News and Updates

Johnston, SC – Tassels were turned and caps tossed under sunny skies as Strom Thurmond High School’s (STHS) graduating Class of 2026 reached a huge milestone on Friday, May 29, 2026, transitioning from high school students to graduates and STHS alumni.

The 171 members of the Class of 2026 received a total of $7,594,118 in scholarship offers from colleges and universities and more than a quarter of this year’s graduates qualified as Honor Graduates.

The STHS Class of 2026 was led by Valedictorian, Evan Williams, and Salutatorian, Raina Barrs. Evan and Raina will attend Stanford University and the University of South Carolina (Columbia) in the fall, respectively. Evan plans to major in Public Policy, while Raina plans to major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with future plans to become a patent attorney. Evan and Raina were outstanding contributors to the school’s three-time S.C. High School Mock Trial Team, with both earning National Top 10 Attorney Awards at the High School Mock Trial National Championships. Evan also performed with Strom Thurmond Theatre and Raina was a member of the Rebel Regiment Marching Band.

Nearly a third of the Class of 2026 were Honor Graduates, or a graduate earning at least a 4.0 weighted GPA. Academic honors are then awarded based on GPA as follows:

- Cum Laude: Awarded to students with a GPA of 4.0 – 4.49.

- Magna Cum Laude: Awarded to students with a GPA of 4.5 – 4.9.

- Summa Cum Laude: The highest honor awarded to students with a GPA of 5.0 or higher.

Strom Thurmond High School Class of 2026 Honor Graduates included Vivyana Acosta (Cum Laude), Kayleigh Bias (Cum Laude), Elizabeth Busby (Cum Laude), Jordan Chinn (Cum Laude), Ivey Coleman (Cum Laude), Jalin Collins (Cum Laude), Amber Doane (Cum Laude), McKenzie Fleming (Cum Laude), Imani Gilchrist (Cum Laude), Kaylee Hallman (Cum Laude), Addyson Harrison (Cum Laude), Berenice Lucas-Perez (Cum Laude), Nathaniel Millings (Cum Laude), Caroline O'Neal (Cum Laude), Brianna Papa (Cum Laude), Haley Potts (Cum Laude), Lucas Quiles (Cum Laude), Madison Rodrigues (Cum Laude), Shania Strom (Cum Laude), Brandon Thomas (Cum Laude); Mollie Jane Bartley ( Magna Cum Laude), Kinsey Berry (Magna Cum Laude), McKenzie Brown (Magna Cum Laude), Emily Casarrubias (Magna Cum Laude), Estefani Cortez (Magna Cum Laude), Molly Harling (Magna Cum Laude), Julianne Harper (Magna Cum Laude), Reese Hidlay (Magna Cum Laude), Caroline Mariano (Magna Cum Laude), Ella Mathis Miller (Magna Cum Laude), Lydia Mims (Magna Cum Laude), Kimberly Ramirez (Magna Cum Laude), Tyler Rearden (Magna Cum Laude), Ivana Restrepo-Sorroza (Magna Cum Laude), Gracie Ryan (Magna Cum Laude), Jules Sides (Magna Cum Laude), Grady Stone (Magna Cum Laude), Kelley Widell (Magna Cum Laude), Sara Willis (Magna Cum Laude), Raina Barrs (Summa Cum Laude), Carli Burden (Summa Cum Laude), Linsey Corley (Summa Cum Laude), Mary Gracy Fallaw (Summa Cum Laude), Christian Haskins (Summa Cum Laude), Emerson Holmes (Summa Cum Laude), Sophia Simpkins (Summa Cum Laude), Leigh Anne Strock (Summa Cum Laude), Ginna Wates (Summa Cum Laude), and Evan Williams (Summa Cum Laude).

