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Tell The Graduates By: Julian Burns, KC Council Chairman
Letter Submissions It is the policy of The Elgin News to encourage reader participation on its editorial page. Diverse and varied opinions are welcomed. Because of space limitations, we must limit all contributors to one letter per person per month. Letters of 200 words or less will be published unless they contain language or content that the editors feel is inappropriate. Examples of content that will cause letters to be rejected include the following: • Disrespectful comments regarding a group's or individual's ethnicity, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation or race. • Poor taste. • Endorsements for or complaints about individually named commercial products or services. • Personal tributes, attacks or thank you’s. The Elgin News will not knowingly publish factually incorrect information. Only letters written exclusively to the newspaper will be published. Letters to a third party or those written to more than one newspaper are not accepted. Letters written in response to other letter writers should address the issue at hand and, rather than mentioning the writer by name, should refer to the headline and date the letter was published. Discourse should be civil and people should be referred to in a respectful manner. Letters referring to news stories should also mention the headline and date of publication. All letters must be signed and include the writer's street address or route address telephone number, which will be used for verification purposes only. We welcome your input. You may write to us by e-mail at elginnews@gmail.com or by regular mail at:
Letters to the Editor The Elgin News P.O. Box 152 Elgin, SC 29045
Cate Goff, Editor (803) 513-5108
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Fred Davidson, Sales Manager (803) 466-4604
Tell the High School Graduates: that when all is said and done, it us up to you, to us, to them, and to all of us. Not someone else, not “them,” but all of us. Experts alone aren’t enough. We must make our own luck. Everything is new and uncertain, and when this is over we shall be changed, some say “transformed.” We now enter an uncertain phase in this viral crisis, with the Governor easing restrictions, a so-called “reopening.” Be clear: it ain’t the end, but only the end of the beginning. The Summer may relax the crisis, or it may even foretell another spike in cases. Whereupon, societal and economic disruption just starts all over again. The plague may even recede, but remains; and we brace for what may recur in the Fall. Therefore, as I say, “Grasp our own potential. Don’t go ‘sloppy:’ Exercise hygiene, mask, separate, isolate, test for COVID - get on with life.” Unemployment in Kershaw County just hit 10 percent. Something not seen in our lifetimes. Tell the graduates: we have the resolve, and we WILL come back, #Kershaw Strong. Success is our habit to cultivate. And our clear mandate. For, in rural counties, we are hit harder, earlier, and rebound more slowly than metropolitan counties. We can do this, but only if we are resolute -- in our teamwork and accomplished in our performance. A clear-eyed, grounded appreciation is needed, even as cases climb past 300. Our near demolition must be reversed: jobs lost, millions in revenues gone, businesses shut down, and Work Force disruption of incalculable scale. We simply must get it right the first time; for, there is no “Re-Do.” So, stepping up to the challenge, here is what we at County are doing: Advocating a Vision. As the Bible says, “…without a Vision the People perish.” Much to our advantage, we previously agreed on VisionKershaw2030. It retains its transformative appeal, especially under pressure. We have no illusions that we will be changed once this crisis is over. Yet, it is not enough to change; we must be better. These graduates deserve our best efforts. Sustaining Current Business. The first principle of business is to care for current customers. To which end, County has eased administrative burdens, and is advocating with State offices and Delegations for relief. Administrator Vic Carpenter has streamlined processes at County to be more “business friendly.” Most recently, County has taken a step NO OTHER COUNTY has dared, and that is to provide Small Business Grants for businesses, with a unique local boost to Federal dollars. Winning New Business. The imperative is GROWTH, wherein we continuously renew our business base. We see every indication that the “new normal” will embrace not only new business models (E-Business, etc) but that new manufacturing models and new industry will be drawn to the most forward-leaning communities – ready to make a deal. That is us, Kershaw County, “Open for Business.” Investments of the past five years in industrial sites, and a new spec building, keep us competitive. Supporting the Work Force. A trained and ready work force remains essential to retaining current business and to winning new enterprises. Our schools and Woolard Tech Center and CCTC understand and are committed to that goal. We are fortunate and we thank them. Providing for Community Health, Comprehensively. Good health goes beyond winning the COVID battle, the main effort. Along with Kershaw Health, the County supports the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), a wellness approach to the whole person and community, for a life both productive and wholesome. The common-sense good habits of “LiveWell Kershaw,” “Eat Smart Move More,” and County and School recreational and nutritional opportunities count for much. And let it be said, a healthy work force not only is more resistant to disease but is an asset at the work-place. Moreover, we aim to assure robust spiritual, mental, and physical components. We conclude COVID’s Week 14 with schools ending, and the pandemic a dark cloud looming over Summer vacations. Tell the Graduates: that is a worthy metaphor -- foul weather for sure, and recalling that commonplace expression, “We are not in the same boat, but in the same storm.” Just as we embarked together in the recent tornado: this financial turmoil clearly says that change is the permanent condition of our economic forecast. Because like the “Weather Channel,” COVID is part of the “weather.” We adapt, persevere and remain #KershawStrong. The Elgin News builds community and brings people together by informing everyone about local businesses, services, schools organizations, government, activities, events and other information useful for becoming involved. It helps those who live and work in Elgin to get to know each other as people and to become friends. The Elgin News accepts no responsibility for the contents of the advertisements or articles. Advertisements and articles are accepted with the full responsibility of the advertiser for worth and accuracy. Readers who wish to comment or have concerns regarding advertisements contained herein are urged to phone the Elgin News at (803) 513-5108 or (803) 466-4604. The Elgin News will discontinue accepting advertising from firms of alleged dubious reputation. Rates are net - discount agreements must be reflected on the publication order. Invoices due on receipt. Tearsheets and proofs available upon request. Advertising setup, changes and publication verification are provided at no charge. 15% agency comm. is 30-days firm. Photography charges negotiable. By-line articles are the property of the contributor and may not be reproduced without permission.
