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MES Pre-Kindergarten Teacher Sarah Kirkendohl Surprised with Invite to STAR Teacher Conference
MES Pre-Kindergarten Teacher Sarah Kirkendohl Surprised with Invite to STAR Teacher Conference
Michael Rosier
Merriwether Elementary Pre-Kindergarten Teacher Sarah Kirkendohl will attend an elite STAR teacher conference in the spring.

Merriwether, SC – “Are you going to go and fly up?”

Merriwether Elementary School (MES) pre-kindergarten teacher Sarah Kirkendohl looked directly into her student’s eyes, clutched tightly to the star-shaped silver, purple, and gold balloons, and pretended to rise slowly off the classroom floor and into the air like an elementary school version of Mary Poppins. It was a spontaneous, sweet, and magical moment, like so many of the learning moments she creates in her classroom every single day.

Kirkendohl was surprised Friday morning (January 30th) as one of just eight teachers statewide invited to attend the Palmetto State Teachers Association’s (PSTA) spring STAR Teacher Seminar in Charleston, S.C. The twice-annual professional learning conference is organized to recognize and reward outstanding veteran South Carolina teachers and is sponsored by PSTA’s Foundation for Professional Development.

“There are only eight teachers in the state who have received this recognition so that’s very exciting for our school district and Merriwether Elementary School,” stated Edgefield County School District (ECSD) Superintendent, Dr. Kevin O’Gorman. “Mrs. Kirkendohl is a terrific teacher and very deserving of this opportunity.”

Merriwether Elementary School (MES) Principal Sara-Beth Brown says Mrs. Kirkendohl, also a teacher leader and member of the ECSD Teacher Forum, exemplifies the characteristics of an outstanding educator.

“She has a deep passion for teaching,” commented Brown. “She creates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere and her ability to build strong relationships with her students enhances their learning experience. She differentiates instruction to meet their needs, giving each child the opportunity to succeed. She’s just amazing.”

Toni Chewning, Director of PSTA Association Activities, says STAR Teachers participate in seminar activities which help increase their professional capacity, rejuvenate their minds, and create new contacts across South Carolina.

“We choose outstanding veteran teachers from across South Carolina in different subject areas, geographic areas and age groups, and take them to a conference unlike any they’ve ever experienced,” stated Chewning. “We spend that week doing a book study, we go on a walking tour of Charleston, and we give them a chance to connect with other educators across the state to see the similarities and differences in their experiences, the challenges they face and the successes they can share with one other. We send them back to their school districts excited and ready to give their best to their students.”

“I’m super excited and honored,” commented Mrs. Kirkendohl. “I’m excited to meet other educators from across the state who have a passion for this profession and just excited to learn and continue to grow.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring a STAR Teacher with a tax deductible contribution to the PSTA Foundation for Professional Development may contact Toni Chewning by email at tchewning@palmettoteachers.org.

Contact the ECSD Public Information Office (PIO) by email at ecsdpio@edgefieldcountyschools.org.

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STHS Senior Reese Hidlay Crowned ‘Miss Strom Thurmond’ with Ashawrie Scott Named 'Miss Senior'
STHS Senior Reese Hidlay Crowned ‘Miss Strom Thurmond’ with Ashawrie Scott Named 'Miss Senior'
Michael Rosier
The 2026 Miss Strom Thurmond Pageant was held on 1/17/26.

Johnston, SC – The 2026 Miss Strom Thurmond Pageant was held Saturday evening, January 17, 2024, with senior Reese Hidlay being crowned as the new “Miss Strom Thurmond” by reigning Miss Strom Thurmond Rahlyn Widener.

Additional pageant winners included Tabby Trapp (Miss Congeniality), Caroline O’Neal (Miss Photogenic), Jalayah Buggs (Miss Freshman), Anvi’Ana Thomas (Miss Sophomore), Madison Coleman (Miss Junior), and Ashawrie Scott (Miss Senior).

Sponsors for the 2026 Miss Strom Thurmond Pageant included Hannah Rae’s Southern Boutique (www.hannahraes.com) and Rivers Yonce Photography (https://riversyoncephotography.pixieset.com/).  

This year’s pageant was directed by Strom Thurmond High School (STHS) alumna (Class of 2023) and former “Miss Statesman” Beth Yonce. The event was emceed by STHS alumna (Class of 2024) and former Miss Strom Thurmond Elizabeth Holmes. Judges included Cyrus Frakes, Chelby Drafts, and STHS alumna (Class of 2020) Lilly Mann.

