Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
The April Service Above Self winners are (from left to right) Grant Whitman, Stacey Newsome, and Jayla Neal.
The April winners of the Service Above Self awards includes two future chemists.
The Rotary Club of Barnwell County bestows these awards monthly to a student from each high school who exemplifies the club’s motto of “Service Above Self”. The students and their parents are invited to a luncheon.
“We recognize the impact they are having on their schools and community,” said Rotarian Crissie Stapleton during the April 13 meeting.
Jayla Neal of Barnwell High, Grant Whitman of Williston-Elko High, and Stacey Newsome of Jefferson Davis Academy were present to accept their awards. Blackville-Hilda High’s student, Breanna Carrigg, was sick but will be recognized at a later date.
• Jayla Neal: The BHS senior participates in volleyball, track/field, and is on the school varsity cheer squad and competition squad. Currently ranked 8th in her class, she is in the National Honor Society and Beta Club. She loves to volunteer, including at Special Olympics. She plans to go USC Columbia or College of Charleston to study chemistry.
• Grant Whitman: The sophomore is a hands-on student who gets involved in many things at WEHS, including taking care of the flag every morning, said Principal Tony Flowers. He is in the FFA and the National Technical Honor Society at the Barnwell County Career Center. He plays baseball, cross country, and golf. He wants to work at the Savannah River Site.
• Stacey Newsome: The junior is in NHS, Beta Club, and interns at the Town of Snelling as an administrative assistant. She has been to World Changers several summers and will go to girls state this summer. She plans to study chemistry or biochemistry and hopefully work at SRS one day.
“We are so proud of you and your accomplishments. Wherever the future may take you, we hope when you come back you’ll want to be part of Rotary,” said Stapleton.
Swim Program
The Rotary Club is working on a partnership with the local YMCA to provide swimming lesson scholarships to needy children this summer as part of the Swim FINS Program.
“This is a long, much-beloved program in Barnwell County,” said Club President Tricia Gordon.
They also hope to partner with Barnwell County First Steps for a Mommy and Me swimming program. It teaches safety tips to parents, including what to do if you fall in a pool. Gordon said this is needed because many parents can’t swim.
