East Rockingham Elementary recently named its Honor Roll for the first nine weeks.

Third Grade A Honor Roll

Front Row: Mateo Jimenez, Samantha McDonald, Gael Dominguez Noyola, Kaylin Cabera, Bryson DeBerry, Jackson Wallace, Natalie McDonald 

Back Row: Savannah Gustafson, Ronnie Popowich, King Stubbs, Josilyn Velazquez, Adiley Hall-Burlington, Aubrey Curtis, Grace Edwards, Serenity Harrington 

Not Pictured: Delilah Sadler, Caylynn Russell, Kourtlynn Russell 

Fourth Grade A Honor Roll

Front Row: Harrison Coward, Curtis Ingram, Carson Beasley, Caylie Barber, Lexi Swink 

Center Row: Dakin Velazquez, Braye Chavis, Cherise Baker, Gustavo Aguilar, Addison Chappell, Brooklyn Arnold, Amethyst Shepard, Riley Wallace 

Back Row: Bryan Rubio, Liam Leviner, Bella Sweatt, James Sellers, Brooklyn Norton, Nayla Madrigal Cadena, Gavin Blakely 

Fifth Grade A Honor Roll

Front Row: Cooper Moore, Rodrigo Alvarez, Jonathan Honeycutt, Ryker Dixon, Chloe Cagle, Dalton Chavis 

Back Row: Mattox Wallace, LaTavian Watkins, Koryn Dawkins, Kingston Gil, Kinya McLaurin, Christopher Hinson 

A Honor Roll

Third Grade: Kaylin Cabera, Aubrey Curtis, Bryson DeBerry, Grace Edwards, Savannah Gustafson, Adiley Hall-Burlington, Serenity Harrington, Mateo Jimenez, Samantha McDonald, Natalie McDonald, Gael Dominguez Noyola, Ronnie Popowich, Caylynn Russell, Kourtlynn Russell, Delilah Sadler, King Stubbs, Josilyn Velazquez and Jackson Wallace

Fourth Grade: Gustavo Aguilar, Brooklyn Arnold, Cherise Baker, Caylie Barber, Carson Beasley, Gavin Blakely, Nayla Madrigal Cadena, Addison Chappell, Braye Chavis, Harrison Coward, Curtis Ingram, Liam Leviner, Brooklyn Norton, Bryan Rubio, James Sellers, Amethyst Shepard, Bella Sweatt, Lexi Swink, Dakin Velazquez and Riley Wallace 

Fifth Grade: Rodrigo Alvarez, Chloe Cagle, Dalton Chavis, Koryn Dawkins, Ryker Dixon, Kingston Gil, Christopher Hinson, Jonathan Honeycutt, Kinya McLaurin, Cooper Moore, Mattox Wallace and LaTavian Watkins

A/B Honor Roll

Third Grade:  Mason Jennings, Yaslyn Reyes Martin, Joel Rodriguez Espinoza, Jayden Scott, Jacqueline Velazquez, Levi Brown, Windell Cox, Sherlyn Dominguez Rodriguez, Zion Sesay, Charles Strickland, Trinity Bennett, Braylynn Gazoo, Juny Sung, Enrique Alvaez Ayala, Blair Cooley, Blake Cribb, Cristobal Diaz Velasco, Ashleigh Stuart, Giovanna Velazquez, Levi Arp, Skylar Fleenor, Jasmine Gonzalez, Maddison Harrington, Kaydence Malloy and Chloe Taylor 

Fourth Grade: Cayleigh Brown, Lizzie Patterson, Adam Askew, Mariah Goins, Abigail Martinez, Elan Pierce, Dylan Schneiner, Draedyn Wall, Brody Dunalp, Nevaeh Eide, Emmaunel Espinosa Rivera, Shi-mecca Stanback, Pedro Vicente Diego, Kaydence Beachum, Sean Cox, Jeremiah Johnson and Jolene Williams 

Fifth Grade: Willaysia Russell, Kannon Caulder, Bryaden Matthews, Carson Moore, Emily Alvarez, Eva Dominguez, Josiah Gilbert, Maurice Lemon, Cadence McIver, Brandon Marin Reyes, Blaze Ross, Chloe White, Kevron McSween, Jaden Wallace, Jaelynn Hunt and Isaac Nunley 

Terrific Kids 

Kindergarten: Isabella Torres, Calvin Mitchell, Landon Barber, Morgan Terry and Aiden Floyd 

First Grade: Gweneth Neal, Darriyn Barringer, Gavin Covington, Aylin Nunez and Skylar Jones 

Second Grade: Ikemion Smith, Hayleigh Stuart, Terrence Bow and Daisy Covington 

Third Grade: Charles Strickland, Gael Dominguez Noyola, Ronnie Popowich and Paisely Brown and Aubrey Curtis 

Fourth Grade: Bella Sweatt, Rachael McDonald, Kensley Lampley and Tramiyah Morrison 

Fifth Grade: Kingston Gil, Blaze Ross, Rodrigo Alvarez, Demeya Jeffries and Isaac Nunley 

Lauren Marcincavage named Richmond County Schools’ 2021-2022 Beginning Teacher of the Year

Lauren Marcincavage, a kindergarten teacher at East Rockingham Elementary School, has been named Richmond County Schools’ 2021-2022 Beginning Teacher of the Year. She was recognized during the October school board meeting.

“I’m just honored to be a part of Richmond County Schools and to have a faculty that believes so much in me and that I get to inspire children every day and they inspire me as well,” she said of the recognition.

The Beginning Teacher of the Year recognition - an opportunity through the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) - was developed to honor beginning teachers and to retain teachers who show promise as excellent teachers and education leaders in North Carolina public schools and public charter schools.

Principals were asked to nominate a teacher from their school from a list of eligible beginning teachers. The nominees then held interviews at the district level.

According to East Rockingham Elementary Principal Jamie Greene, when Marcincavage began her teaching career during the COVID-19 pandemic, she knew that she would not only be a great teacher but one who would make a difference in the lives of the children she taught.

“Lauren’s passion for teaching radiates from her,” Greene exclaimed. “She is a reflective teacher and provides a detailed analysis of what she can do to improve student learning. She then adapts instructional practices within the classroom to make it happen. She has a gift of developing relationships with her students and their families. She celebrates their accomplishments and always goes the extra mile collaborating with support staff to meet the needs of her students."

“Lauren has such a sweet and loving spirit,” said Beginning Teacher Coordinator Tesha Isler. “She demonstrated precisely why she should be chosen as our district Beginning Teacher of the Year.”

Richmond County Schools’ Transportation Department ranks number one in Central North Carolina for school bus inspection score

In order to ensure the safety of students being transported, North Carolina requires all school buses to be inspected every 30 calendar days.

The 2020-2021 inspection score for Richmond County Schools’ Transportation Department is 14.00, ranking them number one in Central North Carolina which includes 33 counties.

“I am so proud of my team for all their hard work,” said Debbie Blake, director of Transportation. “This past year was especially hard on all transportation departments around the state because of COVID-19. Delivering lunches and work assignments to the students in our county meant buses were still out on the road. We have had very little “downtime” for our buses, but our incredible team of technicians and bus garage staff has proven to be the best even in the most difficult times. This is an honor for our department.”

The inspection is completed by Local Education Agencies (LEA) transportation staff and is a key component of the State’s preventative maintenance program. They check everything including brakes, gauges, tires, engines, seats, emergency equipment, batteries and steering — just to name a few.

“We are very proud of our transportation team for being ranked number one in Central North Carolina,” said Superintendent Jeff Maples. “We always knew that they were the best, but now it’s official. The transportation team takes pride in their work individually and as a team. Parents and students can be assured that all buses are systematically inspected and maintained at the highest level to ensure everyone’s safety. This is a well-deserved recognition for our transportation team, and we appreciate them so much.”

The average score for N.C. Central LEAs last year was 36.55. A lower score indicates fewer defects found during the inspection.

Richmond County Schools holds Strategic Planning Meeting

Richmond County Schools held a Strategic Planning Meeting Thursday at the Cole Auditorium with a group of district administrators, board members, principals, school staff, parents and community members. 

The group met to discuss the district’s current Strategic Plan and how the goals and core beliefs can be updated for the 2021-2026 Strategic Plan.

Superintendent Jeff Maples began the meeting with a “walk down memory lane” and highlighted the lessons learned during COVID-19. 

“We’re very resilient,” he said. “We’ve also learned how to be more forgiving and how to understand each other’s circumstances.”

Other lessons included technology and digital skills, the importance of mental health, grace, perseverance and relationships.

“The pandemic has resulted in new challenges and opportunities for our district,” he said. “Additionally, new ESSER funding sources are available to support our students and schools. We believe it is important to review our district’s Strategic Plan to make sure we are meeting both new and existing needs.”

Prior to Thursday's meeting, a survey was sent out to all stakeholders on social media, in an email and was posted on the district’s website asking for input on what the district has done well, what can be improved upon, what can be changed, and what it means to be part of the Richmond County Schools family. The survey results were then compiled and shared during the meeting.

“Being part of the RCS family means you do the right thing even when it’s the hardest thing,” read a survey response.

Participants were then broken into groups and asked to review the district’s five goals — preparing students for the future, personalized learning, quality educators, modern systems and quality of life — and core beliefs, and shared their input on what Richmond County Schools is currently doing to support the goals and what additional work should be considered. 

District administration will compile the input from Thursday’s meeting into a draft plan to share with the invited community stakeholders in another meeting in July. Following their final input, a final draft will be presented to the board during the August board meeting. 

Richmond Early College High School student accepted into the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics

Giovani Gomez-Orozco, a a rising junior, has been accepted into the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) for the 2021-22 school year. He will complete his junior and senior year at NCSSM.

Gomez-Orozco’s acceptance was recognized during the board meeting Tuesday.

“This is a dream come true,” he said to board members.

NCSSM is a world-class public high school with statewide reach, empowering students with the skills and knowledge to design their own future, according their website. NCSSM challenges students from across the state with an advanced curriculum in STEM fields and the humanities.

“I’ve always wanted to go to a place where I could just be with other people like me with the mindset to succeed both in math and science,” said Gomez-Orozco “Through REaCH and the teachers and staff there who were very helpful, I was able to accomplish this goal.

“I’m excited and enthusiastic to represent you all at NCSSM and I think it’s going to be a major step in my other dreams and goals - like attending MIT, which I’m hopeful I’ll get into when I apply.”

Several REaCH staff were excited to hear of his acceptance.

“Giovani has made straight A’s throughout his entire educational career,” said Sandra McDonald, school counselor at REaCH. “He is ranked number one in his class. He is extremely driven and will be very successful at NCSSM!”

“Giovani is an outstanding student who always gives his very best,” said Julie Howard, a Math III Teacher at REaCH. “Giovanni stood out to me as an amazing Math student from the very beginning. He is inquisitive, hardworking, polite and kind. I am thrilled to hear he has been accepted in NCSSM. I know he will be so successful and will have a very bright future.”

“I had the pleasure of teaching Giovani biology during the 2020-2021 school year,” said Biology Teacher Anna Sanford. “Our students were virtual in the beginning which was a difficult situation for many. Giovani was willing and able to adapt and move forward. He kept up with his assignments, always attended Zoom sessions, and was responsible for many lively discussions pertaining to biology. He frequently asked higher level questions that required higher level answers. He is a very driven person that will fit in well as NCSSM.”

Richmond Early College High School Academic Awards Night

Students from Richmond Early College High School were recognized Thursday evening for several scholarships and academic awards at the Richmond Community College Amphitheater.

Congratulations to the following students and their academic achievements!