The Elgin News, PO Box 152, Elgin, SC 29045 · (803) 513-5108 Cate Goff, Editor · Fred Davidson, Sales Manager · Email: elginnews@gmail.com May 29, 2020
Your Health. Our Heroes. Moving forward with care from those you trust As we move forward, healthcare might look trusted and dedicated healthcare heroes you’ve relied on for all your health needs. We’re again here to provide a range of healthcare services, from your annual screenings and physicals to quality of life procedures that help you make the most of every moment moving forward.
May 29, 2020
Our doctors, nurses and entire team are working hard to ensure a safe place of care for you and a healthier community for all of us.
To learn more, visit us at KershawHealth.org
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Graduation Reflections By: Liz Simon Staff Writer
Sixty-two graduations….that is how many ceremonies I have attended if you count elementary, middle, high school, and college. That is a lot of memorable speeches, countless pictures, and special memories. May 28, 1965, was the night I graduated from Bishopville High School with 81 classmates with whom I had spent the past twelve years. Our graduation was hyped by all the media as we were the first class made up of all the “baby boomers”--- children whose parents had sacrificed during the Great Depression and served their country in World War II. WW II ended in 1945; our parents were united and boom the baby explosion in 1946 and 47. We were the largest class to graduate from Bishopville High School at that time. We had been sheltered, loved, and adored in our small southern town, and brought up in the “Happy Days” of the 50’s and early 60’s with soda fountains, juke boxes, and sock hops. From the music of Elvis, Motown and the Beach, we had practiced the dance steps to the Shag. We had come of age and made our way through the twist, the bop, and the slow dance. Then the Beatles invaded the music scene followed by other British music groups and other styles of dance were created. We entered first grade when the polio epidemic ravaged the world in the early 50’s crippling our country with 60,000 children infected with the virus, over 15,000 paralyzed, and more than 3,000 deaths. The vaccine was not available to my classmates and I, until we were eight, and one of my classmates was crippled before the vaccine was available. To this day I do not like the smell of alcohol. I remember being in line standing in our school auditorium aisles waiting for “our turn” to walk up the steps to the stage. There on the stage in front of all our classmates, the County Health Department nurse rubbed our left arm with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol and injected us with the long needle containing the polio vaccine. The next event to rock our world happened before Thanksgiving of my sophomore year in high school. Around two o’ clock on that fateful Friday afternoon, the school intercom clicked on, and it was announced that our young President Kennedy had been shot and killed in Dallas, Texas. Events planned for the weekend were canceled, and all the faculty and students were dismissed to go home and wait for an announcement from our new president. At home, we sat in stunned silence and watched around the clock live TV news coverage on our black n’ white TV sets. Our country was in shock
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mourning the lost dreams of the Kennedy Camelot. We watched the following events unfold on our TV screens: Our beautiful First Lady Jackie Kennedy with her husband’s bloodstains on her suit, watching Lyndon B. Johnson being sworn in as our 36th president while her husband’s body was in the back of the Air Force One plane. Hours later, Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested for killing a Dallas patrolman and on suspicion in the death of Kennedy. Then on Sunday afternoon, we watched bar owner Jack Ruby shoot and kill Oswald as he was being transferred to a Dallas prison cell. Monday was a National Day of Mourning, and the television stations continued the live coverage of the somber funeral service and burial at Arlington. The Age of Innocence had ended. I think back to my own high school graduation around this time of year, and I remember that I gave the Reflections speech on Class Day highlighting these significant events. The title of my speech was selected for me: “Out of Dreams Youth builds its Tomorrows.” I was happy that we did not have to wear those hot rented gowns that day, because the temperature was 94. I know that I was sad that day because my senior year had not ended as we had all hoped. We lost three classmates before second semester, and then our senior trip was canceled. Over a world away a country we had never heard of, Viet Nam, was now in the daily news because our country had sent combat troops there in March. Our teachers reminded the boys in class if they were 18 years old and did not maintain a C average, they could be drafted out of college to go to war. Now in a few blinks we had reached Graduation night. The Class of ‘65 was lined up according to height (I was the second shortest girl) waiting to march in the gym. As we laughed in nervous anticipation, we shared future plans. I will always remember telling my friends I could not wait to use my favorite graduation gift, a set of white Samsonite luggage, to travel the world and report the story. The boy who walked beside me said, “I am following my dreams too of a career in the military. I am going to serve our country.” A few years later, I heard on the news that the boy who walked beside me at graduation died a hero in Viet Nam. Graduates, this year will be remembered as the first group to be born after the 9/11 tragedy, but they will truly be marked as the Senior Class of 2020 who had their senior year interrupted, and their senior spring canceled by the nightmare of the COVID-19 virus. There are no words to describe the year that might have been. I do believe all Senior classes of 2020 throughout our country will be the ones to shine their light; they will be the ones whose talents will be the ones to lead our world in making a difference. After all, “Out of Dreams (especially those denied), Youth Builds its Tomorrows.”