Congratulations to this year’s pageant contestants and thank you sponsors and supporters!

Contact the ECSD Public Information Office (PIO) by email at ecsdpio@edgefieldcountyschools.org.

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District Announces 2025-26 First Quarter Honor Roll Students
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District Announces 2025-26 First Quarter Honor Roll Students
Michael Rosier
The school district announces its 2025-26 First Quarter Honor Roll.

Johnston, SC - The Edgefield County School District has announced its students who have earned recognition for academic excellence as members of the school district's 2025-26 first quarter honor roll.

The following students are members of the school district's A Honor Roll or A/B Honor Roll.

Congratulations, students and families!

Douglas Elementary

Second Grade AB Honor Roll: Zachary Grennor.

Third Grade A Honor Roll: Leila Yeldell.

Third Grade AB Honor Roll: Rachel Herring, Adrian Stewart.

Fourth Grade A Honor Roll: William Clark, Castro Santizo.

Fourth Grade AB Honor: Cali Counts, Savannah Henderson, Londyn Kennion, Danielle Plair, Miranda Toledo.

Fifth Grade A Honor Roll: Aden Andrews, Jadyn McIlvoy, Myles McIlvoy.

Fifth Grade AB Honor Roll: Gracie Anderson, Ariane Counts, Estrada Mote, Nova Stevens, Kyra Williams.

Johnston Elementary

Second Grade A Honor Roll: Alexiyana Gilliam, Ezekiel Johnson, Zyeer Screws, Jaxon Tamayo, Gracelynn Williams.

Second Grade AB Honor Roll: Zion Anderson, Braeson Butler, Hernandez Canales, Ayla Carnard, Kinsley Curry, Ny'emah Davis, Bahiyyih George, Naomi Key, Pharrell Knight, Gallegos Pacheco, Amina Quansah, Levi Rose.

Third Grade A Honor Roll: Emerald Gilchrist, Joseph Legrand.

Third Grade AB Honor Roll: Mason Bates, Kori Briggs, Liam Butler, Ne'vaiya Carnard, Madison Curry, Karter Ford, Lizarraga Hernandez, Tristan Jones, Evelyn Lopez-Ordonez, Carlie Newsome, Jaceon Norris, Brecken Rearden, Hunter Sherrill, Jeremiah Walker, Adrianna Washington-Martin.

Fourth Grade A Honor Roll: Trent Collins, Callie-Grace Corley, Jeremiah Dobbs, Grayson Hartley, Aiden Parker, Aaliyah Perry.

Fourth Grade AB Honor Roll: Kyree Abner, Jaden Bosket, Paris Bush, Ka'mel Coates, Layla Corley, Karson Ford, Isfandiyar George, Grayson Hylla, Paige Johnson, Travis Martin, Bailie Pedroza-Monroy, Myuana Smith, Kolby Washington.

Fifth Grade A Honor Roll: Allyson Hammond, Amir Quansah, Lauren Whatley.

Fifth Grade AB Honor Roll: Londyn Alarcon, Hernandez Canales, Ma'kayiah Carnard, Zakia Carroll, Nehemiah Chinn, Kardra Davis, Jaden Harris-Molina, Kyle Holmes, Haylee Mattson, Charles Roy, Liam Traylor, Guzman Vasquez.

Merriwether Elementary

Second Grade A Honor Roll: Elanor Alexander, Avery Baker, Derrick Cullum, Conner Cunningham, Reagan Dooley, Reese Durden, Emily Emeneker, Lyla Fasano, Carter Frank, Mia Gonzalez, Adeline Hanson, Hunter Holliday, Sanders Jennings, Sullivan Jordan, Branson Lehman, Sutton Maness, Edward Marano, Cade Mathis, Anna Meteraud, Hermione Payne, Kimber Sanders, Harris Stanford, Savannah Waltz, Norah Willingham.

 Second Grade AB Honor Roll: DaKem Barnes, Molly Bland, Taylor Bowers, Kanon Brown, Samuel Byers, Joseph Coleman, Grey Cox, Justin Davis, Landon            Grimes, Coleman Hancock, Kayden Hillary, Sawyer Hillary, Jace Jackson, Dmytro Kuprych, Rylan Ledbetter, Kameron Lee, Nagi Lee, David Madigan, Kenneth Mims, Alexandria Moreno, Kellan Newman, Andrew Parker, Wyatt Pinion, Rhydian Polatty, June Rollins, Benjamin Russell, Andy Simons, Quincy Singletary, Amari Smiley, Bennett Smith, Zelda Smith, Carter Trull, Cianna Turner, Conner Young.

