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Karrie Bolen of Barnwell High, Jamari Parker of Blackville-Hilda High, Kole Lawson of Jefferson Davis Academy, and Kaitlyn Simmons of Williston-Elko High are the Rotary Club of Barnwell County's September "Service Above Self" award recipients.
The Barnwell County Rotary Club recognized its first Students of the Month for the 2022-23 school year.
During their Sept. 8 meeting, the Rotary Club recognized Barnwell High School student Karrie Bolen, Blackville-Hilda High School student Jamari Parker, Jefferson Davis Academy student Kole Lawson, and Williston-Elko High School student Kaitlyn Simmons as the newest recipients of the Service Above Self award.
“We want you to know how proud we are of each of you and your accomplishments, and all that you do within your schools and also your community,” said Rotarian Crissie Stapleton, who led the meeting in the absence of President Tricia Gordon.
The award’s name is a reference to Rotary’s motto and mission of putting service above self.
Here’s a look at each student and why they were selected for the award:
Karrie Bolen: Barnwell High School Principal Franklin McCormack called Bolen “absolutely fantastic” and credits her with singlehandedly reestablishing the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) during COVID. The senior is involved with Beta Club, National Honor Society (NHS), FCA, Interact Club (youth version of Rotary), baton, softball, and volleyball. She helped with the Secret Santa drive and volunteers at Barnwell Elementary. “I’ve had the opportunity to get involved in this community a lot,” said Bolen. She plans to attend Anderson University to study physical therapy.
Jamari Parker: Blackville-Hilda High School Principal Christina Snider called Parker “an outstanding, exceptional student who does a lot,” and is involved with many organizations. The senior is part of Beta Club, National Honor Society, and student government. He also attended Palmetto Boys State. He plans to attend Tuskegee University to study chemical engineering and possibly computer science.
Kole Lawson: The Jefferson Davis Academy senior said it was a “great honor” to be recognized. He said he’s involved in practically every committee at JDA, including FCA, National Honor Society, Beta Club, and student council. He plans to attend Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College for electrical instrumentation and hopefully open his own business one day.
Kaitlyn Simmons: Williston-Elko High School Principal Tony Flowers said he’s “very impressed” by Simmons. The senior attended Palmetto Girls State, Clemson Career Workshop, and Summer Seniors at the University of South Carolina. She is NHS president and is running for student council president. Simmons has been active in Beta Club, including helping the club go to the state convention for the first time and hosting the Sip of Royalty princess tea party last school year to “promote literacy and diversity in our community,” she said. She hopes to attend Duke University.
After Parker spoke about the importance of having people to believe in you, Stapleton said, “I hope you all know you have many people in this community rooting for you.”
She told the four students that she hopes they will return home after college to continue to make a difference in Barnwell County, including by joining the Rotary Club.