May 29, 2020
From The Chief ’s Desk...
The Good the Bad and the Ugly—without Clint Eastwood. The Good –our businesses for the most part are open and going strong. Our Citizens seem to be really supporting our local businesses and that is a very important factor for their survival. I have seen a lot of signs throughout the neighborhoods that said simply: Be Kind, what a wonderful idea. The Bad—It seems that more than just a few people have used these trying times to treat other folks rudely and actually bully them. It is not a clerk’s fault that they were told to limit something or that the store has ran out of the items you were looking for. It isn’t a business’s fault that they were unable to get the items in stock that you needed. Even in your personal choice to wear a face mask or not some people think their way is the only way and make inappropriate remarks to someone who has their own idea of whether to wear one or not. I could make this a really long paragraph but I believe we all know of incidences like the ones described or maybe even worse. I would like everyone to take a breath and read what the sign said in the above paragraph: Be Kind. The Ugly—Trash, trash and more trash is being thrown out of vehicles, hauled off and dumped on other people’s property or county right of way.
I have observed old furniture, garbage and even discarded fish and other animal carcasses on the dirt road beside my house. With a lot of folks using gloves and masks I continue to see them thrown all over parking lots, etc. I even had to clean up a couple of facemasks right here Chief Harold Brown on Town Hall property after a food giveaway. Please discard you trash the proper way and a side note the dumpster that the local businesses have are not for your personal use, these businesses have to pay a fee every time the cans are dumped and it is illegal for you to put your trash in them. Again the sign above: Be Kind and treat other people and their property as you would want them to treat you and yours. I hope Clint Eastwood doesn’t mind me using his movie’s name for this article I sure don’t want him to go Dirty Harry on me but did feel like it helped make a point. Elgin and Kershaw County continue to be the best place to live and raise your family despite this current “virus” and conditions. Please help us all keep it that way and (you guessed it) Be Kind!
Elgin Police Reports
Shoplifting: On 05/20/2020, Officer responded to the IGA on Main Street in regards to a shoplifting. When I arrived, I met with Complainant and she advised that a subject stole a pack of Seneca Light cigarettes. Complainant stated that she knew the Subject. She stated that Subject came to the customer service counter and asked for the cigarettes from one of the store clerks. After the clerk handed Subject the cigarettes, he then walked off to the candy aisle. Subject then took the cigarettes with his right hand and placed them in his right, front pants pocket. Subject then grabbed a bag of candy and took it to a cash register and paid for just the candy. After Subject did this, he went back through the store and grabbed a bundle of bananas and then came through Complainant's cash register to pay for the bananas. Complainant stated she asked Subject about the cigarettes that were handed to him and he told her that he gave them back to the clerk that handed them to him and decided to not buy them. Subject then left the store after buying the bananas. Subject was wearing black shorts, a yellow, long sleeve pullover shirt, and a white face mask. The value of the cigarettes were $3.69. Complainant stated that she did not believe Subject handed the cigarettes back and went to check the video surveillance cameras. After reviewing the footage, it showed Subject putting the cigarettes in his pocket and not paying for them. I was able to locate an address on Subject on Jack Pine Court. I went to his address and made contact with Subject. I told Subject who I was and why I was here talking to him. I asked him about the cigarettes and he stated to me at first that he did not take them. When I told Subject that I personally observed him on video putting the cigarettes in his pocket and not paying for them, he then told me a he did take them. He stated that he and his wife have been struggling finan-
cially lately and his wife wanted a pack of cigarettes. He stated he could not afford to pay for them, so he took them. I asked if the pack had been opened yet and he stated that they had been and she had used some already. I went to my car and then issued Subject a town ordinance summons for Shoplifting and a Trespass Notice at the request of Complainant from the IGA. I then went and explained these to Subject. Subject then wanted to tell me again why he took the cigarettes and gave me a different story as to why. He stated that he actually took the cigarettes by mistake. He stated that he put the cigarette pack in his pocket while he grabbed his other items and forgot to pay for them. He stated that about halfway home, he realized he still had the cigarettes in his pocket, but did not go back to the store to pay and he knew he was wrong for that. I then cleared from Subject's residence. Harassment: On May 23, 2020 Officer was dispatched to Domino's Pizza in the Town of Elgin in reference to a disturbance. Dispatch also advised the other party to the disturbance asked to speak with me at their residence on Cherry Lane. Upon arrival at Dominos, I spoke to Complainant who advised a resident on Cherry Lane pulled out in front of her and impeded her vehicle from returning to Dominos after a delivery. Complainant stated the male Subject, was yelling at her for speeding. She told me she left the roadway, driving on the grass to return to work. She also told me Subject followed her into the parking lot in view of the store surveillance cameras and continued yelling at her. No one present in the store had the ability to review the store surveillance cameras. Complainant further advised she wanted me to talk to him and tell him to not do it again. She further stated Subject has been known to do this to other drivers. I went to the Subject's residence and had negative contact at the door.
803.513.5108 • elginnews@gmail.com May 29, 2020
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LEHS Student Author Series
Senior Season Stolen
Spring Valley senior misses out on her last softball season
school year and being her senior season, she had looked forward to it for a long time. “[This season I was excited to] go out and play with some of my closest friends and just enjoy the Imagine your past game like I did when I was little,” Freeman said. With no intention to play in college, Mary knew twelve years revolving around your sport only that her softball career was coming to an end, but to get your last games she hoped the day would never come. “I always knew that this would be my last stolen from you. That’s what COVID-19 did season,” Freeman said. “But I always thought that to Spring Valley senior, I would get my proper goodbye, and all the great things that come with being a senior.” Mary Freeman. When Mary heard the news, she couldn’t believe From a young age softball was what Mary’s it. family’s lives were based on. “We were told the night before our last game, “I tried almost every other sport and my brother played baseball, so I tried softball and fell in love and I just felt like everything was falling apart,” Freeman said with it,” Freeman said. The Vikings lost to Irmo that night, but it wasn’t Freeman played for Spring Valley for six the scoreboard that mattered most to Mary. “I am consecutive years, each one better than the last. “[My favorite part about being a Viking was proud to say that I have a team that went out and that] my teammates have become family and are played to the best of their ability knowing it might always there for me no matter what,” Freeman be some of our last games,” Freeman said. While the season had not officially ended yet, said. This coming season was something that she the odds that Mary would be able to wear green had looked forward to every day throughout the and yellow again were very slim. By: Emily Vinson, LEHS Student Writer
CONGRATULATIONS The Most Qualified Candidate · · · ·
19 Years Experience as RN Director of Emergency Services at KershawHealth Camden Montessori Board Member KC Free Medical Clinic Board Member “Citizens should know what is going on in their county and should have an opportunity to have input.” - April Wach Paid for by April Wach for County Council | aprilwach@gmail.com
GRADS!
It's been an unconventional school year, but you did it!
“[That day was] ridiculously emotional,” Freeman said. “I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I broke down and cried that day.” Although Mary’s story didn’t end the way she had originally planned, her softball journey had affected her in ways no other sport could. “[Softball has] given me all of my best friends and a place to go to when nothing seemed to go my way,” Freeman said. With the South Carolina High School League announcing the early conclusion of the 2020 Spring sports seasons, seniors lost their final chapter. Underclassmen still have 2021 to look forward to, and Mary had one final piece of advice for those athletes. “I know it sounds so cliche, but you have to play every game like it’s your last because honestly it really could be,” Freeman said. As she leaves her mark on the sport, Mary will never forget the people, memories and lessons softball has given her. “[Softball taught me that] the only way to get what you want out of life is to never stop working for it,” Freeman said.
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May 29, 2020
Blaney Hosts 'Drive Thru' 5th Grade Graduation
CCTC President Accepts New Position
Central Carolina Technical College President Dr. Michael Mikota announced on Thursday, May 21 that he will be leaving the college to serve as President of Spartanburg Community College effective July 13, 2020. “My years at Central Carolina Technical College have been a time of great excitement, growth and satisfaction,” Dr. Mikota said in a letter to CCTC faculty and staff. “While this is a fantastic opportunity that promises to be challenging, exciting and fun, it is difficult leaving you and the outstanding work that we have accomplished.” Dr. Mikota has been at CCTC since 2017. During this time, he has greatly enhanced the value of the college to current students, future students, and approximately 20,000 alumni. Under Mikota’s leadership, Central Carolina Technical College has expanded offerings, constructed new campuses, advanced new strategic initiatives, improved graduation and retention rates, optimized academic and workforce development programs, enhanced marketing and branding, dedicated investments to faculty and staff and launched the college’s first major fundraising campaign. “I have truly appreciated the opportunity to have served as president, and it has been both an honor and a privilege to work with my fellow Central Carolina Titans and to lead such a wonderful institution,” Dr. Mikota said. Dr. Mikota has previously served as the executive director of the SanteeLynches Regional Council of Governments, an analyst and senior analyst for the U.S. Government Accountability Office, a watershed policy director and adjunct professor in the College of Engineering and Science at Clemson University, and an assistant vice president of business banking at Wachovia Bank. He will become the seventh president of Spartanburg Community College. The CCTC Area Commission will meet to begin formal discussions of the process to find a new president. May 29, 2020
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) TESTING **FREE FOR THOSE THAT QUALIFY**
CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT
877.529.4339 Drive Thru testing will take place at the
Kershaw County Mental Health Clinic 2611 Liberty Hill Rd, Camden
Lugoff Testing Site Coming Soon
www.sandhillsmedical.org 7
Hillcrest Baptist Ft. Clark Baptist Union Baptist Drive In Service Resumes Services To Resume Services
Fort Clark Baptist Church 421 Veterans Row, Elgin will have a “Drive In Service” on Sunday, May 31, 2020 at 10:00am. We will also continue to go live on Facebook. For weekly updates on future Church services, visit our Church’s Website at fortclark.org or visit our Fort Clark Baptist Church Facebook page.
