Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to occasional showers overnight. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%..
Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to occasional showers overnight. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
Updated: May 4, 2024 @ 11:08 pm
The Summerville Mayor’s Committee hosted its annual awards banquet Wednesday, May 1, at Summerville Country Club. The banquet awarded monetary scholarships to students with disabilities for education and training. Also recognized were employers and citizens who support and assist people with disabilities in becoming productive citizens in the Summerville area.
The Summerville Mayor’s Committee hosted its annual awards banquet Wednesday, May 1, at Summerville Country Club. The banquet awarded monetary scholarships to students with disabilities for education and training. Also recognized were employers and citizens who support and assist people with disabilities in becoming productive citizens in the Summerville area.
The Summerville Mayor’s Committee hosted its annual awards banquet Wednesday, May 1, at Summerville Country Club. The banquet awarded monetary scholarships to students with disabilities for education and training. Also recognized were employers and citizens who support and assist people with disabilities in becoming productive citizens in the Summerville area.
The Summerville Mayor’s Committee was organized by the Summerville Rotary Club in conjunction with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation in 1990 to provide recognition, monetary awards and assistance in entering meaningful employment for people with disabilities in the greater Summerville area. The committee members are a diverse group of business people, social workers, civic leaders and retirees from various ethnic backgrounds.
The narratives for year’s award winners and scholarship winners are:
Employer of the Year: The Village of Summerville (award accepted by Mark Hammel, director of culinary services) – The Village of Summerville has been a pillar of Summerville for many years and currently employs more than 251 service providers. The Village has strongly supported vocational rehabilitation in efforts to place consumers, many of whom are still employed today. Under the leadership of Mark Hammel, the Village has been instrumental in helping consumers reach their potential. Whether through the patience that Mark and his staff have shown or their willingness to provide an opportunity, they have been very accommodating to consumers, resulting in abundant successful outcomes. They are consistently helpful in carving out the “best fit” for consumers and support those interested in advancement by providing training and mentorship.
Employment Achievement Award: Shakeem Gibbs – This award honors an individual who has overcome significant challenges to secure and succeed in competitive employment. This year’s winner exemplifies hard work, determination and zest for life. He started ninth grade at Summerville High School in 2017. He was recommended for the South Carolina High School Credential Track, which implements course and work-based learning. His early aspiration was to purchase and operate a food truck. He completed all of the Culinary Arts classes at Fort Dorchester and was an excellent student. He was a hard worker and demonstrated the positive and outgoing attitude needed to work in the hospitality industry. Summerville Medical Center Food Services hired him before graduating from high school, and he enjoys this opportunity to serve others while gaining financial independence. He has a driver’s license and owns a shiny new car. He is the epitome of a success story for the credential program.
The CoCo Boyd Community Impact Award: Gina Leonard – This award honors Barbara CoCo Boyd, a Dorchester School District Two personal assistant to students with autism. This award recognizes an individual who has excelled in their contributions and impact on the lives of people with differing abilities. This year’s recipient currently serves as an aide and has dedicated her life to serving and supporting Autism specific classes for nearly 15 years. She is a loving presence to her students and integral to their curriculum. She provides the basics and teaches life skills that put students on a path to success. Outside of school, she works with parents to ensure home needs are met and they are continuous learners. She aids the families by attending birthday parties for her students, arriving early to set up and ensuring each child has a great time. She works with children at their youngest when good life skills are implemented. She works on true-life skills such as counting and managing money, hygiene, speaking with people and understanding how to interact. She ensures that each student is in a better space when they eventually move on. She is holistic, setting up her students for success for the rest of their lives.
Student of the Year: Jamari Waring – This accolade is awarded to a senior at Summerville High School. Waring thrived through elementary and middle school, where hands-on learning was readily available. At Summerville High School, where he exudes confidence, he enjoys socializing and dancing. He allows nothing to interfere with his joy in life. He is responsible on the home-front, ensuring his room is immaculately cleaned and volunteering for additional chores. He completed the autobody collision class at the Dorchester County Career and Technology Center, where he remains active, confident and engaged in social activities. He loves attending school, interacting with peers, and participating in events like pep rallies and sports. He participated in musical theater and ran track at the Summerville High School’s Special Olympics unified sports program. Overall, his journey highlights his resilience and determination to overcome obstacles and showcase his abilities rather than allowing his challenges to define him.