Third Grade A Honor Roll: Jakyah Abney, Carson Adams, Waylyn Auffrey, James Blackburn, Charlotte Drye, Wesley Gibson, Hudson Gillette, Jonah Hadley, Chapman Hall, Palmer Harding, Jasmine Harvey, Jaxson Huffman, Stella Jones, Oaklyn King, Maddux Kirkendohl, Zander Lee, Reyna Padgett, Carter Powell, Ruth Quinton, Justus Taylor, Jaxon Thrower, Nolan Weathers, Emmaline Williams, Griffin Yanizeski.

Third Grade AB Honor Roll: Savannah Adams, Sofia Alberto-Pineda, Olivia Bendickson, Tinley Caines, Vivian Catlett, Sawyer Conner, Brodie Cordell, McKenzie Daniels, Alfonzo Dawkins, Keri Debose, Lucas Dooley, Laken Farrow, Bryce Fulton, Kylie Glover, Everly Grantham, Connor Greene, Lamar Griffin, Emma Hadden, Channing Hall, Jackson Holley, Eason Hughes, William Jones, Evelyn Kelly, Grady Key,  Nova Kirkland, Kennedy Koon, Jase Kubicek, Oriana Lamanna, Acelyn Lovett, Jailah Lowman, Lillian Lucero, Carson     Mathis, John McCord, Jimmy McNally, Brianna - Mejia-Sierra, Tylar Morgan, Joseph Morin, Joseph Morris, Mason Pack, Langston Powell, Mitchell Powell, Rhett Reiner, Arya Renew, Jackson Riggenbach, Makayla Schaus, Channing Sherlock, Juda Sherlock, Jordan Simmons, Riley Smith, Kyle Studdard, Annette Sutton, Charleigh Timmerman, Colton Todd, Lyle Weathers, Michael Wells, Logann Williams.

Fourth Grade A Honor Roll: Meredith Balliet, Harrison Booker, Michelle Boyd, Carly Cato, Lucas Coursey, William Gilchrist, Grayson Grant, Mary Hiott, Sydney Howell, Kailee Hunter, Hannah Leverett, Kennedi Lowe, Banks Martin, Luna Mathis, Joseph Redd, Jeremy Richardson, Sophia Russell, Baylon Smith, Lane Taylor, Xander Vaughan, MeriJo Watson, Anistyn Wells, Kannon Williams, Lachlan Yingling.

Fourth Grade AB Honor Roll: Zoe Arellano, Hampton Bailey, Lacey Birt, Connor Bowling, Molly Brown, Noah Chambers, Owen Christain, John Durden, Bennett Eubanks, Rosalia Fernandez, Nahrri' Frazier, Rosetta Garrett, Brayden Grant, Colton Hensley, Austin Hillary, Jayceon Hillary, Davis Houston, Jaiden Hudson, Mariah Ingram, Troy Jackson, Belle Kenrick, Annika Kinzli, Daniel Koon, Tegan Kurschner, Amara Maness, Mallory Marks, Kylee McKie, James Miller, Reid Oestreich, Braylen Parks, Cayden Pittman, Mason Powell, Aleezah Rahman, Marielle Roberts, Ava Rodriguez, William Sarvis, Hynlee Shobert, Palmer Sikes, Paisley Stachowski, Avery Stone, Caden Trull, Camden Valentine, Rucker Williams, Matthew Young.

Fifth Grade A Honor Roll: Noah Abbott, Corbin Adams, Peyton Adams, Felicity Aho, Aubrey Alexander, Wyleigh Auffrey, Benjamin Bishop, Claire Blackston, Maci Bowers, Hayden Boykin, Elsie Bryson, Kaitlyn Bunch, Teagan Caines, Madison Clennett, Noah Coley, Samantha Edwards, Audrey Gibson, Emersyn Godfrey, Brantley Greene, Preston Hadden, Annslii Harmon, Paisley Holliday, Noah Hoza, Anniston Ivey, Emersyn Jennings, Owen Jennings, Makenna Joiner, Olivia Jones, Hollis Jordan, Kessler LaFontaine, Slate Litchfield, Kate McDonald, Kingston Mcguire, Landon Messina, Evelyn Miller, Noah Noel, Raegan Patrick, Daylyn Shealey, Rylee Smith, Camryn Stanfield, Kathryn Stanford, Randall Thrower, Camden Vaughn, Waverly Wanninger.