Union Baptist Church, at 1177 Wildwood Lane in Elgin, has resumed some worship services. Until further notice, services will be held each Sunday morning at 10:30 am. Services will be held in the gymnasium, to better allow for social distancing. Follow UBC on Facebook at @UBCELGIN for more updates on services, and to watch online.
Hillcrest Baptist Church, located at 2666 Hwy 1 South in Elgin plans to resume Sunday morning services on June 7th. Please check the Hillcrest Baptist Facebook page or website at Hbcelgin.org for service times and further notices! Services can also be watched online via the website.
Emergency Food and Shelter Funding Applications
Kershaw County has been awarded federal funds made available through the Department of Homeland Security/ Federal Emergency Management Agency under the emergency food and shelter national board program. Kershaw County has been chosen to receive $18,327.00 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county and $26,129.00 under Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. A local board will determine how the funds
are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. Under the terms of the grant local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged
to apply. The application can be downloaded from www. uwkc.net. Applications will be turned into the United Way of Kershaw County, 110 E. DeKalb Street. Someone from your agency will be required to meet with the local board for approximately 15 minutes. Meeting days and times as well as the application deadline will be posted on the United Way website. If you have any questions please call Donny Supplee or Molly Kornegay at 432-0951.
Mobile Nutrition Center Opens New Distribution Site
The United Way of Kershaw County’s Mobile Nutrition Center (MNC) opened its seventh distribution site at El Bethel Faith Community Church in Lugoff, SC. Distributions will now take place at El Bethel every Monday of the third full week of each month “Serving Columbia Since 1963”
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from 2pm to 3pm. The MNC is a mobile food pantry that delivers healthy foods to sites located in the food deserts of the county. The MNC operates from sites in Elgin, Mount Pisgah, Knights Hill, Westville, Camden, with two sites in Lugoff. The MNC serves clients by removing barriers
that prevent access to food like transportation and income. Through community partnerships, the MNC delivers farm fresh, store-bought and even rescued food and grocery products to food insecure people. If you are interested in volunteering, please call 803-432-0951.
'No Family Hungry' Food Giveaway
NO FAMILY HUNGRY! This been the objective of FATHER’S HOUSE Ministries International and Blanketing Families Inc. all of the time, but particularly in this time of need and loss of what we consider normal school, work and daily life due to the COVID-19 crisis. We have been coordinating to give out food items along with United Way of Kershaw County, Radiate Church and Elgin’s Town Leadership, typically every other Wednesday at Town Hall on Main Street in Elgin, SC. Over the past few months we have gifted over 5,000 pounds of spaghetti pasta, over 1,700 gallons of canned spaghetti sauce, and 300 boxes
of fresh produce provided by the United Way to our community. We plan to continue this effort to ensure our local families continue to have a hardy meal as long as we are in this situation. Our number one goal is to help those in need in our community. Therefore, we welcome and encourage those in need to come to the food giveaways to receive needed food items. If you should have any questions about the food giveaway schedule, please call either FATHER’S HOUSE at 803-320-3814, leave a message and someone will get back with you or Blanketing Families at 803-470-4232.
803.513.5108 • elginnews@gmail.com May 29, 2020
LEHS Class of 2020
Keshawn Tyrik Adams; Daniel Paul Alberson; Jason William Alexander Jr. ; Tyler Daniel Alonzo; Sergio Cross Alvarez; Jessica Marie Alvey; Krishi Harendra Amin; Bailey Arizona Anderson; James Jordon Anderson; Jonathon Jay Anderson; Joseph James Anderson; Isabella Grace Antonellis; Natalia Rosaleen Arriaga; Evan Wade Arrington; Kevan Paul Aydlett; Brooke Alexis Baker; Babatunde Oluwaseun Vincent Balogun; Sarah Elaine Barnett; Aaron Skylr-Hugh Beauchamp; Maxwell Lane Belcher; Braxton Jamal Bellamy; Willie Joseph Bennett; Gabriel Kane Beverly; Damion Malachi Billings; Brandon Lee Black; Howard Casey Blair; Savannah Grayce Blanchard; Dalton Blake Boan; Shelby Nichole Boggess; Andrew Eric Boone; Eric Dylan Boone; Nicholas Keith Booze; Madyson Elizabeth