The Alex Rosche Memorial Scholarship (sponsored by Jay and Rita Torner): Cameron Sulton – This scholarship is presented in memory of Alex Rosche, a past recipient of the Berlin G. Myers Scholarship. This year’s recipient will graduate from Ashley Ridge High School and will attend Gamecock Gateway at Midlands Technical College, where he will study computer science and eventually work in cybersecurity to protect the community, especially children, from cybersecurity breaches. He notes, “Childhood cyberbullying can lead to physical and emotional harm. I will be a part of the fight against cyberbullying and security breaches. I will educate our community on how to navigate the world wide web appropriately.” One reference stated, “Great students possess more than just great grades, test scores and awards – great students are authentic, dedicated, self-motivated and seek to make a difference in this world. Character and morals are of the utmost importance to them because they realize they will take you further than grades and test scores ever will. This describes this student. He exhibits determination and acts with a sense of purpose. He possesses integrity and is known to be honest and reliable.” Another reference stated, “His attitude is infectious. He is a natural-born leader both in social settings and in the classroom. He is one of the most genuine young adults I know. He is very deliberate in how he spends his time and where he spends it. He is kind, wonderful, hardworking and deliberately decent.”
The Bert (created in honor and in memory of Dr. Erbert Cicenia, a founding committee member): Joshua Cummings – This year’s recipient attends the University of South Carolina and is pursuing a degree in civil engineering. He stated, “My disability has served to motivate me to excel in becoming the person I have always dreamed of being. It has challenged me to use creativity and developed my passion for wanting to benefit my community. Education has taught me to think logically and analytically. I will give back to my community when I am older and help my family pursue a great future. This is why I push so hard to do well in college.” One reference stated, “He is one of the most diligent and outgoing individuals I’ve had the pleasure to work alongside. His commitment to his responsibilities and ability to foster positive relationships with colleagues and clients have consistently stood out. His hard work and dedication are evident in everything he does, making him a valuable asset to any team. His positive attitude and the energy he brings to the workplace are infectious, enhancing everyone involved’s work environment.” His employer stated, “Since he was hired as a technician, his eagerness to accept challenges is significant. His ability to learn on the go and adapt prevent him from falling short in any facet of required duties at Geo-Systems Design and Testing.” His mother, Bethany Cummings, accepted the award on Joshua’s behalf as Joshua was taking exams.
The Bill (created in honor and in memory of William Fetzer, a founder of the Committee): Hayden Brown – This year’s recipient will graduate from Summerville High School and will attend the College of Charleston, where he plans to pursue a degree in marine biology as well as computer science. He states, “With my tendency to hyper-focus on certain tasks and topics, I know I would work well with mollusks. That is my dream.” His school counselor stated, “He has persevered and pushed through his challenges. He advocates for his needs in the classroom and through appropriate personnel when necessary.” An educator stated, “Over the last two years, he has grown from a quiet student to one who works well with his peers and will take chances on learning and exploring new things. He has shown interest in learning, especially regarding ancient history and current events.”
The Drive (scholarship was established in honor and memory of Rusty Hires, a founding member of the Committee who served for 33 years and established the scholarship program in 1999): Konnor Frink – This year’s recipient of The Drive is a senior at Summerville High School with plans to attend Florida Southern College to pursue a degree in marine biology and environmental science. His goal to become a marine biologist/veterinarian was inspired by the movie “Dolphin Tale,” as he could relate to the challenges experienced by Winter. “There were times when I wanted to give up and let my condition win, but I always pushed forward. I want others in the local and global community to see that no matter how hard something might be for you, you can do anything you put your mind to with hard work and unwavering determination.” His swim coach states, “…after seven years of watching this young man work and fight and overcome every obstacle thrown his way, having him join the team and working with him has been one of the highlights of my coaching career. He is a dedicated student-athlete, and his dedication towards his goals is unwavering.” His school counselor states, “He is set apart by his unwavering determination and strength of character in the face of complex challenges. He possesses the qualities of perseverance, leadership, and a commitment to excellence that will undoubtedly make him a valuable member of the academic community.”
The Summerville Mayor’s Committee Scholarship: Norah Boice – This scholarship is presented to a senior at Summerville High School who will attend the University of South Carolina, where she plans to obtain an undergraduate degree in philosophy. Over the years, she has acquired a deep self-understanding, including strengths, weaknesses and effective coping strategies. She stated, “This self-awareness can also help identify ways to contribute meaningfully to the community.” Her English teacher said, “She values learning at its core and enjoys finding and questioning something new or old. She never settles for an easy answer but ponders everything, learning from anything or anyone.” A friend states, “She has been a rock for me through some tough times. When I was feeling lost and nervous, she stepped in and became my go-to person for support and guidance. She has an incredible mix of empathy, compassion, and understanding, making her an awesome friend and someone you can rely on when things get tough. Her support, kindness and strength have greatly impacted my life, and I know she’ll continue to inspire those around her and make great things happen in our community.”
