2018 Dot Aiken Scholarship Recipient
Parker Leigh Barnes, is the granddaughter of Flora Barnes, SCAEOP-Retired and Past President. She is a senior at Providence Academy and Bryan College (dual Enrollment) in Johnson City, TN with a GPA of 3.90. She plans to attend Clemson University in South Carolina, and study to be a Pediatrician. Her school activities include: Student Government, JV Basketball, JV Varsity Soccer, Varsity Cross Country and Journalism Staff, editor of her Yearbook in 2016. Her Honors and achievements include: A Honor Roll, A/B Honor Roll, National Honor Society, National Mythology Exam, National Latin Exam, Service Award, Johnson City Youth Leadership and Soccer Award. She volunteers for the Appalachian Christian Camp, Small Miracles, Bays Mountain, The Wellness Center, Elementary Soccer and Basketball Camps, Coalition for Kids, babysitting, and is an Employee/Child Care Assistant of the Wellness Center.
In her essay, Parker says, “Education provides the means for a citizen to make a difference in society.” She also says, “Education should be sought after at every chance possible to strengthen one’s mind and assist in achieving one’s personal aspirations.” Her grandmother, Flora, says that Parker is well prepared academically and socially to pursue her aspirations. Her Secondary Principal, Dustin Williams, states that Parker is an outstanding student; an excellent writer, and she has a love of reading that allows her to develop excellent critical thinking skills. Her boss, Kevin Harkness, Director of Wellness Centers, found her to be passionate, sincere, highly motivated and driven.
Parker Leigh Barnes is well deserving of the Dot Aiken Scholarship for 2018.
In her essay, Parker says, “Education provides the means for a citizen to make a difference in society.” She also says, “Education should be sought after at every chance possible to strengthen one’s mind and assist in achieving one’s personal aspirations.” Her grandmother, Flora, says that Parker is well prepared academically and socially to pursue her aspirations. Her Secondary Principal, Dustin Williams, states that Parker is an outstanding student; an excellent writer, and she has a love of reading that allows her to develop excellent critical thinking skills. Her boss, Kevin Harkness, Director of Wellness Centers, found her to be passionate, sincere, highly motivated and driven.
Parker Leigh Barnes is well deserving of the Dot Aiken Scholarship for 2018.
Our second winner for 2018, is Makayla Renaee Sims, granddaughter of Doretha Simpson, SCAEOP-Retired. Makayla is a senior at Ridgeview High School in Columbia, SC. She has a 3.583 GPA. She plans to attend University of South Carolina Upstate and pursue a career in Nursing. Her most prized community service endeavor was being a Junior Volunteer at Palmetto Health Richland for The Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. She decided to pursue this endeavor because a family member was diagnosed with Leukemia.
She received an Honorable Mention in photography class; was voted most likely to succeed in life by her peers and teachers in her senior year. She achieved the goal of being president of the Bio-Allied Magnet Program. Her hobbies include photography and film editing. She enjoys capturing life’s precious moments.
Makayla said that Maya Angelou’s words helped her to decide to further her education and allow her to give back to her community. She keeps Ms. Angelou’s words: “…you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.”
Her grandmother, Doretha, says that Makayla is willing to serve others unselfishly and takes pride and ownership in completing the tasks set before her. She is confident to learn, share and accept new ideas. Her Chemistry Teacher, Ms. Shawna Moore, says that Makayla if the epitome of a quality student, dependable, and a self-starter. Ms. Jennifer McLeod states that Makayla has a maturity level and work ethic that is above her peers. She helps organize meetings and creates activities to promote collaboration and team unity. M. DeAnna Chambers, Youth Director for the Young People’s Division at Bethel AME Church in Columbia, states that Makayla is consistent with her commitment to her academics, her leadership in a variety of circumstances and overall dedication to the betterment of the community, makes her well deserving of this scholarship.
She received an Honorable Mention in photography class; was voted most likely to succeed in life by her peers and teachers in her senior year. She achieved the goal of being president of the Bio-Allied Magnet Program. Her hobbies include photography and film editing. She enjoys capturing life’s precious moments.
Makayla said that Maya Angelou’s words helped her to decide to further her education and allow her to give back to her community. She keeps Ms. Angelou’s words: “…you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.”
Her grandmother, Doretha, says that Makayla is willing to serve others unselfishly and takes pride and ownership in completing the tasks set before her. She is confident to learn, share and accept new ideas. Her Chemistry Teacher, Ms. Shawna Moore, says that Makayla if the epitome of a quality student, dependable, and a self-starter. Ms. Jennifer McLeod states that Makayla has a maturity level and work ethic that is above her peers. She helps organize meetings and creates activities to promote collaboration and team unity. M. DeAnna Chambers, Youth Director for the Young People’s Division at Bethel AME Church in Columbia, states that Makayla is consistent with her commitment to her academics, her leadership in a variety of circumstances and overall dedication to the betterment of the community, makes her well deserving of this scholarship.