Alpha Awards were presented by Edgefield County Board of Education Chairperson Mrs. Blair Massey to the three STHS graduates with the highest scores on the SAT. Alpha Awards were awarded to graduates Evan Williams, Christian Haskins, and Raina Barrs. Strom Thurmond Scholarships, provided each year for STHS graduates of distinction as established by legendary former U.S. Senator and Edgefield County School District (ECSD) educator, Strom Thurmond, were presented by STHS Assistant Principal Mrs. Mary Bates to graduates Kimberly Ramirez, Jalin Collins, and Ella Mathis Miller.

Additionally, graduates Evan Williams and Kimberly Ramirez were each honored for earning their Associate in Arts degree and a University Studies Certificate from Piedmont Technical College (PTC). Raina Barrs, Mollie Bartley, Carli Burden, Jordan Chinn, Ella Mathis Miller, and Leigh Anne Strock also earned University Studies certificates from PTC.

Four graduates have chosen military service after high school. They include Ty’Kirriah Papageorge and Brianne Cheatham (U.S. Army National Guard), Jayden Augustin and Christopher Lopez Monge (U.S. Marine Corps).

Strom Thurmond High School Student Body President, Sara Willis, welcomed guests to the commencement. Opening remarks were provided by honor graduate Ginna Wates, prior to the welcoming of distinguished guests by ECSD Superintendent, Dr. Kevin O’Gorman.

Strom Thurmond High School Principal, Mrs. Kristin Risher, offered her congratulations to the Class of 2026 and recognized STHS faculty members for their tremendous contributions to the success of the graduates. Strom Thurmond Career and Technology Center Director, Dr. Alan Gray, also recognized the outstanding contributions of STCTC faculty members.

Additional members of the Class of 2026 included:

Callie Brianna Agner, Bricelda Pe’rez Agustin, Sergio Agustin Chavez, Shelby Grace Anderson, Stajia Marie Angermeier, Jayden Immanuel Augustin, Abigail Michaela Baxter, Carter Tucker Boatwright, Edgar Manuel Bringas Rivera, Jamarian Ny’Quevius Broadwater, Anaha DeJa Carman Brown, Trinity A’Mari Brown, Zariah Renee Brown, McKenzie Ariana Bunch, Preston Tyler Busbee, Jalen Markiese Campbell, Chloe Nicole Castle, Jason Dylan Chasm, Brianne Christine Cheatham, Herman Lee Cheatham III, Bryston Isaiah Coleman, Benjamin Joseph Collar, Sydney Maria Collins, Clarence Ashton Compton, Amariyah Elsepeth Conkright-Most, Jessica Lorraine Cooper, Joey Annabelle Corley, Aaren Michael Crane, Kizziah Danielle Cunningham, Taniya Rihianna Martin Dean, Hugh Isaac Doyle Jr., Porter Brantley Dyches, Jalaysha Keyshunna Edmond, Mikayla Skye Edwards, Gentry Cooper English, Jeremiah Jermaine Farrow, Kamran Scott Free, Keirin Dayana Fuentes Murillo, Ja'liyah Wilses Lavonn Gamble, Jaiden Arayas Gibson, Khalen Ferris Gibson, Mary Jean Kay Gilbert, Alayiah Ky'marni Gordon, Jahari Jeremiah Graham, Nolan Paul Grandy, Tatiana Talicia Grant, Ja'Corey Zayon Gray, Aleah Toni Head, Christopher Eugene Hendricks, Austin Grant Hensley, Alana Latrice Herrin, Carter Remon Hill, Hannah Morgan Holmes, Leah Denise Hunt, Mason Marcellius Johnson, Kendrell Anyius Jones, Akilias Andrea’ Key Jr., Bri’Shaun Markell Lee, Cassidy Rose Long, Christopher Abdiel Lopez Monge, Daisy Paola Lucas-Perez, Ke’Aira Elektra Madison, Bryan Martinez-Ramirez, Miracle Nevaeh Mathis, Rashad Devon Mathis, Trenquilis Dashawn Omari Mathis, Kentralle Jordan McCain, Amari Travon McClenney-Asforis, Taylor Azariah McCullough, Carlos Jariel Mejia, Jada Antoinett Moore, K'Mya Naomi Moore, Alexander Linden Nelson, Dallas Andrew Norris, LaKhia Kemaury Norris, Mariah Shaun’ya Norris, Jeremiah Jae Ontiveros, Steven Marques Page, Kenneth P Palma, Kevin P Palma, Ty’Kirriah Alexandria Papageorge, Armon Artrell Peterson, Deonte’ Jaquarius O’Neal Phillips, Fernando Pineda Trejo, Haley Ann Pixley, Elizeilda Ponce Agustin, Katelyn Denise Powell, Emily Joyann Grace Presnell, Kiley Mercedes Raiford, Adelina Regino Ramirez, Amya Rose Randle, Knox Mitchell Rauton, Billybob Dalton Reed, Shakayla Jaliyah Reynolds, Jordan Lynne Rich, Je’Vae Jesse Richardson, Orlando Martin Rivera Cardenas, Grace Olivia Roberson, Dylan Wade Rose, Dylan Bowdre Rosier, Aziyah Erin Rouse, Nolan Preston Ruiz, Nathaniel James Sayas, Ashawrie Shanise Scott, Caslyn Dakota Sellers, Devin Lavon Shields, Kaleb Tyree Simpkins, Grayson Hamilton Smith, Harry Joseph Taylor IV, Gracie Ruth Thompson, Lindsey Emeli Trejo, Callie Jean Tyler, Gabriele Nickol Vinson, Ze’mera Cordaja Wakefield, Antonio Jonathan Walker, Micah Zechariah Warren, Garren Matthew Waters, Sha’Kiya Miyanna Weaver, Vincent Michael Weaver, Tanika Rena Webb, Keith Devian West, Christopher Lee Whatley, Ethan David Anthony Wideman, Ayaliah La’Shay Williams, Jada Arianna Williams, Shaheed Kweli Williams, Trent Jackson Williams, Kobe Lamont Windless, and Brison Lee Yonce.

