Alexander Bolton is a graduating senior at Dutch Fork High School in Irmo, SC and a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church BRR in Camden, SC. He will be attending Brevard College in the fall, where he will be majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Communications as a student-athlete on the Brevard Tornados’ football team.

Alexander is a two-time state champion on the Dutch Fork High School varsity football team and recently served as a volunteer football coach for elementary students at Ben Lippen School in Columbia, SC. He has also been involved in the Dutch Fork High School chorus as well as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In his church, Alexander serves on the Audio-Visual/Sound team, Youth Ministry, Youth Choir, and Outreach Ministry, and helps with back-to-school, Christmas, and Thanksgiving giveaways as well as serving in their soup kitchen.

A deeply purpose-driven person, Alexander aspires to create his own marketing firm and sees entrepreneurship as a way to create opportunities, help others reach their dreams, and help individuals provide for their families. Through both his work and personal life, he also hopes to use social media as a way to impact the world for Christ by building a social media presence that expresses his values and helping clients do the same. He hopes that those coming to his page to watch his sports highlights will find much more than just that and believes we can all use our influence to share our faith and inspiration with others. 

Alyssa Jordyn Mihlbauer is a graduating senior at Sumter High School and a member of Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church in Sumter, SC. Jordyn plans to further her education by pursuing a degree in Environmental Engineering with a minor in Environmental Science, with plans to be an environmental engineer.

Jordyn has a deep passion for service that is reflected in her extensive community involvement. In school, she serves as the Senior Class Vice President and created a school-wide initiative educating the community about the dangers of texting while driving. She also served as the president for Sumter High’s chapter of Junior Civitans, an international student-led service organization, is first chair in the Sumter High School Symphonic Honors Band, and is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers. Outside of school, she is involved in numerous volunteer organizations, including Girl Scouts, the NAACP’s youth branch, and DHEC’s Take Action SC Student Ambassador for Sustainability program. In her church, she serves in the youth and educational ministries.

Jordyn believes that through service and supporting the well-being of those in your community, we all have the opportunity to make an impact on the world for Christ and develop greater love, compassion, and empathy in the process. She plans to embody these principles as she enters the next chapter of her education and career—both in and out of the classroom.

Jade Edwards is a graduating senior at Richland One Middle College in Columbia, SC. She is the daughter of Claudia Avery and is an active member of Zion Benevolent Baptist Church in Hopkins, SC. Jade plans to further her education by pursuing a degree in Biology from South Carolina State University.

Jade is a member of the Southern Strutt Performing Company, National Honor Society, and A.C. Flora Dance Company and has also served as a reporter for the Health Occupational Students of America (HOSA) as well as a volunteer for several community programs. Within her church, she serves in the media ministry, women’s ministry, and homeless outreach program.

As an aspiring cardiothoracic surgeon, Jade is passionate about impacting the world for Christ by educating others about the importance of expressing gratitude for our lives by taking care of our bodies and addressing health disparities in rural communities in South Carolina. Additionally, she plans to use her God-given gifts to help diversify the pool of thoracic surgeons in the United States, create a more comfortable and welcoming environment for Black patients, and mentor students of color who are entering the medical profession.

Kortlyn Williams is a rising sophomore at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She is the daughter of Tarra Miller and Darius Williams and is an active member of Jerusalem Baptist Church in Hopkins, SC.

Kortlyn successfully completed her freshman year at Coastal Carolina University, where she made the Dean’s List, was involved in the Women of Color (WOC) Organization, and was employed in CCU’s University Housing Department as well as off-campus while volunteering in her spare time.

Kortlyn is passionate about impacting the world for Christ by living a life of fellowship and authenticity, where those around her can feel God’s love radiating from her without even having to ask. Likewise, she plans to exude this in her professional life by pursuing a career as a therapist, forensic interviewer, or a similar role that allows her to provide support for people as they navigate mental health issues, traumatic experiences, grief, or other difficult situations where they are in need of a safe space to process their experiences and receive love, support, and useful resources.

Arrington Bookert is a graduating senior at Ridge View High School in Columbia, SC. He is the son of Tony and Bridget Bookert and is an active member of First Calvary Baptist Church in Columbia, SC. Arrington plans to further his education by pursuing a degree in Business Management from the University of South Carolina.

Arrington serves as the Youth Coordinator for the Waverly Community, which his church is a part of, which allows him to plan various church activities and community service projects. He is also involved in his school’s National Honors Society, National Beta Club, National Society of High School Scholars, and Ridge View Early College program.

Arrington plans to one day give back to his community by connecting underserved children and teens in South Carolina with internships, resources, and career opportunities that can help empower them as they pursue their passions.