Fifth Grade AB Honor Roll: Chandler Bonorden, Albany Broadwater, Braxton Buchanan, Emma Bullard, Kailyn Bush, Jah'Mir Colston, Madison Cook, Ashlyn Dial, Joshua Durham, Cali' Frazier, Luke Grimes, Avid Hager, Judson Hall, Camdin Harmon, Christopher Harrison, Brooks Hendrix, Tiffany Hewitt, Aleah Hill, Alexander Hollenberger, Ally Houser, Vernon Lewis, Paloma Lopez, Elias Macgregor, Madeline Mankin, Timothy Mayson, Jhournee McKie, Anaya Melendez, Gabrie Newman, Nevaeh Platt, George Prescott, Landon Pritchard, Jayla Ramsey, Caris Renew, Meagan Reynolds, Matthew Robinson, Kyliah Rosier, Lily Ryan, Cade Schwarz, Asher Smith, Jacob Smith, Bryce Sox, Trenton Swearingen, Cason Thomas, Caroline Timmons, Kiley Wade, Cameron Walker, Taylor Waters, Tytus Williams, Darack Willingham.

W.E. Elementary Parker

Second Grade A Honor Roll: Bryton Broome, Benjamin Carrell, Kylee Chaplin, Khyler Chinn, Christian Garrett, William Jones, Brooklyn McDowell, Braiden Tillman.

Second Grade AB Honor Roll: Jurnee Buggs, Ja'vonte Bush, Anifer Carbajal-Diaz, Pedro Deluna, Cordero Fields, Chloe Guck, Baleigh Harris, Kori Martin, William Nelson, McKenna Newby, Landyn Owen, Zamari Posey, London Shedrick, Savannah Stevens, Colt Stewart, William Strom, Alanna Sullivan, Adaline Whitlow.

Third Grade A Honor Roll: Tovar Correa, Ke'Miyah Pitts, Gavin Wilson.

Third Grade AB Honor Roll: Skylar Brown, Paxton Cloyd, Sophia Deluna, Noah Edwards, James Gilliam, Keoni Hill, Forrest Long, Logan Williamson.

Fourth Grade A Honor Roll: Denim Strom.

Fourth Grade AB Honor Roll: Asher Baker, Braylon Baker, Samuel Baker, Greyson Bright, Caleb Courtney, Laken Hatcher, Gabriel LeSesne, Curtis McCall, Te'Asia Peterson, Baylor Randolph, Jakub Sladky, Autumn Tatum, John Wates, Lanham Webb, Georgia Whitfield, Korey Williams, Jacob Yonce.

Fifth Grade A Honor Roll: Maison Allen, Layla Dorland, Zoei Mathis.

Fifth Grade AB Honor Roll: Kathryn Brown, Leilani Carrillo, Jeremiah Cockrell, Citlaly Correa-Tovar, Giselle Forrest, Kayleigh Holloway, Gabriella Jump, Blakelynn Levengood, Candace Mariano, Kennedy Mariano, Zoey Peacock, Teleiah Pressley, Tye Shobert, Carly Young.

Johnston-Edgefield-Trenton Middle School

Sixth Grade A Honor Roll: Dalton Kring, Vanessa Palma Garcia, Zachariah Wilson, Sydney Yonce.

Sixth Grade AB Honor Roll: Perry Booth, Amere      Broadwater, William Bryan, Hallie Courtney, Benjamin Dumais, Lela Fallaw, Kadence Fuller, Braxton Garrett, Malaki Goodman, Honesti Johnson, Danilo Juarez, Daryl Key, Addison Long, Eduardo Lopez Hernandez, Kayden Mason, Wyatt McDowell, Sergio Mealing, Joselyn    Navarro Medina, Bradley Ojeda-Garcia, Clayton Randolph, Emma Sherrill, Mattie Sladky, Jorge Toledo, Jase Wall.

Seventh Grade A Honor Roll: Royce Barrs, Virginia Chapman, Wyatt Jackson, Nicholas Newsome, Lane Whatley.

Seventh Grade AB Honor Roll: Madalynn Baker, Kyler Bates, Aubree Bibbs, Levi Black, Payton Blacks, Alayah Bosket, Darren Carrell, Nathan Carter, Rebecca Childs, Emalyn Cockrell, Daniylah Daniels, Kendall Dyar, Molly Fleming, Brian Garcia, Jackson  Gaylord, Akana Howard, Hope Jacobi, Kamoria Jones, Zylah Jones, William Jordan, Kadence Lee, Aiden Lott, Robert Raines, Aria Toteno, Aden Wideman, Ashton Williams, Logan Williams.