Junior Marshals for the ceremony included Lawsyn Lowe, Olivia O’Gorman, John Laster, Carter Massey, Lilly Smith, Amber Bishop, Mary Hamilton, Alexander Cain, Avon Webb, Kinley French, Ni’Miah Lyons, and Joseph Greene. John Laster and Carter Massey served as Head Marshals.

Strom Thurmond High School Senior Class President, Imani Gilchrist, led the turning of the tassels, and honor graduate Christian Haskins delivered the closing remarks.

The National Anthem and the Strom Thurmond High School alma mater were performed by graduating senior Zariah Brown

The Class of 2026 graduation livestream was filmed and produced by members of the Edgefield County School District’s Technology Department. Strom Thurmond High School Stadium was prepared for graduation by members of the ECSD Facilities and Maintenance Department.

PHOTO: Charles Reel Photography

Johnston, SC – Strom Thurmond High School’s (STHS) graduating Class of 2026 is scheduled to walk across the STHS Stadium platform (weather permitting) on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to receive their high school diplomas, turn their tassels, and complete their four-year journey from student to proud alumni. The commencement ceremony will be streamed live and accessible by clicking the following link:

STROM THURMOND HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2026 GRADUATION LIVESTREAM LINK

Today, we continue our graduation week tradition of highlighting an upcoming STHS graduate each day. Today’s “Senior Spotlight” features STHS Student Body President, Sara Elizabeth Willis.

PARENTS: Jason and Mary Willis.

SARA’S ACCOLADES AND ACHIEVEMENTS: Student Body President, Honor Graduate, Palmetto Fellow, Teaching Fellow, Lander University Junior Scholar, Watson Brown Scholar, LJ Carson Scholarship Recipient, Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award, FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Leader, Braiding License, Cosmetology License, Cosmetology Outstanding Student of the Year, Swim State Qualifier, Swimmer of the Year, National Technical Honor Society, Beta Club, Junior Marshall.

SARA’S COLLEGE/CAREER PLANS: I plan to attend Lander University to earn my degree in Early Childhood Education.

