Gerald Eugene Gary ll
Dutch Fork High School
High School Diploma

Gerald Eugene Gary II will graduate from Dutch Fork High School on June 2nd with a South Carolina Diploma and a School District 5 Extended Studies Diploma. This diploma is for taking a rigorous high school curriculum and completion of community service hours every year of high school.

He is concluding a high school career where he lettered in Basketball at both Cardinal Newman and Dutch Fork high schools while participating in various activities to serve his community. While playing basketball, he earned the honor of being nominated for player of the week from The State Newspaper, he was recognized by Prep Hoops as a 2022 Player to Watch, was featured on WLTX after leading his team with 18 points in game against Heathwood Hall in January and was selected to represent his school in the SCISA All Star game this past March.

After being accepted into 12 colleges and universities including 3 HBCUs with 7 academic scholarship offers and 3 offers to play collegiate basketball, Gerald has accepted the offer to attend and play basketball for The United States Merchant Marines Academy, one of the prestigious five United States service academies. He will begin his studies at the academy in KingsPoint, NY in the fall of 2023.

He is the son of Gerald and Melissa Gary.

J’Niya Gibson
AC Flora High School
High School Diploma

J’Niyah Gibson graduated from AC Flora High School. She will be attending Charleston Southern University majoring in Early Childhood Education, while minoring in English. Her ultimate goal in life is to become a Curriculum Developer for the school district.

Achievements

  • Teacher Cadet of the Year 2021-2022
  • Named 2022 teaching fellowship at Charleston Southern University
    • Each year, the program provides fellowships for up to 200 high school seniors who have exhibited high academic achievement, a history of service to their school and community in a desire to teach in South Carolina.

  • Dandelion JROTC achievement Awarded to encourage and develop traits for students to enter a military career

  • Highest GPA 5.2 in JROTC Battalion at AC Flora Highschool

  • A Honor Roll 12th grade

  • Outstanding Academics from Columbia Urban League

  • National Technical Honor Society- outstanding character and achievement at Heyward Career & Technology Center

She is the daughter of Dwayne and Katreina Gibson.

Jacobie Da’Rod Ellon Sims
Ridge View High School
High School Diploma

Jacobi Da’Rod Ellon Sims graduated from Ridge View High School.  He will be attending North Greenville University majoring in Criminal Justice. Jacobi was also granted a scholarship to run track. His career goal is to become a US Marshal.

List of his accomplishments:

  • 2021 region champ for wrestling
  • 2021 state champ in the 400 hurdles and 4×4
  • 2022 all region for both 110 hurdles and 400h
  • 2x Nike nationals all Americans
  • All state for track
  • Male athlete of the year
  • RVHS most valuable hurdler
  • Dr Martin L. King Jr. Youth achievement award
  • Getting baptized
  • Ran at Penn relays placed 46 out of 446 teams,
  • Got my letter for my letterman jacket, Got a scholarship to run track at the collegiate level.
  • Qualified for new balance nationals in my individual event

He is the son of Miss Renee Sims and Mr. Nero Tindal lll.

Jeremiah Smith
Airport High School
High School Diploma

Jeremiah Smith graduated from Airport High School. He will be attending Midland Technical College in the fall to complete his core classes. He will then transfer to Full Sail University in Florida to study music production. His goal is to follow his dream of producing music.

He thanks his mom, DeeAbony Smith, Andy, and everyone who were there for him throughout this journey.

Awards/Accomplishments 

  • Marching Band 9th-10th grade
  • Basketball Team
  • Track and Field Team (Discus Throw)

Kierra Belton
Claflin University
Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology & Criminal Justice

Kiara Belton graduated from Claflin University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Criminal Justice. She is now a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Reserve, serving our country part time. In the civilian world, she plans to go back to school to expand her Business in the Hair & Beauty industry.

Awards/Accomplishments 

  • Made the Dean’s list for 3 years
  • Made honors list for 1 year
  • Track & Field Team
  • Member of Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated
  • Member of National Society of Leadership & Success
  • Member of Enveax Modeling Company
  • Member of Chi Alpha Sigma National Honor Athletic Society
  • Certified in Mental Health First Aid
  • Went to Germany for Cadet Leadership Training

She is the daughter of Russell & Ruth Belton.

Ariel Nikole Capers
University of South Carolina Aiken
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Criminal Justice

Ariel Capers graduated Cum Laude from the University of South Carolina Aiken on May 4, 2022, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Criminal Justice. Ariel is also the recipient of the year’s 2022 Outstanding Political Science Student. Throughout Ariel’s four years at USC Aiken, she has taken leadership positions as Case Captain/ Team Leader of the Mock Trial team her sophomore year and Captain of the University of South Carolina Aiken Mock Trial team her junior year of college.

Ariel was the USC Aiken History/Political Science Scholarship 2020-2021 recipient in her junior year. In addition, Ariel was a part of the Academic Judicial Board during her senior year. While at USC, Aiken Ariel also acquired two internships. In her junior year, Ariel was an intern at Human Rights Measurement Initiative based in New Zealand. And in her senior year, Ariel was a Victim Advocate Intern at the Aiken County Solicitors Office (courthouse). Through all her accomplishments, Ariel made the dean’s list in Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, and the president’s list in spring 2022, earning her a 3.6 out of 4.0 GPA. After graduation, Ariel plans to take a year off from her studies and resume her academic career next Fall by enrolling in Law School to become an attorney. Furthermore, this summer, Ariel has accepted a position teaching Mock Trial to high school students at Stanford University.

Ariel is the daughter of Rev. Eric and Carmita Capers.

Jewell Zoie White
Clemson University
Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and a Minor in Biology

Jewell Zoie White graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology and a Minor in Biology. Her future plan is to work in Technology and then go to graduate school.

Accomplishments

  • May 2022 Honor Graduate
  • Spring 2022 Dean’s List
  • Fall 2021 President’s List
  • Spring 2021, Dean’s List
  • Fall 2020 Dean’s List
  • Resident Assistant (RA) from August 2020 – 2022.   As a R.A. she voluntarily mentors and coach resident students.
  • Member of the Anthropology Club
  • She volunteered with her Archery class to participate in the SC Hunting and Fishing Day in Seneca, S.C., and instructed younger students on how to hold and shoot a bow and arrow. 
  • May -July 2021 – Internship with the Richland County Coroner’s Officer.  She participated in all aspects of the medicolegal death investigation, including scene response, laboratory analysis, and genetic identification.  

She is the daughter of Tammy Dreher Wells.

Reverend Eric Capers
North Greenville University
Master of Arts in Christian Ministry

Rev. Eric Capers graduated from North Greenville University with a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry with a GPA of 3.9. Rev. Capers plan to continue working and serving the Lord.

Rev. Capers is the husband of Carmita Capers.

Jonathan Orion Evans
University of South Carolina
Master of Music Performance

Jonathan Orion Evans received a Master of Music Performance degree from the University of South Carolina on May 8, 2022. He has performed with several orchestras and church groups throughout the state. His primary instrument is the double Bass, but consistently plays on the bass guitar.

Jonathan’s future plan is to perform with many different orchestras throughout this region and embellish his love for classical music. He would also like to participate in various music appreciation venues.

Jonathan is the son of Deacon Kenneth and Deaconess Laverne Evans.