Rotary Club recognizes students for service

Seven high school students were recognized by the Rotary Club of Barnwell County.

During the Oct. 13 and Nov. 10 meetings, the club recognized local high school students for exemplifying the club’s motto of “Service Above Self”. The club presents the Service Above Self awards each month during the school year to a student from each high school.

“This is one of our favorite meetings where we get to see new faces and hear about the fabulous things happening across our county,” said club president Tricia Gordon.

Students receiving Service Above Self awards included:

• Jason Edwards, a senior at Williston-Elko High School. He has been in the marching band for six years, including the past two as drum major, and has been on the golf team for four years where he was captain last year. The golf team made it to state the past two years while the band made it to state every year he’s been involved. He’s also involved with Beta Club and takes criminal justice classes at the Barnwell County Career Center. After high school, he wants to study either music or criminal justice.

• Siblings Carrie Lynn Loadholt and Colson Loadholt, sophomores at Jefferson Davis Academy. JDA Head of School Randy Martin, who has taught both siblings Algebra 2, said both are “very bright” and have a “level of competitiveness in class that has lifted up everybody else in class.” Carrie Lynn is involved with cheer and volleyball, but also applies her love for reading as a volunteer in the library. She hopes to major in library science “so I can share my love of literature with others.” Colson plays football, basketball and baseball, and hopes to further his baseball career in college.

• Zi’Yier Rice, a senior at Barnwell High School. She is part of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, vice president of the senior class on student council, and part of the Axis I Youth Advisory Council. “She is an absolute pleasure to be around. She is academically gifted but also works extremely hard,” said BHS Principal Franklin McCormack. Rice, who takes health science at the Barnwell County Career Center, expects to graduate high school with her CAN, BCT, and pharmacy tech certificates. She plans to attend USC Aiken to obtain a bachelor’s in nursing and become a nurse anesthetist.

• Jada Sims, a senior at Williston-Elko High School. In addition to being active at school, she gives back to the community, including giving out food to the homeless around the holidays. “Jada is one of our outstanding seniors. She is always willing to help other students in class,” said WEHS Principal Tony Flowers. Sims said it’s important to her to do “everything in my power to strive and succeed while helping as many people along the way.” She plans to study hospitality management in college.

• Joseph Simmons, a senior at Blackville-Hilda High School. He is on the football and track and field teams. He said he believes in helping others when they are down by lifting them up. “He’s a scholar athlete, well rounded and a phenomenal person to have in our school,” said BHHS Principal Christina Snider. Simmons wants to major in engineering.

• Grayson Thompson, a junior at Barnwell High School. He is the first IT apprentice for Barnwell School District 45. He primarily works at Guinyard-Butler Middle School but helps at other schools when needed. At a recent school board meeting, BHS Principal Franklin McCormack called Thompson is a “humble man of few words, but he has such a mighty impact,” said Superintendent and Rotary Club member Dr. Crissie Stapleton at the November club meeting. Thompson plans to go to college and start a career in IT.

“We are so proud of your accomplishments. We congratulate you on everything you’ve done and look forward to what you’ll do in the future,” said Stapleton to the students.

She invited all seven students to join the Rotary Club after they attend college so they can continue making a difference in Barnwell County.