SARA’S MEMORABLE MOMENT(S) AT STHS: One of my favorite memories at Strom Thurmond has been being part of the student section at football games. Dressing up for the themes, cheering on my classmates, and being surrounded by my best friends make these moments valuable to me.

SARA’S ADVICE TO RISING SENIORS: My advice to upcoming seniors is to always say yes to new opportunities and fun experiences. Senior year truly does fly by, and I am grateful for all the fun memories I made by stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new opportunities.

WHO HAS INSPIRED HER? My mom is my biggest inspiration. Her strength, constant support, and wisdom have guided me through these past four years. No matter the situation, she always knows the right thing to do and has never failed to be there for me. She has helped me stay on top of everything, especially when applying for scholarships, and I would not have the opportunities I have today without her.

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

Johnston, SC – Strom Thurmond High School’s (STHS) graduating Class of 2026 is scheduled to walk across the STHS Stadium graduation platform (weather permitting) on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to receive their high school diplomas, turn their tassels, and complete their four-year journey from student to proud alumni. The commencement ceremony will be streamed live and accessible by clicking the following link:

STROM THURMOND HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2026 GRADUATION LIVESTREAM LINK

Today, we continue our graduation week tradition of highlighting an upcoming STHS graduate each day. Today’s “Senior Spotlight” features STHS Senior Class President, Imani Richelle Gilchrist.

PARENTS: Sharon Bush-Gilchrist and Julius Gilchrist.

IMANI’S ACCOLADES AND ACHIEVEMENTS: Senior Class President, Homecoming Queen, Braiding License, Cosmetology License, Marketing Outstanding Student of the Year, Overall Outstanding Student of STCTC, STCTC Outstanding Student Scholarship, Principals All A Honor Roll, Cum Laude Honor Graduate , University of South Carolina Upstate Junior Scholar, Converse University Junior Scholar, Junior Class Vice President, Prom Princess,  Beta Club, Cosmetology Club, Volleyball, Cheerleading (Spirit Award for the Edgefield County Touchdown Club), Track and Field.

IMANI’S COLLEGE/CAREER PLANS: Imani will attend Claflin University and Major in Accounting.

IMANI’S SUMMER PLANS: I plan to continue to celebrate with my family and friends until it’s time for me to head off! I will also be competing in a few flag football tournaments, Go Blurr Belles!

IMANI’S MEMORABLE MOMENT(S) AT STHS: Through my four years at Strom Thurmond High School, I have had many memorable moments. The one that stands out the most is the honor of being crowned as homecoming queen. It’s nice to know that you’re loved and have a large support system behind you.

IMANI’S ADVICE TO RISING SENIORS: My advice for rising seniors is to never give up even if tasks get hard. Another piece of advice is to be confident in what you do and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Stepping up, being engaged, and being open to the community gives you a lot of lead way and benefits.

WHO HAS INSPIRED HER? Each member of my family has inspired me in different ways. My dad has taught me how to be independent and generous to others. My mom has taught me how to be true to myself and be okay standing alone. My sister has taught me to keep going and never give up. Lastly, my friends Taniya, Kizziah, Tyra, and Sydney have taught me how it feels to have a genuine 13-plus year long friendship and an amazing support system.

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

Johnston, SC – Drew Towery knows what it takes to build a strong, successful varsity baseball program. He’s seen it happen and he’s lived it, first as a high level prep player and later as an assistant coach. Now he’s taking the next step.

As a former all-state player and state champion under Midlands baseball coaching legend, Charles Assey, Sr., at high school baseball powerhouse Brookland-Cayce High School, a collegiate player coached by Russell Triplett at Newberry College, and later as an assistant with Coach Assey, he’s experienced the highs and lows of the game and everything in between.

Injuries derailed his playing career, but Towery overcame that adversity and kept hold of his passion for the game through coaching, which he will continue as the new head baseball coach of the Strom Thurmond High School (STHS) “Relentless” Rebels baseball program during the 2026-2027 school year. Towery will also teach English at STHS.