Eighth Grade A Honor Roll: Isabella Cain, Hannah Kring, Truman Massey, Isabella Palma, Lacon Ryan, Allie Smith, Kymeria Taylor.

 Eight Grade AB Honor Roll: Travis Asmann, McKile Barnes, Ashlee Boyd, William Brown, Austin Calloway, Adam Carpenter, Charlie Carroway, Maliyah Chinn, Roy Cleveland, Joshua Derrick, Alaina Hatley, Colbie Hodson, Joshua Holmes, Kayden Horne, Otis Key, Kinsley Lawton, Omarion Merriweather, Janayiah Moore, Isabel Murrell, Gillian O'Gorman, Lindy O'Sullivan, Shakenzie Plair, Justyce Rauch, Ansel Seigler, Logan Smith, Tyler Stevens, Larry Trotter, Madison Turner, Gabrielle Williams, Jayden Williams, Landon Wilson.

Merriwether Middle School

Sixth Grade A Honor Roll: Caroline Booker, Barrett Hadley, Lincoln Marano, Roberto Mejia-Nataren, Tybee Rayner, Peyton Register, Jacob Rodriguez, Kelsi Ryals, Elijah Trahan, Morgan Walker.

 Sixth Grade AB Honor Roll: Sy'Mir Bolden, Connor Chambers, Clayton Copeland, Nehemiah Dunbar, Brayden Florida, Brandon Frye, Ayden Golston, Braiden Harden, David Hill, Ashlyn Hollimon, Ethan Houser, Davonte Jefferson, John Kenrick, Kellyann LeSesne, Luke Leverett, Edwin Ortiz Andrade, Lainey Padgett, Kenneth Platson, Ryker Pritchard, Porter Rocheleau, Kaleigh Ryan, Janna Sanders, Tate Sanders, Macy Sarvis, Hunter Simons, Savannah Smith, Shelby Smith, Myles Spradley, Tripp Studdard, Kenzie Taylor, Natalie Terwilliger, Lynlee Tyler, Nash Weathers, Tre'Von White, Mason Willingham, Kellen Wright.

Seventh Grade A Honor Roll: Adelyn Bustamante, Zack Carroll, Logan Hanson, Justin Harvey, Robert Kenrick, Carlie Priester, Harper Rocheleau, Mackenzie Smith, Emmerson Sutton, Luke Willis.

 Seventh Grade AB Honor Roll: Camden Bass, Haley Bland, Mason Borgatti, Lilly Byers, Marilyn-Rose Crispin, Paige Denny, Luke French, Savannah Fulmer, Aiden Gillette, Aiden Hillary, James Hiott, Kendrick Lee, Meredith Lowe, Emery Matthews, Timothy Padgett, Aubrey Robbins, Christopher Ruiz Belliard, Evangeline Schwarz, Haley Serrano, Dawson Shealey, Ashton Simmons, Logan Vaid, Knox Van Der Linden, Lily Varnadore, Roman Vaughan, Miley White, Gavin Williamson, Dexter Young, June Zahner.

Eighth Grade A Honor Roll: Gunner Barrow, Madison Belton, Emelyn Bishop, Jasmine Bizzle, Sarah Blackburn, Caidyn Brown, Maliyah Crawford, Cohen Daly, Hayden Doolittle, Addison Duarte Quintanilla, Eli Hadden, Jessie Holliday, Carter Hoppe, Briana Hoza, Lacey Joyce, Rhetta Key, Kaylin Kinard, Kaylee McNure, Noah Melick, Ann Miller, Anjelique Mitchem, Brylee Posey, Samantha Powell, Shannon Ryals, Natalie Shealy, Cecilia Sprouse, Chase Timmons, Lily Womack.