The June Sullivan Memorial Scholarship: Wesley Cassel – This scholarship is presented to Cassel, a student currently attending Charleston Southern University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity. He states, “My education has molded my goals through its ability to help enhance my understanding of the career I’m pursuing and expose me to different fields to pursue. It has played a direct hand in helping me figure out what I wanted to pursue.” A former advocate states, “He has assisted many learners in the health care field by being a guest during lectures and many continuing education classes so that health care providers would learn more about how to help their patients. He treats others with respect and kindness. He made himself available to assist other students with physical disabilities who may have needed assistance reaching their positive outlook on life.” A neighbor states, “He is one of the kindest souls you will ever meet. He is outgoing and thoughtful and always greets us with a big smile. He is the perfect ambassador for our community.”
The Berlin G. Myers Scholarship: Sarah Seaver – This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Hope Academy. She will attend Columbia International University and pursue a degree in communications. She states, “I will be able to give back to my community in the moments of celebration and commemoration as I help orchestrate pivotal events in the lives of individuals and communities. My childhood challenges often felt overwhelming, but my parents, teachers, and tutors strongly supported me and encouraged me on the hardest days. I will use my training and skills to raise awareness and support for children in our community who may not have support through their struggles.” One of her instructors stated, “Her eyes are always on others. She sits next to the person who is alone and chats. She notices. She sees other people for who they are and where they are and cares about them. She serves in children’s ministry, camps, and hospitality and volunteers at Lowcountry Orphan Relief. She has traveled to Thailand, Colombia, and Guadalupe, Mexico, to serve and make a difference in the ever-changing world.” A second reference states, “To be consistently, genuinely encouraging and inspiring in your communication is not easy, yet in this area, she makes it seem exactly that.”
The Keenan McKamey Eagle Award: Robin Clevenger – There are times in life when someone will cross your path, and you will recognize this person to be unique, talented, compassionate and someone who will leave this world a better place than they found it. This award is named for such an individual. This award is presented to a community member who soars above and beyond mere assigned duties to impact the community of individuals with differing abilities while also honoring the 33-year-old son of Dr. and Mrs. Kevin McKamey. For 14 years, Keenan and his family lived in the Summerville area before relocating to Missouri. While facing challenges head-on, Keenan was brilliant and excelled at any task presented. He earned a Bachelor of Science in business and management systems, minors in pre-MBA and information sciences and technology, and two master’s degrees in business administration and project management. He worked in data engineering in industries impacting the lives and health of humans and canines. He owned and operated two small businesses out of his home. He had a natural way with children and animals. He was a man of few words as “still waters run deep.” He is described as a special young man who will always be remembered as a boy full of life, joy, a little mischief and Jesus.” And finally, “He was always willing to share and kind. He was great to talk to, and it was so nice to chat about work and joke about Microsoft.” His life’s chapter was concluded on March 3, 2023. He and his mother shared a passion for eagles, as their home on the river seems to draw the eagles from near and far. Now, each time The McKamey’s see an eagle, they know that Keenan is reminding them that he is soaring high above the clouds but has not forgotten those who loved him most.
The first Keenan McKamey Eagle Award winner has dedicated her adult life to helping students and individuals with various disabilities. She retired from Dorchester District II Schools in 2014 after serving students with special needs for more than 21 years. She served in multiple capacities in DD2 schools, mainly at Summerville High School. Still, she completed her career as a transition teacher for students at Fort Dorchester and Ashley Ridge high schools. While working in the school district, she was a voice that could be heard from the classroom level to the administration as she advocated for her student population. Like Keenan, she was only sometimes conventional in her approach, as she thought outside the box to ensure that the students were served as individuals and not in clusters in a one-size-fits-all manner. As a committee member, we can always count on her to work hard to meet the mission. Like Keenan, she does NOT go with the flow and will challenge any decision or plan that is on the table for discussion. The Committee has been blessed by her leadership, passion, and desire to help others. She has recently stepped away from the Committee due to personal reasons. We will be holding a spot for her to return. She is truly deserving of this recognition.
The Summerville Mayor’s Committee hosted its annual awards banquet Wednesday, May 1, at Summerville Country Club. The banquet awarded monetary scholarships to students with disabilities for education and training. Also recognized were employers and citizens who support and assist people with… Read moreMayor’s Committee hands out awards, scholarships
Charleston Hope’s mission is to increase access to mental and behavioral health programs for students in Title I schools to enhance student well-being. Read moreCharleston Hope seeks to raise $50,000 for mental health programs
The congrega… Read moreAfter 14 years, Summerville church breaks ground for new building
The Wall Tha… Read more‘The Wall That Heals’ honors those lost in Vietnam
The Journal Scene
103 Journal Alley
Summerville, SC 29483
Phone: 1-843-873-9424
Email: online@journalscene.com
Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.
We recommend switching to one of the following browsers:
