DARLINGTON, S.C. – Each school in the Darlington County School District, as well as district administration, honored students on Friday who display exemplary character and take a “STAND” against illicit drug use.
The annual STAND Awards – STAND being an acronym for “Students Taking Action, Not Drugs” - recognized 22 students through a virtual ceremony shared on the school district’s YouTube channel, social media accounts and website. Principals, guidance counselors and teachers each spoke about the students chosen from their respective schools, explaining why these exceptional winners deserved the honor.
The awards are presented to a student from each school who displays positive character, encourages others to live drug-free lifestyles, and seeks to improve in academics and behavior. The ceremony is the culmination of the district’s Drug-Free Schools and Character Education program. Winners are selected by their schools after completing the program.
Alexandria Tucker, a senior at Hartsville High School (HHS) and the school’s STAND Award winner for this year, delivered the ceremony’s keynote address. Matthew Nelson, International Baccalaureate Programme counselor at HHS, introduced Tucker. She discussed how students can “take action” to remain involved in school and in their communities to stay focused on future goals.
Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology (MHS) senior Shymia Scipio recited an original poem penned by MHS English teacher Paulette Lunn. The Hartsville High Foxappella group, under the direction of Liz Olson, gave an excellent vocal performance. Dr. Lilkenya Jenkins, DCSD's director of federal and state programs, introduced the performers.
Dr. Tim Newman, DCSD superintendent, offered the ceremony’s welcome, while Carlita King, DCSD assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment, provided the closing.
The 2021 STAND Award winners are:
• Bryce James, Bay Road Elementary School
• TyQuarius Edwards, Brockington Elementary Magnet School
• Kate Hunter, Carolina Elementary School
• Hasanna Davis, Darlington County Institute of Technology
• Mikayla Remick, Darlington County Virtual Academy (Elementary)
• Kennedy Jones, Darlington County Virtual Academy (Middle)
• Aniya Bynum-Mosby, Darlington County Virtual Academy (High)
• Cameron Graham, Darlington High School
• Caryss Jordan, Darlington Middle School
• Alexandria Tucker, Hartsville High School
• Jasmine Player, Hartsville Middle School
• DyNira James, J.L. Cain Elementary School
• Terrance Jackson, Lamar High School
• Demi Blackmon, Lamar-Spaulding Elementary School
• Isaiah Davis, Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology
• Lizzie Moore, North Hartsville Elementary School
• Jackson Walker, Pate Elementary School
• Ke’Anndra Dickey, Rosenwald Elementary/Middle School
• Edward Robinson, Southside Early Childhood Center
• Ashley Brown, Spaulding Middle School
• Bailey Wall, St. John’s Elementary School
• Sha’Laye Jenkins, Thornwell School for the Arts