Eighth Grade AB Honor Roll: Ansley Ball, Alice Beasley, Conner Blair, Marco Blanco Pineda, Jack Bohl, Hamilton Bone, Mackenzie Braddock, Madison Braddock, Charlotte Carter, Alazay Cervantes, Keontrez Davis, Emmanuel Dennis, Tristan Duckworth, Laci Edenfield, Cody Foulk, Skylar Gregory, Cameron Hammond, Johnny Harrison, Ember Heckrotte-Lyons, Zariah Hillary, Emily Holmes, Shayla Hunsberger, Zachary Jackson, Mallory Koon, Edward Lopez, Ameerah Lott, Albert Matthews, Abigail McCain, Patrick McDonald, Sophia McDonald, Noah Mims, Alivia Miskelly, Vivian Price, Gianna Roberts, Ansley Shelton, Brayden Smith, Joan Soto Alas, Hailey Terwilliger, Brooklyn Trull, Gricelda Ventura DeJesus, Russel Waites, Cody Walker, Alice White, Kambree Wingard.

Strom Thurmond High School

Ninth Grade A Honor Roll: Rebecca Carpenter, Justus Daly, Tyler Grant, Ty'Aijah Johnson, Audrey Joiner, Carson Just, Kyson Li, Sa'Mya Lovett, Wyatt Mims, Jeremiah Murray, Miriell Palma, Addison Robertson, Ellie Sarvis, Olivia Stevens.

Ninth Grade AB Honor Roll: Kevin Acosta Mejia, Owen Bodie, Priscilla Bratton, Campbell Brucker, Joshua Bryant, Jalayah Buggs, Savannah Campbell, Alexis Cates, Geneivieve Cates, Declan Cockrell, Kealyn Creswell, Isabela Duarte, Ashley          Gomez-Ramos, Ingrid Gueuara Vazquez, Moni 'Marc Harris, Tyanna Harrison, Miranda Holmes, Kenley Joyner, Rashad Lee, Saniyah Lyons, Emilee Majerus, Grayson McDowell, Wallace McElroy, Ainsley Mishoe, Makayla Moore, D'Nada Morgan, A'mya Mose, Jesse Ontiveros, Trace Padgett, M. Palma Cervantes, Antonia Papa, Kurt Rodgers, Manuel Rodriguez, Carlos Saucedo, Dezarae Schwalbauch, Josie Sullivan, Alayiah Tolen, Benjamin Whaley.

Tenth Grade A Honor Roll: Anna Acosta, Lillian Covar, Bryan Diaz Salvador, Allie Enlow, Dennis Fraser, Davionna Gallman, Riley Joiner, Blakley Kelly, Frances Miller, Alyson Owen, DeAnthony Roberts, Dylan Tomkinson, SaRijay White, Cadence Wright, Malcolm Wyndham, Adelaide Zelmer.

Tenth Grade AB Honor Roll: Carrie Bartley, Steven Bowers, Noah Brown, Fitzmaurice Byrd, Braylon Creswell, Michael Drylie, Kaleigh Gibson, Areli Guevara Vazquez, Desiree Ingram, Cash Key, Khloe Key-Barner, Chase Lawton, Dalton Lewis, Kendall Mims, Marshall Morris, Angelique Phillips Fogle, Armoni Pressley, Grant Rauton, Khloe Ray, Monserrath Regino Lopez, Angelica Regino, Cassidy Reno, William Sherry, Larry Smith, Liam Smith, Rylee Thomas, Briley Turner, Markell Walker, Lucinda Whatley, Carl Widell, Aaron Williams, Allie Wise.

Eleventh Grade A Honor Roll: Amber Bishop, Alexander Cain, Kinley French, Mary Hamilton, Daniel Humphrey, John Laster, Lawsyn Lowe, Jordan Lyons, Ni'Mah Lyons, Carter Massey, Edwin Montiel-Hernandez, Isabella Mora, Olivia O'Gorman, Lilly Smith, Avon Webb.

Eleventh Grade AB Honor Roll: Blaire Ball, Allana Brown, Kristian Brown, Sarah Courtney, Aundria Davis, Adeline Derrick, Caylah Doss, Brianne Dunbar, Jordan Edwards, Chandler Gagnon, Nathaniel Gagnon, William Hallman, Natalie Hardy, Khloe Isaacs, Adriyanna Johnson, Kamira Johnson-Williams, Jordan Jones, Kadence Jones, James Koon, Alan Longshore, Taylor Mealing, Karrington Miller, Garrett Peterson,  Zariya Phillips, Toney Robinson, Avia Sherry, Cason Shiver, Jalia Simpkins, NyAsia Stevens, Darian Underwood.