Timothy W. Franklin Memorial Scholarship

Given by: Debbie Franklin and Family

Presented by: Joy Harrelson

Presented to: Johan Chavez

Hoover and Ruby Patrick Educational Scholarship

Given by: Cordova Baptist Church

Presented by: Joy Harrelson

Presented to: Jessica Ludlum

J.W. Mask Scholarship

Given by: Alumni Chapter CHHS

Presented by: Della Murphy

Presented to: Zayla Brewington

Mary L. Quick Memorial Scholarship

Given by: The Quick Family

Presented by: The Quick Family

Presented to: Zayla Brewington and Shyann Byrd

29th Masonic District, Prince Hall Masons Scholarship

Given by: 29th Masonic District, Prince Hall Masons

Presented by: Prince Hall Masons

Presented to: Shyann Byrd and Alena Craddock

Margie Wrape Memorial Educational Scholarship

Given by: Cordova Baptist Church

Presented by: Joy Harrelson

Presented to: Jessica Ludlum

Margaret B. Smart Memorial Scholarship

Given by: Her children

Presented by: Jenni Greene, Jim Smart, Jeff Smart and Joy Harrelson

Presented to: Zayla Brewington, Shyann Byrd and Alena Craddock

East Carolina University Honors Scholarship

Given by: ECU Honors College

Presented by: Peyton Thomas

Presented to: Lauren Humann

National Beta Scholarship

Given by: National Beta Review Committee

Presented by: Joy Harrelson

Presented to: Shyann Byrd

Golden LEAF Scholarship

Given by: Golden LEAF

Presented by: Joy Harrelson

Presented to: Alena Craddock

People Helping People Scholarship

Given by: N.C. State Employee’s Credit Union

Presented by: Joy Harrelson

Presented to: Shyann Byrd

Cole Foundation Scholarship

Given by: The Cole Foundation

Presented by: Joy Harrelson

Presented to: Zayla Brewington, Shyann Byrd, Alena Craddock, Benjamin Ewing, Lauren Humann, Sandra Lopez Cruz, Sayvon Marsh and Long Nguyen

Junior Marshals

Bella Gillenwater, Dexter Mabe, Wiley Mabe, Hailey Maness, Annaston Martin, Carolina Mendez, Rianna Morman, Madison Swallow, Derek Williams and Ryan Wilson

Chief Junior Marshal

Carolina Mendez

N.C. Governor’s School

Carolina Mendez

Beta Club Service Award

Presented to: Alena Craddock

Beta Club Leadership Award

Presented to: Shyann Byrd

Environmental Club Leadership Award

Presented to: Carolina Mendez and Katlyn Fulp

Fellowship of Christian Students Mission Leadership Award

Presented to: Rachel Auman

Native American Student Association Leadership Award

Presented to: Erial Norton

Senior Senate Members

Shyann Byrd, Alena Craddock, Zalyn Henderson, Happy Patel and Fidelity Smith

Senate Service Award

Presented to: Cameron Jacobs

Senate Leadership Award

Presented to: Shyann Byrd

Highest ACT Score in the Graduating Class

Gabrielle Jackson

Cum Laude Graduates

Jennifer Cox, Janaya Gilbert, Abigail Hudson, Lauren Humann, Savannah Lambert, Sayvon Marsh, Faith Norton, Happy Patel, Ashanti Patterson, Nhung Pham and Kailey Saillor

Magna Cum Laude Graduates

Shyann Byrd, Benjamin Ewing, Leslie Guzman, Kaitlinn Herrick, Sandra Lopez, Jessica Ludlum, Jenna Patrick, Fidelity Smith and Carmen Verbal

Summa Cum Laude Graduates

Robert Beck, Zayla Brewington, Johan Chavez, Maggie Cook, Alena Craddock, Danielle Jackson, Gabrielle Jackson, Long Nguyen and Letticia Ocampo

Principal’s Awards

Jasmine Covington, Will Whitley, Guadalupe Juarez Jimenez, V.J. Whaley, Carolina Mendez, Wil Mabe, Shyann Byrd, Zalyn Henderson, Lauren Humann and Savannah Lambert

Celebrating “high achievement” during Richmond Senior’s Academic Awards Night

On Monday night, the Cole Auditorium was filled with applause as several Richmond Senior High School students were recognized for their academic achievements and awarded scholarships.

“This celebration should be even more special because of the difficult circumstances we have all faced in the past year,” read a message from Richmond Senior High School Principal Jim Butler. “I believe that the recognition of students is important in any year, but when combined with the uncertainty, disruption and change faced by our students, this year is of particular significance. The students we celebrate tonight have risen above the obstacles in their path. These students have been challenged and have met that challenge with excellence.”

Listed below are the scholarship and academic award recipients.