Evani Harris is a graduating senior at Lower Richland High School in Hopkins, SC. She is the daughter of Robert and Cheryl Harris and is an active member of Refuge Temple Church in Columbia, SC. Evani intends to further her education by pursuing a degree in Biology with a minor in Early Childhood Development from Charleston Southern University, with plans to become a dentist.

Evani is active in her church’s youth choir, youth praise team, and Armor Bearers Young People’s Union. In school, she has been involved as a member of the cheerleading squad and student council, and she earned the General College Certificate in the Dual Enrollment Program with Midlands Technical College.

Evani wants to make a difference in the lives of youth by instilling them with a sense of joy, peace, and confidence, both through her dental career and continuing to volunteer with the Inspire mentoring program.

Grace Miller is a rising sophomore at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. She is the daughter of Joseph Miller and is an active member of Jerusalem Baptist Church in Hopkins, SC. Grace is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education, with plans to become an educator for preschool and elementary school students.

 Grace’s interest in teaching stemmed from volunteering each Sunday in her church’s nursery and seeing the impact she was able to have on each child. She has also been involved as a choreographer for her church’s praise dance and mime teams and a member of the youth ministry and youth choir. She is involved at UofSC as a founding member of the Black Capstone Caucus, member of Young Life Collegiate Ministry, and member of the Multicultural Assistance Peer Program.

As an early childhood educator, Grace wants to demonstrate God’s love to the students she encounters by encouraging, supporting, and mentoring them.

Melvin F. Archie, Jr. is a graduating senior at Lower Richland High School in Hopkins, SC. He is the son of Melvin Sr. and Shannon Archie and is an active member of Red Hill Baptist Church in Hopkins, SC. Melvin intends to further his education by pursing a degree in mathematics with a focus on secondary education, with plans to become a high school mathematics teacher.

Melvin is active in his church’s youth ministry and works as a teacher’s assistant with the Congaree Complex Community Development Center’s Summer Camp Program, where he helps students gain knowledge and confidence by fostering a positive learning environment. Additionally, he is a three-varsity sport athlete, member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club, participant in the University of South Carolina’s Upward Bound program, and recipient of the Columbia Urban League Young & Gifted Award. He has also maintained Richland One Academic All-Star status and is a part of the barbering program at Heyward Career & Technology Center.

Melvin views education as an opportunity to motivate others, give back to his community, and allow people to see Christ’s light as it shines through him. He has seen the profound impact education can have on others’ lives, even through actions as simple as helping his peers understand their math assignments, and he wants to continue to use it to impact the world for Christ.

Christal Coard is a graduating senior at W.J. Keenan High School in Columbia, SC. She is the daughter of Angelia and Richard Coard and is an active member of St. John Baptist Church in Hopkins, SC. Christal intends to further her education by pursuing a degree in Sociology with a minor in Music from Francis Marion University, with plans to become a social worker.

Christal is active in her church’s Music Ministry, serves as the President of the Youth Ministry, and is a member of the Young Women’s Auxiliary, in addition to volunteering with her church to feed the homeless and singing with the Wateree Baptist Association Upper Division’s Mass Choir. She also serves as a section leader in her school’s choir, is a member of the National Honor Society, National Beta Club, and Delta GEMS, and was the captain of her school’s varsity softball team.

Christal hopes to use social work as a way to demonstrate God’s love by helping families ensure they can have a brighter future. 

Daneeda Goodwin is a graduating senior at Lower Richland High School in Hopkins, SC. She is the daughter of Tracey and Wendy Goodwin and is an active member of Saint James Baptist Church in Hopkins, SC. Daneeda will be furthering her education by pursuing a degree in Nursing from the University of South Carolina Aiken, with plans to become a pediatric nurse.

Daneeda is active in her church as a member of the Youth Ministry and as a Youth Usher. In her school, she serves as a Lower Richland High School Student Ambassador and as the President of HOSA Future Health Professionals. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, and Family Career and Community Leaders of America and has been recognized as the 2019 Outstanding Local Chapter Member by South Carolina HOSA.

Daneeda plans to impact the world for Christ by helping children develop and maintain healthy lifestyles, both physically and spiritually.

Robert Harris is a graduating senior at Lower Richland High School in Hopkins, SC. He is the son of Cheryl Harris and Robert Harris, Sr. and is an active member of Refuge Temple Church in Columbia, SC. Robert intends to further his education by pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina, with plans to work as an investigator for a local government or police department.

Robert is active in his church’s Youth Ministry and Music Ministry as a musician. He serves his community as one of the first members of the Lower Richland High School Firefighter program, in which he got involved after learning about the shortage of firefighters in his community. He has also been involved in JROTC, Richland One’s Superintendent Advisory Committee, the Urban League Summer Work Enrichment Leadership Program, the LRHS Diamond Dawg Step Team, and Palmetto Boys State.