Twelfth Grade A Honor Roll: Vivyana Acosta, Raina Barrs, Mollie Bartley, Kinsey Berry, McKenzie Brown, Carli Burden, Elizabeth Busby, Emily Casarrubias, Benjamin Collar, Clarence Compton, Jessica Cooper, Linsey Corley, Estefani Cortez, Amber Doane, Gentry English, Mary Fallaw, McKenzie Fleming, Imani Gilchrist, Molly Harling, Julianne Harper, Addyson Harrison, Christian Haskins, Reese Hidlay, Emerson Holmes, Berenice Lucas-Perez, Caroline Mariano, Bryan Martinez-Ramirez, Ella Miller, Dallas Norris, Caroline O'Neal, Brianna Papa, Haley Potts, Kimberly Ramirez, Tyler Rearden, Ivana Restrepo-Sorroza, Madison Rodrigues, Dylan Rose, Gracie Ryan, Jules Sides, Kaleb Simpkins, Sophia Simpkins, Grayson Smith, Leigh Strock, Harry Taylor, Ginna Wates, Kelley Widell, Evan Williams, Sara Willis.

Twelfth Grade AB Honor Roll: Callie Agner, Shelby Anderson, Kayleigh Bias, McKenzie Bunch, Chloe Castle, Ivey Coleman, Jalin Collins, Keirin Fuentes Murillo, Khalen Gibson, Nolan Grandy, Ke'Aira Madison, Nathaniel Millings, Lydia Mims, Jeremiah Ontiveros, Kevin Palma, Lucas Quiles, Adelina Ramirez, Billybob Reed, Orlando Rivera Cardenas, Ashawrie Scott, Caslyn Sellers, Grady Stone, Shania Strom, Ayaliah Williams.

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J-E-T Middle School Mock Trial Eagles Soar to Latest Championship in Claiming 2025 State Title
J-E-T Middle School Mock Trial Eagles Soar to Latest Championship in Claiming 2025 State Title
Michael Rosier
The 2025 S.C. Middle School Mock Trial Stte Champions from J-E-T Middle School.

Johnston, SC – What an incredible run it’s been for the Johnston-Edgefield-Trenton (J-E-T) Middle School mock Trial team.

Following the team’s last state championship in 2022, and third place and runner-up finishes in 2023 and 2024, respectively; the Eagles are back atop the South Carolina middle school mock trial landscape after capturing the 2025 state championship. This year’s state runner-up also hails from the Edgefield County School District (ECSD) in the Merriwether Middle Mustangs.

The S.C. Bar Association’s Middle School Mock Trial State Championships were held Friday, December 5, 2025, and Saturday, December 6, 2025, in Lexington, SC, at Lexington County Summary Court and the Lexington Town Hall Courtroom for Friday rounds, and the Marc H. Westbrook Judicial Center on Saturday.

According to the S.C Bar Association, a mock trial is a pretend trial and may involve either civil or criminal issues, just like a real trial. In a mock trial, the students present the case and act as the main characters in the courtroom. The purpose of the mock trial is to learn more about courtroom procedures and the people and rights involved with the legal system. It also teaches how to evaluate both sides of an issue and resolve conflicts in a nonviolent manner.

The J-E-T Middle Eagles were led by Attorney Coach Blair Massey, Teacher Coach Ruth Bledsoe, and Lead Teacher Coach Dr. Patricia Moseley. Team members included Izzy Cain, Nathan Carter, Rebecca Childs, Emalyn Cockrell, Izel Rene Griffin Restrepo, Ruthie Hammond, Luke Hatfield, Naomi Herlong, Colbie Hodson, Josh Holmes, Truman Massey, Gillian O’Gorman, Lindy O’Sullivan, and Landon Wilson.

“Our students have grown tremendously in confidence, humility, and leadership – going from good to great,” stated lead teacher coach, Dr. Moseley. “I would put our team up against any team in the nation because they would confidently take on the challenge, ask for and receive help which to me is the epitome of humility, and they would anchor down in solid leadership for each other and for themselves by setting the example of working hard by practicing at home and at school without complaint, focusing on the goal at hand, and supporting each other to achieve that goal.”

J-E-T Eagles attorney coach, Blair Massey, said this year’s team was more determined than ever to reach their goal of winning a state championship. Some of the team’s leaders had older siblings who were part of the team’s 2022 state title.

These are some of the younger siblings of some of the kids who were on that team, and they were third their sixth grade year, then they were second place last year and this year, first place,” commented Massey. “They really wanted it. They had their eye on the prize, and they worked hard and they achieved it.”