DAR Good Citizen Award

Given by: Daughters of the American Legion

To: Jaiden Tillman

Future in Healthcare Scholarship

Given by: Drs. Joseph and Mary Catherine Moree

To: Carissa Byrne

Future in Education Scholarship

Given by: Drs. Joseph and Mary Catherine Moree

To: Georgia Anderson

Hometown Heroes Scholarship

Given by: RSHS Class of 2005

To: J’Niya Covington and Evan Ingram

Thakar Scholarship

Given by: Prashil Thakar

To: Summer Thompson

Haltiwanger/Williamson Memorial Scholarship

Given by: Hamlet Lions Club

To: Chloe Goins and Ryan Howell

J.W. Mask Scholarship

Given by: Alumni Chapter CHHS

To: Evan Ingram

Gene Bellamy Memorial Scholarship

Given by: Rockingham Optimist Club

To: J’Niya Covington

Pee Dee Electric Cooperation Awareness Scholarship

Given by: Pee Dee Electric Board Members

To: Georgia Anderson, Elena Hall and Savanna Harrelson

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Scholarship

Given by: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity

To: Evan Ingram

Ed Ormsby Memorial Scholarship

Given by: Richmond County Principals and Assistant Principals Association

To: Ryan Howell and William Thompson

Johnny Allen Coltrane Memorial Scholarship

Given by: Allison Farrah and Family

To: Caleb Davis

Community Service Award Scholarship

Given by: Christian Clothes Closet

To: Savanna Harrelson and Evan Ingram

Roger Martin Extra Effort Scholarship

Given by: Iron Horse Auction Company

To: Ryan Howell

Charlie Martin Memorial Scholarship

Given by: Rockingham Civitan Club

To: J’Niya Covington

Johnnie Henry Little Scholarship

Given by: The Johnnie Henry Little Foundation

To: Evan Ingram

Harbor Freight Fellows Program Scholarship

Given by: Harbor Freight

To: William Evans-Leggette, Austin Long, Derek Madrigal-Rubio and Jeremy McDonald

Charles and Claudette Brownley Athletic Scholarship

Given by: Richmond County Booster Club

To: John Hancock and Hannah Hinshaw

Richmond County Democratic Women Scholarship

Given by: Richmond County Democratic Women

To: J’Niya Covington

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Scholarship

Given by: Dr. King Steering Committee

To: Ryan Howell, Evan Ingram and Caroline Whitley

Goodwin Andrews Scholarship

Given by: The Goodwin Andrews Scholarship Committee

To: Carson Jordan

Working For A Better Community Scholarship

Given by: East Rockingham Men’s Club

To: Carissa Byrne

Jeremy Henson Memorial Scholarship

Given by: East Rockingham Fire Department

To: Thomas Watson

Reginald Vance McEachin Memorial Scholarship

Given by: The Family of Reginald Vance McEachin

To: Macy Faw and Evan Ingram

Gene Haas Foundation Scholarship

Given by: The Gene Haas Foundation

To: William Evans-Legette, Derek Madrigal-Rubio and Jacob Puckett

Florence Kidder Pee Dee Region Scholarship

Given by: National Society of Colonial Dames in America

To: Georgia Anderson and Hannah Hinshaw

Richmond County Farm Bureau Scholarship

Given by: Richmond County Farm Bureau Board

To: Emy Cooley and Savanna Harrelson

Delta Sigma Theta Scholarship

Given by: Laurinburg Alumnae Chapter

To: J’Niya Covington

Mary L. Quick Memorial Scholarship

Given by: The Quick Family

To: Macy Faw and Savanna Harrelson

Kristen Rankin Memorial Athletic Scholarship

Given by: Mike and Amy Kesler

To: Georgia Anderson

James Howard Alford Memorial Scholarship

Given by: 29th Masonic District, Prince Hall Masons

To: Kaleel Brown-Palmer, Jakerra Covington, J’Niya Covington, Danisha Gibson, Savanna Harrelson, Ryan Howell, Evan Ingram, Tremel Jones, Nivea Lockhart, Patrick McLaughlin, Jr., Jaynia McRae, Da’Wysonia Morgan, Tobias Puma and Michaya Robinson

National Beta Scholarship

Given by: National Beta Review Committee

To: Georgia Anderson, Macy Faw, Summer Thompson and Jaiden Tillman

National Beta Finalist Scholarship

Given by: National Beta Review Committee

To: Noah Aiken

North Carolina Teaching Fellows Scholarship

Given by: North Carolina Teaching Fellows Commission

To: Jaiden Tillman

People Helping People Scholarship

Given by: State Employee’s Credit Union

To: Noah Aiken and Elena Hall

Rockingham Rotary Club Scholarship

Given by: Rockingham Rotary Board

To: Ryan Howell

Cole Foundation Scholarship

Given by: The Cole Foundation

To: Noah Aiken, Kearston Bruce, Caleb Davis, Macy Faw, Chloe Goins, Savanna Harrelson, Evan Ingram, Lilly Matheson, Natalie Pattan, Naomi Perakis, Camila Perez Moya, Ashari Robinson, Luke Talbert, Jaiden Tillman, Amir Webb, Thomas West and Caroline Whitley