In addition to pursuing a career in public service, Robert plans to serve his community by using music as a way to encourage and minister to young people, the elderly, and others in need. He also plans to mentor young boys to help them as they grow in their walk with Christ. 

Jalen Conyers is a graduating senior at Lower Richland High School in Hopkins, SC. She is the daughter of Belinda Wilson-Conyers and is an active member of Zion Benevolent Baptist Church in Hopkins, SC. Jalen intends to further her education by pursuing a degree in Nursing with a minor in Education from the University of South Carolina Upstate, with plans to become a nurse educator.

Jalen is active in her church’s Children’s Ministry, also serving as a member of the Zion Youth Mass Choir. She is a member of the ELEVATIONS Youth Development Outreach Program, Future Business Leaders of America, Student Council, Health Occupations Students of America, Beta Club, and her school’s yearbook. Jalen also serves as a Lower Richland High School Student Ambassador and is a member of the National Honors Society and National Technical Honors Society.

Jalen plans to one day give back to her community by working with her home church to establish better healthcare in the area and teach people how to maintain good health.

Julian Smith is a graduating senior at Spring Valley High School in Columbia, SC. He is the son of Gregory and Johnette Smith and is an active member of Sanders Creek Baptist Church in Camden, SC. Julian intends to further his education by pursuing a degree in Sports Broadcasting with a minor in Business Management from Francis Marion University, where he will be playing basketball at the collegiate level.

Julian is active in his church as a youth usher and has served his community through volunteer work at Williams-Brice Stadium and with the Special Olympics. He is also a member of his high school’s Varsity Boys’ Basketball Team and has been honored as an All-Region Player, in addition to being ranked in the Top 50 Players in the state for the Class of 2018.

Julian hopes to one day use sports as a ministry to lead youth to Christ by helping churches establish recreational facilities that offer youth a safe and positive environment to play the sports they love.

Zipporah Williams is a student at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. She is the daughter of Lucinda Mosley and is an active member of Mount Nebo Baptist Church in Gadsden, SC. Zipporah is pursuing a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, with plans to obtain her Doctor of Pharmacy degree and become a retail pharmacist.

Zipporah serves as a mentor in her church’s Youth Ministry and is a member of Girls of Distinction, one of her church’s small groups. She is a member of the Carolina Association of Pre-Pharmacy Students, serves as Parliamentarian for the Association of African-American Students, and is a licensed pharmacy technician.

Zipporah plans to give back to her community by working with youth mentoring programs to teach youth to trust God and allow Him to be the Head of their lives.

Cameron Benson is a graduating senior at Lower Richland High School in Hopkins, South Carolina. He is the son of Toney and Christine Benson. Active in both Red Hill Missionary Baptist and Temple of Faith Bible Way churches in Gadsden, SC, Cameron intends to further his education by pursuing a degree in Culinary Arts and Hospitality & Tourism Management at the College of Charleston this fall.

Cameron plays drums at his church for the youth ministry and is active in the youth ministry of the Wateree Baptist Association Upper Division. He is a member of his high school’s student council, Diamond Dawg Step Team and a participant in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. Mr. Benson is also active in Science Partners for Minorities in Engineering and Computer Science, a recipient of the Columbia Urban League Young and Gifted Award, and a member of the National Society of High School Scholars.

Chandel Harris is a graduating senior at Lower Richland High School in Hopkins, South Carolina. She is the daughter of Robert and Cheryl Harris. An active member of Refuge Temple in Columbia, SC, Chandel intends to further her education by pursuing a degree in Business Administration at Columbia College this fall.

Chandel is an active part of the COOLJC ABYPU Youth Ministry and is the 2016 COOLJC International Oratorical Competition Champion. She is a Richland School District One CATE Award Dual Completer and a newly licensed Cosmetologist. Ms. Harris is also the president of the Voice of Praise Youth Choir, a participant in the Inspire Mentoring Program, and the president of her school’s chapter of Skills USA. 

Hope Maxie Walker is a student at Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina. She is the daughter of Horace Walker and Linda Maxie. An active member of Jerusalem Baptist Church in Hopkins, SC, Hope is pursuing a degree in Biology and intends to become an OB/GYN.

Hope is an active member of Jerusalem Baptist Church, where she became a licensed minister at age 18 and serves as a Bible study teacher and the leader of the college ministry, youth praise team, and youth choir. At Erskine College, she was Miss Erskine 2016 and is a member of Bella Voce, the gospel choir, Baptist College Ministries and the American Literary Society.