Rotary Club recognizes Barnwell County students for service

Four students were awarded the Service Above Self award by the Rotary Club of Barnwell County for exemplifying the namesake phrase of the award.

“It's always amazing for us when we get to hear directly from the students what they're doing within their schools, within their community and truly know the impact they're having,” said Barnwell School District 45 Superintendent and Rotary Vice President Dr. Crissie Stapleton at the Club’s March 9 meeting. “Our hope, as Rotarians, is that one day if you return to Barnwell County you will come and join us in our efforts as well to make a difference within our communities and beyond our communities.”

Nasir Void is a sophomore enrolled in his first year at Jefferson Davis Academy (JDA).

Void plays football and basketball. When not in school, he coaches children ages four to ten.

“This is his first year with us, and he is not from Barnwell County. He drives all the way from Santee,” said Head of School Randy Martin.

Void came to JDA when they hired Anthony Reitenour, the current athletic director at the school and attendee at the Rotary event.

“He was at the same school with this young man, and [Void] thought so much of an educator that he wanted to continue with him. So that just shows the kind of dedication this man has,” said Martin of Void and Reitenour.

Martin describes Void as humble, kind, and “the first one that's willing to help if anything is ever needed.”

“I am a first-year student at Jefferson Davis, and I’m glad to be here because they welcomed me like family,” said Void. “I’m just really grateful that I am one of the students that could be here today.”

Void was accompanied by his parents, Shreka and Cagney Void.

Omarion Kinard is a senior at Blackville-Hilda High School (BHHS). Known as ‘Bouncer’ both on and off the field, he played nearly “every sport there was,” said Kinard.

“It was hard and I barely went to sleep sometimes,” he said with a smile. Kinard also worked while in school.

“Right now, I’m just deciding what I’m going to do after high school,” he said. “I’ll probably go to college and major in sports management and be a trainer.”

BHHS Principal Christina Snider described Kinard as an “outstanding student.”

Kinard was accompanied by his mother and Barnwell County Consolidated School District educator, Felicia Kinard.

Gabriel Hosey, a senior at Williston-Elko High School (WEHS), is the president of Beta Club and the vice president of the National Honor Society (NHS).

Hosey is on the cheer team, volleyball team, and she manages the track team.

“I try to be as involved as I can,” said Hosey, who enjoys what she does within her school and community.

Hosey attended the Young Leaders Summit at the University of Southern California last summer.

“It was so amazing, I got to meet so many people from all around the world,” she said. At the summit, she learned practical skills and how to reach opportunities that may be far in distance.

“I just want to thank you guys for bringing me here today, I am very grateful,” said Hosey. “I want to thank you for helping me network with many people.”

Hosey was accompanied by her mother, Annie Dicks.

Sidney Mason is a sophomore at WEHS and member of NHS, Student Government Association, and the National Technical Honor Society.

Mason was the Rotary student of the month in February, but was unable to attend so was recognized at the March meeting.

She was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, and her hobbies include reading, drawing, and spending time with family and friends.

“My future plans are to become someone successful in life and also to give back to my country as well as the world,” said Mason. “I would like to become a forensic scientist in the future.”

Emma Creech is a senior at Barnwell High School (BHS) who will be attending Clemson University in the fall to pursue a degree in chemistry. After Clemson, Creech plans to attend dental school.

“I just want to start this by saying what an honor it is to be selected as a Rotary Club student of the month,” said Creech.

Throughout her time at BHS, Creech has been yearbook editor, varsity soccer team captain, Scarlet Knights marching band high brass captain, and a member of girls tennis, pep squad, Interact Club, National Honor Society, and Beta Club - all while maintaining an A average in honors classes.

“One of my favorite extracurriculars is Interact Club where we focus on community service. We have had multiple projects like the Warhorse Closet at the primary and elementary schools,” said Creech.

“We hope one day you will carry that over to be a Rotarian,” said Barnwell School District 45 Superintendent Dr. Crissie Stapleton. “Interact is the high school version of Rotary, and sponsored by Rotary International.”

Creech was also a delegate at Palmetto Girls State last summer, where she was elected to the county council and state house of representatives. Also during summer 2022, Creech was a lifeguard at the Barnwell YMCA.

She was accompanied by her parents, Stephanie and Chad Creech.