Sally Cole Scholarship

Given by: The Cole Foundation

To: Hannah Hinshaw

Junior Marshals

Given by: Richmond Senior High School

To: Gabriel Altman, Anna Blair, Sheridan Brown, Austin Campbell, Mollie Cranford, Joshua Foster, Caylie Holden, Jude Howard, Lauren Hudson, Jackson Lampley, Kirsten McDonald, Jenna McRae, Chloe Monroe, Marley Moss, Abby Russell, Jamie Sears, Caleb Talton, Mariah Waddell, Cameron Way and Taylor Young

Chief Junior Marshal

Given by: Richmond Senior High School

To: Jude Howard

Thomas H. And Mary Hadley Connor Leath Scholarship

Given by: Connor Leath Foundation

To: Noah Aiken, Macy Faw, Elena Hall, John Hancock, Carson Jordan, John Massey, Natalie Pattan and Bradford Pittman

Beta Club Leadership Award

Given by: RSHS Beta Club

To: Jaiden Tillman

Beta Club Service Award

Given by: RSHS Beta Club

To: Noah Aiken

Outstanding Senior Math Student

Given by: RSHS Math Department

To: Macy Faw

Outstanding Senior Science Student

Given by: RSHS Science Department

To: Emy Cooley

Outstanding Senior Social Studies Student

Given by: RSHS Social Studies Department

To: Savanna Harrelson

Outstanding Senior English Student

Given by: RSHS English Department

To: Noah Aiken

Highest ACT Score in the Senior Class

Given by: Richmond Senior High School

To: Savanna Harrelson and Macy Faw

Summa Cum Laude Awards

To: Noah Aiken, Georgia Anderson, Kearson Bruce, Emy Cooley, Macy Faw, Elena Hall, John Hancock, Savanna Harrelson, Hannah Hinshaw, Carson Jordan, Bradford Pittman, Jonathan Rich and John Yates

Principal’s Award for All-Around Excellence

Given by: Richmond Senior High School

To: Dhruvil Patel, Jaiden Tillman and John Yates

 The Richmond Senior High School Army JROTC "Raider" Battalion cadets participated in the Clemson 8 Eight Mile Ruck Challenge.

The Inaugural "Clemson 8" Challenge is in support of the 79th anniversary of the Bataan Death March.  The challenge is in honor of eight (8) Clemson alums who survived the Bataan Death March.  

One of the survivors is still living at 103 1/2 years old, Army Colonel Ben Skardon. Colonel Skardon has already accepted the challenge to walk 8 miles.  Since 2007 he has participated in the annual Bataan Memorial Death March in New Mexico (BMDM) which is virtual this year.  

Description

Challenge Bataan Death March Remembrance Walk/Run/Bike/Hike/March in honor of the "Clemson 8"

On April 9, 1942, eight Clemson alumni became prisoners of war with tens of thousands of their brothers-in-arms when American troops who had been fighting in the Philippine theater of WWII were ordered to surrender to the Japanese. They were marched north some 70 miles by their ruthless captors in what would come to be known as the Bataan Death March, one of the most notorious war crimes in history.

Already weak and starving from months of intense fighting and illness, the POWs’ were herded with other sick, wounded and starving soldiers through the searing heat of the Philippine jungles. Thousands died. Those who survived the march then had to survive for years in the inhumane and brutal conditions of Japanese prisoner-of-war camps, and the sinking by our own Navy of unmarked prison ships trying to steal the POW’s away to the mainland towards the end of the war. It is impossible to know the exact number, but it is estimated at least 57 percent of the captured Americans did not survive the war – more than 11,500 souls — which is considered a very conservative number by most experts.

All eight Clemson men survived the march, but five of them died during the ensuing incarceration:

• Army Cpt. William (Bill) R. English '37

• Army Cpt. Henry D. Leitner '37

• Army Lt. Otis F. Morgan '38

• Army Lt. Martin Crook, Jr. '39

• Army Air Force Cpt. Francis H. Scarborough '39

The three who survived against all odds were:

• Army Cpt. Albert M. George '36

• Army Col. Beverly (Ben) N.Skardon '38

• Army Cpt. Marion (Manny) R. Lawton '40

Col. Skardon, 103, is the last living member of this illustrious group. He is well known as the only survivor of the real Bataan Death March who walks in the annual Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., one of the toughest and most popular “ultramarathons” in the world. The event has become a pilgrimage for veterans, active-duty military members, supporters, the few remaining survivors, and family members of the men who perished in the march and POW camps.

To date, Skardon has walked in the BMDM 12 times, most often a distance of 8.5 miles, beginning in 2007 when he was 89. In 2019, at 101, he walked more than three miles through the desert to honor his brothers-in-arms who did not return from the war. He considers it his duty. He was on his way to walk again in 2020 when the event was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.  