“My first memory of Strom Thurmond (high school) actually came on the football field in 2013 when I was at Brookland-Cayce and they came up to (Class AAA) and into our region, and we scored the first touchdown of the game and we didn’t score again,” said Towery. “Then, of course, we played them in baseball in the spring and over the years I’ve just seen the success they’ve had here. Being a head coach has always been one of my goals in coaching and when that’s one of your goals and the opportunity to coach at a place like this opens up I think you really have to go for it. It was perfect timing.”

Towery, whose hiring was approved by the Edgefield County School District’s (ECSD) Board of Trustees during Monday’s (5/18) regular meeting, has served as an assistant baseball coach at White Knoll High School, Cardinal Newman School, and Saluda High School. He also served as the head baseball coach of the American Legion Post 7 (Lexington, SC) for six seasons.

“This is an attractive place, just historically, and a place where you can have a lot of success,” Towery said of STHS. “That’s why the opportunity here really stuck out, maybe more so than some other opportunities.”

Towery says he’s excited to build upon the solid foundation and tradition of “Relentless Rebels” baseball put in place by former STHS head coaches, and its most recent head coach and current STHS assistant principal, Nate Horton.

“Being around a group of kids twenty four seven, some people may call you crazy, but I enjoy it and I enjoy the grind,” he added. “Baseball is obviously my life, and the journey is just really getting started on this second chapter (of coaching)."

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

Johnston, SC – Whether the topic is education or the athletic fields, Jordan Atkinson is a proven winner.

Atkinson, a passionate, student-focused educator with over a decade of educational experience and instructional leadership, has been approved by trustees of the Edgefield County School District’s (ECSD) Board of Education as the assistant principal at W.E. Parker Elementary School for the upcoming 2026-27 school year.

She currently serves as a Language Arts teacher and 8th-grade team leader, where she has led curriculum development, professional learning, and collaborative school initiatives that support inclusive, high-achieving classrooms.

Ms. Atkinson also served as head softball coach at Blythewood High School, where she accumulated more than 160 wins — a testament to her dedication, coaching acumen, and ability to inspire those she leads.

She earned a Bachelor's degree in Middle Level Education and Master's degree in Divergent Learning from Columbia College and holds an Educational Specialist degree from Arkansas State University.

“I’m thrilled to be stepping into this new role as the assistant principal at W.E. Parker Elementary School,” said Ms. Atkinson. “I’m looking forward to extending my impact beyond the classroom and eager to partner with teachers, students, and families to cultivate a school culture rooted in growth, belonging, and high expectations for all learners.”

“I was attracted to (ECSD) because it reminds me of the district I grew up in and where I made life-long friendships that continue to be a part of my life's journey,” she added. “(ECSD) feels like the right fit because of its values and community culture. I value working in a close-knit district where I can build strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues, contribute beyond the classroom, and grow alongside the school community.”

As the daughter of a coach, Atkinson says she also applies lessons learned in athletics to teaching and leading off the field.

“My experience as a softball coach has been invaluable,” said Atkinson. “I grew up as a coach’s daughter, so I witnessed the positive impact coaching and teaching had on student-athletes. Coaching sharpened my ability to set clear expectations, build strong relationships, and create a culture of accountability balanced with encouragement. Just as in athletics, I use data to guide instruction, provide timely feedback, and help students understand that growth comes through effort, consistency, and resilience. Coaching taught me how to motivate every learner and to keep students focused on both individual improvement and team success.”

“Athletics develops trust, communication, and a shared sense of purpose—qualities essential for strong schools,” she added. “In a community where sports are deeply valued and supported, I understand how athletics unites a school and community. As an administrator, I will use those lessons to support staff, build collaborative teams, celebrate successes, and lead with the same commitment, preparation, and passion. I am excited to be part of the Edgefield County community.”

Outside of her professional life, Ms. Atkinson loves spending time with her family, cheering on the Gamecocks at University of South Carolina sporting events, and exploring new destinations around the world.

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