naturally, according to Joyner. During the graduation the Heavenly Angels staff cheered on the students just as much as they did the parents – knowing it takes a village to raise a child. Joyner and Conelly are proud to be a part of their parents’ villages.
Often parents will have such a good experience with their first child at the center that they bring their second.
“It is so great watching siblings and the different personalities,” said Joyner, who is always amazed to see how unique each sibling is despite coming from the same household.
“We watch them come in, some of them being screaming toddlers, to growing up to be talkative preschoolers,” said Joyner. “It’s hard watching them leave.”
Although it is difficult to say goodbye, they never really leave permanently. The nurturing and love a child receives from Heavenly Angels stays with them their whole lives.
Conelly recounts times when she is working in schools or is in public and a child will come running up to her with open arms.
Joyner and Conelly aim to instill confidence and self sufficiency in their students. Both women find it important for these traits to be developed alongside growing their mind academically and socially.
One student in particular they have watched grow is Blackville-Hilda High School class of 2023 salutatorian Jakori Williams who started at Heavenly Angels at kindergarten age. Joyner has Williams’ high school graduation announcement displayed proudly in her office.
Students from all neighboring counties are welcome to Heavenly Angels, but only Barnwell and Aiken county residents are able to enroll in their Head Start program as it is partnered with Barnwell County First Steps.
Head Start ready scholars are Ma’el Isaac, India Mallory, Tristian Mayes, and Reinah Walker.
Heading into the toddler room in the upcoming school year is Blesson Frazier, Harmony Joyner, Autumn Chapman, and Zamora Odom. Cross Thompson, Alaia Robles, Romina Rodriguez, and Jamari Sanders will be returning to the toddler room.
Students ready for the preschool room are Kali Mole, Quavon Johnson, Amiyah Thomas, and Isadora Truax. They will be joining current preschool students NyKeva Odom, Chance Rivera, Toryan James, Kobe Lary, Karsyn Mike, Kyzir Corley, and Layla Jones who are all returning in the upcoming school year.