The "Clemson 8” Bataan Death March Remembrance was created by a team of students, veterans, alumni and friends so that Col. Skardon’s mission — to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country in one of the most brutal wartime events in history — will carry on.

For more information on the five who passed away during incarceration, please visit the Scroll of Honor website: https://soh.alumni.clemson.edu/ 

Third Grade A Honor Roll Left to Right:  Brooklyn Arnold, Curtis Ingram, Christian Braye Chavis and Lizzie Patterson

Fourth Grade A Honor Roll Left to Right:  Christopher Hinson, Jonathan Honeycutt, Ryker Dixon and Rodrigo Alvarez Ayala

Virtual Students not pictured:  Matthew Medina-Avina, Cadence McIver, Kinya McLaurin, Kingston Gil and Kevron McSween

Fifth Grade A Honor Roll Left to Right: Darien Roman, Martin Lopez, Shamakh Alshaif, Yazmin Gomez, Madason Hancock, Alexis Smith, Arlee Goodman and Khloe Radford

Virtual Students Not Pictured: Edwin Esparaza Vasquez

East Rockingham Elementary recently named its honor roll for the third nine weeks.

A/B Awards

Third Grade - Roger Greer, Riley Wallace, Kaydence Beachum, Caylie Barber, Harrison Coward, Jeremiah Johnson, Cayleigh Brown, Brooklyn Norton, James Sellars, Dakin Velazquez, Addison Chappell, Lillian Quick and Riley Fields.

Fourth Grade - Koryn Dawkins, Kaden Herndon, Carson Moore, La’Tavian Watkins, Natalia Quick, Cane Taylor, Damarion Allen, Emily Almanza, Dalton Chavis, Caylee Dawkins, Josiah Gilbert, Aydden Covington, Seth Cox, Cooper Moore, Mariah Womble, Kayleigh Nelson and Chloe White.

Fifth Grade -  Bentley Warwick, Mason Watts, Madason Coward, Irving Esparza Vasquez, Anna Allen, Samuel Arnold, Bryceson Fields, Jade Rodriguez, Malyiah Watkins, Messiah Marshall, Nevaeh Covington, Michael Ingram, Donovan Jones, Elizabeth Lunceford, Alisha Moore, Hector Morales, Aiden Self and Claire Tucker.

Terrific Kids

K- Mizan Alshaif, James Dixon, Aylie Nunez Garcia, Dallis Hester

1^st-  Milania Quick, Keyarra Locklear, Tatiana Perez, Jonathan Brown

2^nd- Bryson DeBerry, Chole Taylor, Yaslin Reyes Marin, Alli Ashworth

3^rd- Christian Braye Chavis, Nevaeh Eide, Dakin Velasquez, Rachael McDonald, Charles Strickland

4^th- Jaelynn Hunt, Yonefe Morales Dominguez, Julian Ingram, Ava Bryant

5^th- Aaron Mills, Shamakh Alshaif, Yazmin Gomez, Esten Pierce

K- Makenzie DeLaMarter

1^st- Daisy Covington, Neomi Evans, Cullen McGee, Xavier Woods

2^nd- Lillie Lohman, Christobal Diaz, Mateo Jimenez Cordova, Ashley Stewart

3^rd-Lexi Swink, Corey Bennett, Uzziah Medley, Carson Beasley, Nayla Madrigal

4^th- Kevron McSween, Damarion Allen, Kinya McLaurin, Kingston Gil,

5^th- Bentley Warwick, Irving Esparza Vasquez, Samuel Arnold, Jacqueline Castro

Pictured from Left to right: Drew Greene, Hutton Allen and Bryan Mendez

West Rockingham Elementary recently named its honor roll for the third nine weeks.

A Honor Roll

Fifth Grade: Bryan Mendez Mendoza and Drew Greene

Third Grade:  Hutton Allen

A/B Honor Roll

Third:  Musik Brown, Grace Dunn, Bryson Hill, Aryanna Cook, Masiah Leak, Nadya Pemberton, and Christian Simmons

Fourth:  Hallie Allen, Sophie Allen, Neriah Benfield, Elisabeth Canas, Cameron Everett, Sophie Groat, Jaxon Perhealth, Kinley Kendrick, Chloe Watson and Chloe Gardner

Fifth:  Damian Bastida and Karen Hernandez Zamora