Boyer; Brianna Nicole Branham; Emma Kaye Branham; Kellee Grace Branham; Kirsten Julie Anne Branham; Zachary Scot Branham; Ashlee Alexis Brannon; Leah Elizabeth Brazell; Zymaya Lauryn Brisbon; Jennifer Nicole Broach; McKenzy Lilliett Brooks; Teaja Aryel Brown; Trenton Jakobe Brown; Zyaysia Dectenei Brown; Nina Marie Buchko; Destanee Ann Burgess; Dorian Isiah Burns; Logan Mathew Butler; Alexis Brooke Byrd; Jordan Bailey Byrd; Katelin Grace Byrum; KeAndre Dominic Caldwell; Meisha Keopta Camacho; William Bryan Cameron; John Robert Campbell Jr.; Kyla Kiana Cantey; Brett Carson Carder; Maicol Ivan Carrillo-Vasquez; Erin Makenzie Catoe; Armando Cervantes-Estrada; Michelle Grace Chilson; Colby Lane Christofaro; Thomas Christopher Churchwell; Bailey James Clark; Riley Allen Cleghon; Parker Jarett Clements; Deacon Allen Cobb; Kynlee Morgan Cobb; Nicholas Glenn Cobb; Zachary Clemson Cobb; Abigail Bayley Coker; Caroline Camille Irene Coker; Charlie Jacob Cokley; Hannah Diane Colvin; Jayson Aaron Combest; Ammon Joseph Connell; Mason Blaine Corby; Brandon Heath Crane; Morgan Celeste Crane; Leigha Raine Crisp; Kyle Braden Cross; Klay Bradley-Ethan Crossway; Taylor Victoria Curry; Jordan Paul Curtis; Cameron Joseph D'Agostino; Satyam Dahya; Shivani Dahya; Madolyne Elizabeth Daigle; Daniel Owen Davidson; Matthew Conner Davis; Mahala Leigh DeHart; Javier Haro Delgado; Korryn Denise DeLong; Kara Emma Lynn Derby; Elizabeth Grace Dickey; Alara McKenzie Dille; Dalton Thomas Dillon; Randolph Michael Dinkins; Gracyn Elizabeth Duncan; Desmond Morrese Dyckes; Connor Heath Erwin; Falon Makenzie Evans; Kadee Elizabeth Faulkenberry; Jonathan David Fike II; Joseph Garrett Fischer Jr.; John Luis Flores; Charles Antonio Flores Brazel; Cristian Flores Lozano; Jazmin Lea Foster; Arianah Rachelle Fox Johnson; Dylan Alexander Freeland; Amanda Elizabeth Frieb; James Eugene Fritch; Alex McRee Frye; Kelsey Amber Furniss; James Matthew Gafgen; Hunter McKenzie Gaudette; Kaitlyn Alexis Giammarco; Lauren Camille Givot; Jacob Dorian Gladden; Daniel Luis Gonzalez Jr.; Ashley Nicole Grady; Jonathon Steuart Graiger; Brooke-Lynn Jewel Grant; Ryan Preston Griggs; Daniel Graydon Guest; Edwar Gohan Gutierrez; Emilio Alistaire Hankins; Atleigh Gail Hardaway; Kori Tiana Hardy; Wendy Haro; David Wallace Harper III; Jaylon Marquis Harris; Quanterris Centerial Harris; Taylor Leigh Hart; Savannah Renee Harter; Angelina Marie Hawes; Maurice Bruce Haymon; Ethan Scott Haynes; Elia Jasmin Hernandez; Heber Josue Hernandez Marin; America Michelle Hernandez Sanchez; Jordin Ivy Herndon; Ingrid Ekaterina Herzog; Jacob Alexander Hill; Grasyn Maria Holland; Briana Lyn Holmes; Mary Elizabeth Hooper; Jeffrey Tazio Hopper Jr.; Ta Jah Quantina House; Tyler Reid Howard; Shaliyah Yvonne Hudson; Andrew Steven Huffman; Brenna Anne-Marie Huggins; Timothy David Hutchison; Haylee Dinah Imbaratto; Jase Michael Talmadge Jackson; Sara Grace Jackson; Julius Lyndell Jacobs; Amanda Paige Jamison; Lauren Nicole Jenkins; Hannah Marie Jewell; Ahmed Rahiem Johnson; Alexander Chivers Johnson; DeVante Quaderius Johnson; Walter Tyrod Johnson; Callie Susanne Jones; Conner Lee Jones; John Cameron Kean; Richard Jordan Kennedy; Matthew Brian Kerwin; Jakari Da'quan Khan; Mackenzie Nychole Kimble; Maurice Tyvon King Jr.; Jasmine McKenzie Kirkland; Joshua Tyler Kirkland; Sierra Carmel Kirkland; Jarrett Adams Koumas; Noah Alexander Kratz; Sarah Anne Lanaghan; Lianna Theresa Lauricella; Jerred Marquez Lee; Michael Andrew Lee; Presice Wisdom Lee; Ahmad Tyler Leggette; Taylor Grace LeGrand; Henry David LeGrande Jr.; Marissa Anne Lemaire; Amber Grace Lemon; William Joseph Lloyd; Hailey Alexcis Locklear; Noah Race Lovelady; Kevin Michael Lovett; Jacob Edward Makowski; Jesse Allen Marchman; Savana Marie Marksbary; Matthew Lewis Mars; Bernalynn Estrelia Marsh; Alex Collin Martin; Katrina Elizabeth Martin; Cynthia Martinez-Gonzalez; John Skyler Matthews; Carolyn Dawn McAvoy; Aareyana Mikaela McCall; Skylar Dylan McCants; James Matthew McCollum II; Michael Tyie McCoy; Tristan Allan McCreadie; Seth Hobson McElveen; Mackenzie Kaitlyn McGaha; Luther Elijah McGee; Jason Wade McIntyre; Kiah Nicole McLeod; Semaj Tyleek McLeod; Janiah Chantell McQueen; Caitlin Elizabeth Mellen; Kylie Beth Merritt; Anika Lauren Baza Mesa; Darby Rae Mihelich; Christopher Thomas Miles; Colby Ross Miles; Bailey Jo Rae Miller; Tenay Elise Miller; Logan Noelle Millett; Selena Malika Mitchell; Jeramie Wayne Montgomery Jr.; A'Bria Adriana Moore; Jordan Quinell Moore; Lanique Clarice Moore; Dillion Lee Morris; Morgan James Morrow; Carter Hendry Munn; Roy Henry Munn; Shelby Elizabeth Murphy; Natalie Rene Mursuli; Nicholas