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The Rotary Club of Barnwell County awarded three students with the Service Above Self Award for the month of February. From left to right, Barnwell School District 45 senior Maurice Odom, Blackville-Hilda High School senior Jakori Williams, and Jefferson Davis Academy senior Ryley Anderson.
BSD45 Superintendent Dr. Crissie Stapleton and BHS principal Franklin McCormack stand with senior Maurice Odom after he was awarded the Service Above Self Award.
Blackville-Hilda High School principal Christina Snider stands proudly with Jakori Williams, a BHHS senior who was awarded the Service Above Self award.
JDA senior Ryley Anderson poses with her parents at the Rotary Club of Barnwell County’s February meeting, where she was awarded the Service Above Self Award.
The Rotary Club of Barnwell County awarded three seniors with the Service Above Self Award at their February meeting– all of which coincidentally have aspirations to start a career in the medical field upon graduation.
“We are so proud of y’all, I speak on behalf of all the Rotarians when I say, Jakori, Maurice, Ryley, we are so proud of what you’re accomplishing right now and the impact you’re making in school and community,” said Club President Dr. Crissie Stapleton.
The Service Above Self Award is given to students from each school in Barnwell County who exemplify the club’s motto.
Maurice Odom is a senior at Barnwell High School (BHS). Odom is currently a dual enrollment student, as well as a member of the Beta Club and National Honor Society.
“I just want to let you know he is the ideal student, the model student,” said BHS Principal Franklin McCormack. “He is so dedicated academically, and he’s academically gifted as well.”
Not only is Odom a linebacker for the Warhorses, but he also plays on the basketball and wrestling teams. For the past three years, Odom has started on the football field and was named All Region Player two years in a row as well as All State Player this year by the South Carolina Football Coaches Association. He was also chosen to play in the Border Bowl.
Odom is also an active member of Mount Zion Baptist Church.
“After school, I plan to attend Limestone University to continue my football dreams and my academic career, which is nursing,” said Odom, who recently signed with the university.
Jakori Williams is a senior at Blackville-Hilda High School (BHHS) and currently in the running for valedictorian.
“Thank y’all for the opportunity and picking me for Rotary Student of the Month, it’s really a blessing,” said Williams.
Williams is the president of the Beta Club and president of the Student Council. As a dual enrollment student, Williams will be graduating BHHS with an associate’s degree in science, pre-med associate’s degree, and a general associate’s degree allowing him to step into college as a sophomore or a junior.
Williams plans to further his education at USC Columbia studying pharmacy.
Ryley Anderson is a senior at Jefferson Davis Academy (JDA) who is in the running for valedictorian.
At JDA, Anderson is a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society, and varsity basketball player. She also became a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) through training at Denmark Tech.
“My future plans are to attend Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College in radiology,” said Anderson, who was introduced by JDA educator, Shannon Chavez.
Sidney Mason was named the Williston-Elko High School Service Above Self Award recipient but was unable to attend and will be recognized at next month’s meeting in March.
“Thank you for exemplifying service above self in all you do,” said Dr. Stapleton in closing. “When your road leads you back to Barnwell County, we hope you will become a Rotarian as well.”