“They knew what it was going to take to come to come in first this year and … they were all ready for it,” she added. “I think it was just the drive they all had that pushed him over the top because they didn't like coming in second. They didn't like coming home last year with that smaller gavel. It was a long bus ride home. They knew they didn't want to have that feeling on the bus ride home this year and they made sure it didn't happen.”

Massey commended the team’s maturation and growth over the last three seasons, saying she often needs to remind herself the commitment level and effort these young students (ages 11 to 14) display to achieve excellence in mock trial.

“It's really hard to put that into words, but I can tell you for kids that age to show that level of commitment with the time it takes to read and process and learn, you know, their part, it's really incredible” stated Massey. “They're far beyond their years and it’s a testament to their work ethic, and a testament to their families and teachers, too. It's really incredible for these kids and I think I think they've learned a lot from it. They really had a drive, but it's age and maturity as well, and watching and just getting better, and figuring out what they could improve on a little bit from the previous year and putting those improvements into action.”


Congratulations to the 2025 S.C. Middle School Mock Trial State Champions from J-E-T Middle School.

Contact the ECSD Public Information Office (PIO) by email at ecsdpio@edgefieldcountyschools.org.

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A NEW STANDARD FOR NO. 1: Rebels Dominate Hurricanes, Capture Class AA State Title
A NEW STANDARD FOR NO. 1: Rebels Dominate Hurricanes, Capture Class AA State Title
Michael Rosier
The Strom Thurmond Rebels are the 2025 Class 2-A State Champions!

Orangeburg, SC — The mission is complete. The Standard that is Strom Thurmond High School Rebels football has been met, and moved just a little bit higher.

The Strom Thurmond High School (STHS) Rebels (13-2) are the 2025 Class 2-A State Champions following a dominating 26-7 victory over the Hampton County High School Hurricanes (11-4).

Once again, the team's seniors led the way, this time all the way to the school's first football state championship since 2005.

"This group of seniors is so special," stated STHS Head Coach Andrew Webb. "We met back in the spring and set a goal to go undefeated at home, to win the conference, win the Upper State championship, and we set a goal to finish number one and we did it. I cannot give this group of seniors enough credit. I love 'em. They love each other and they love playing Rebels football."

Offensively, running back Deonte "Diesel" Phillips motored through the Hurricanes' defense on the ground for 149 yards and two touchdowns and quarterback Bri'Shaun Lee completed 5 of his 7 passes through the air good for 126 yards and another two scores. Wideout Kaleb Simpkins caught three balls for 107 yards and a touchdown, with Shaheed "Sha" Williams hauling in the other touchdown pass on a diving catch in the end zone.

Strom Thurmond Senior Running back Deonte "Diesel" Phillips carries the ball for yardage against the Hampton County Hurricanes.

Coach Webb credited the team's offensive line for taking over the football game and controlling the line of scrimmage.

"That was the key to us winning," commented Coach Webb. "The boys up front have been so good to us and have gotten better and better. Coach (Riley) Addis has done such a great job with those guys and they were outstanding again tonight."

Defensively, Sha Williams was all over Willie Jeffries Field at SCSU's Oliver C. Dawson Bulldog Stadium, with 14 total tackles, two forced fumbles, an interception and a huge hit on a crucial fourth down play that stuffed any thoughts Hampton County may have had of climbing back into the football game.

The Rebels "Blue Steel" Defense held the high-scoring Hurricanes to just seven points.

"That's a really good football team with the number one offense in (Class) 2-A that came in averaging 46 points a game and the Blue Steel defense held them to seven," stated Coach Webb. "What an outstanding job by our defensive coaches and players. They played to the standard of the people who came before them and I'm really proud of them."

Jalin Collins added two more interceptions when the Hurricanes went to the air in the second half. Bryston Coleman and Kaden Wigfall each had 9 tackles and Grady Stone had 6 stops. Grayson Smith and Wytravious Dugar had 5 tackles apiece.

The lone score for Hampton County came just before halftime after a long kickoff return deep into Thurmond territory when quarterback Tarell Grant found receiver Desmond Mathis for a 16-yard score on the only completed pass of the game for the Hurricanes.

The Strom Thurmond Rebels won the 2025 Class AA state title with a 26-7 victory over Hampton County.

GET YOUR STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GEAR HERE!

Your first opportunity to secure Rebels state championship gear is provided in the following link: https://stromthurmondfbstatechampions2025.itemorder.com/...

CONGRATULATIONS REBELS!

  • DES
  • ECSD
  • JES
  • JET
  • JLC
  • MES
  • MMS
  • STCTC
  • STHS
  • WEP