Dakota Myers; Aubrie Marie Myers Flores; Brian William Napper Jr.; Katherine Lynn Napper; Ally Lashay Nelson; Cade Gavin Nesbitt; Christopher James Nichols; Rosa Marie Ogden; Mary Cathryn Ogle; Isiah Patrick Outten; Joseph Robert Oxendine; Megan Olivia Padgett; Daron Lapharian Pagan; Mary Ashlyn Page; Emilie Nicole Parham; Randall Isaiah Parker; Tyler Jess Parker; Kathleen Judith Parsons; Risha Patel; Ja'Nay Ashanti Patterson; Jacob Thomas Paulson; Mason Lee Phillips; Annaleah Elizabeth Pittelkau; Jeremiah Mofasa Portee; Autumn Blythe Porter; Lonnie Martin Poston; Zowie Lakin Potteiger; Matthew Tyler Powell; Kylee Jean Marie Price-Roysdon; Macie Elise Puckett; Leanna Hannah Purvis; Nicole Renee Quinones; Gregory Nash Rabon; Gracie Michelle Ramsey; William Hammond Rashley; Walker Luke Rausch; Brianna Leigh Ray; Jesse Earl Reason; Kenneth Ray Reep III; Sawyer William Reeves; John Edward Reid; Najier Yusuf Reid; Rion Zackary Reynolds; Meredith Claire Rhodes; Waylen Daniel Rhodes; Kiana Imani Lashai Richardson; Olivia Monique Ricks; Christopher Brandon Robbins; Nicholas Steven Roberts; Nyah Janeil Robertson; Kaleigh Nicole Robinson; Matthew Hammond Robinson; Bianca Anais Rosales; Anna Elizabeth Rose; Jessica Marie Ross; Madison Alice Rowe; Madalyn Faith Rumple; Joseph Nathaniel Russell; Gabriell Chyann Rutland; Jay Franklin Ryan; Caleb Martin Sample; Cassandra Briseno Sanchez; Kaitlyn Nicole Schubert; Sarah Elizabeth Scoggins; Anna Grace Setzer; Scott Allan Shearer; ; Todd James Matthew Shipley; Donald Lee Simons; Chloe Madison Sims; Claire Elizabeth Sims; Allisyn Genevieve Sinay; Gabriel Elliott Skiles; Kami Lynne Skinkle; Matthew Stephen Smerdell; Alicia Fantasia Smith; Ashley Marie Smith; Thomas Edwin Smith; Devin Peter Stanley; Brianna Nicole Starnes; Trey Alexander Stephens; Evan Chandler Stewart; Garrett William Stillwell; Andrew Noah Stockman; Heath Randall Stokes; Natalie Michelle Stone; Chandler Royal Stroud; Kilee Jaie Morgan Stroup; Wyatt Hamilton Surratt; Madison Brooke Swaney; Evan Parker Tatge; Laurel McKenzie Taylor; Vincent Jaheim Taylor; Brandon Chase Teague; Gabriel J Tester; Amari Tonji Thomas; Hannah McKenzie Thomley; Christopher Randolph Thompson Jr. Taylor Michelle Thornton; Alyssa Michelle Throne; Brendon Everett Towns; William Howard Trabue; Jasper Tyreik Tucker; Jason Hunter Lee Turner; Mia Rachael Usrey; Devany Alondra Valdez; Abigail Joy Vermillion; Jacob Gregory Vincent; Britney Ann Vinson; Ashlyn Marie Wages; Justin Lee Wall; Anna Paige Ward; Delaney Brooke Ward; Blaize Kelton Watson; Jordan Alexander Weaver; Tyler Christopher Wells; Alicia Marie Werden; Willie James Weston Jr.; Mason August Wheeler; Langley Marie Whisenhunt; Andrew Gage White; Dylan Blake Whitehouse; Chanden Tyrese Whitener; Kelsi Victoria Whitman; Mallory Erin Whitmire; Lauren Marie Wickham; Caleb Michael Williams; Hailey Shay Williams; Hannah Mae Elizabeth Williams; Hannah McKenzie Williams; Jordan Isiah Williams; Andrew William Wilson; Danny Ray Wilson III; Harlee Nicole Wilson; Jay Kenneth Wilson; Madison Brooke Wilson; Deanna Michelle Wingard; Ethan Hammond Wolfe; Edrick Vaughn Wood; Isaiah Malik Woods; Hailey Nichole Wooten; TyQuan Duane Wright; Kaylee Jordan Wymer; Matthew Lee Young; Ay'Anna Alycce Young-Fletcher; Emilyann Sarah Yuhas May 29, 2020
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Camden JWL Pins Provisionals, Begins Recruitment
The Camden Junior Welfare League (CJWL) pinned its newest members earlier this spring. Ashley Lucas of Bethune and Kaitlyn Fountain of Camden completed their provisional year with the CJWL, donating their time to various activities and events to benefit the children of Kershaw County, including the organization of another successful "Belle of the Ball" event, where young women shop gently used prom gowns and accessories during a boutique day at the Camden Junior Welfare League's building. Now the CJWL is currently seeking women living or working in Kershaw County who are interested in learning more about the League and participating in its fundraising and service activities. The League will be holding a virtual recruitment meeting Monday, June 8th at 6:30 pm via Zoom. Interested women are invited to learn more on the League's website, http://www.camdenleague.org. Above: The Camden JWL celebrated the pinning of its newest members earlier "We're excited to welcome a new group of women to join our social and this spring. From left: 2019-2020 President Ashley Peake, Provisional Ashley service organization," said incoming League president Caitlin Jones. Lucas, Provisional Kaitlyn Fountain, 2019-2020 Provisional Chair Saskia Munn.
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Congrats Graduates
We are very proud of all of our 2020 graduates. You have made it through a very challenging year. None of you asked to have a pandemic during your senior year. However, you all did what you needed to do to adapt and overcome the challenges of 2020. This will only make you a better person in the future. I can't remember much about my graduation. You will NEVER forget your graduation. None of us will ever forget your graduation. We look forward to seeing you walk across that stage… even if it’s virtually. You deserve it.
Don’t let your senior year define you. This is only one minor setback. You still have your whole lives ahead of you. Just because the last chapter in your life didn’t end well Sheriff Lee Boan doesn’t mean your next chapter can’t start well. We look forward to seeing all the accomplishments you will make in your careers. You will make Kershaw County proud. Again, congratulations Class of 2020.
Meet Faith - She Needs Our Help
Like many six-year-old little girls, Faith Dixon of Camden likes playing with dolls and loves the color pink. Unlike most other six-year-olds, Faith is in heart failure. Faith was born with multiple heart defects, requiring numerous surgeries that have not yielded the desired effects. Though her six short years have been marked with difficulties, according to Faith’s mom Felicia Jones, you’d never know it looking at her. “Looking at Faith,” says Felicia, “you would think she is a normal 6-year-old until you lift up her shirt to see her scars. Faith is not able to do a lot of normal things that other 6-year-olds are able to do, like run around with friends or walk a long distance.” Felicia, along with Faith’s dad Akeem Dixon, and siblings Jaiden, Ay’Niyla and Aaiden, just want Faith to have the chance to be a normal little girl. “As a parent you wish you could take her place and bear the pain that she goes through,” says Felicia. “As a mother, I wish I could have given her my heart so she can lead a normal life. Faith has changed my entire family - for someone so little, she has strength, love, and ambition bigger than
this world. She doesn't let her condition stop her.” Without a new heart, Faith may not get a chance at a normal life. “I wanna play tag with my cousins and my friends,” says Faith. Faith is currently on the transplant list at MUSC, anxiously awaiting a heart. Her family has partnered with the Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA), an organization that helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA is the nation’s only fundraising organization solely dedicated to raising life-saving dollars in honor of transplant-needy children and young adults. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of our patients helps meet transplantrelated expenses. COTA’s services are free to our families, and gifts to COTA are 100% tax deductible. As Faith prepares to turn 7-years-old next month, her family is asking for donations towards transplant costs. You can visit Faith’s website at cotaforfaithsheart.com to donate and learn more about Faith. Also follow Faith’s story on Facebook Six-year-old Faith Dixon was born with multiple heart defects, and is anxiously awaiting a heart transplant. @COTAforFaithsHeart.
KCSD Names Alt. Ed. Director
Stover Middle School Assistant Principal Casey Faulkenberry has been named as the new Alternative Education Director for the Kershaw County School District (KCSD). In this position, Faulkenberry will direct the district’s K-12 alternative education program including overseeing the Continuous Learning Center (CLC). “I’m excited to be able to promote from within for this role. It takes a special person to work with alternative education, and I look forward to the energy that Casey will bring to this position,” said KCSD Superintendent Shane Robbins. Faulkenberry has served as Stover’s assistant principal since 2016 and was a social studies teacher at Camden High School (CHS) for six years prior to that. At CHS, he taught Advanced Placement US History and assisted in developing High School 101. From 2013-16, Faulkenberry had the highest district-wide AP and end-of-course scores. He also served as a CHS assistant varsity football coach and as the B team May 29, 2020
baseball coach as well as coordinated nonfootball strength and conditioning programs. He was named as Camden High’s 2014-15 teacher of the year and was selected as one of the district’s honor roll finalists that school year. He also was a finalist for the KCSD Outstanding First Year Teacher Award in the 2010-11 school year. Faulkenberry has served as KCSD’s Midlands Region Middle School Quiz Bowl CoCasey Faulkenberry ordinator and on the KCSD Social Studies Strategic Planning Team. A graduate of Camden High School, Faulkenberry received a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Newberry College and a master of education degree in educational administration from the University of SC.
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