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Pickens County board honors student presidents, JROTC leaders and district communications awards
Summary
On Aug. 25, 2025 the Pickens County Board of Trustees recognized student body presidents from four high schools, highlighted JROTC programs across the district, honored McKissick Academy for Cognia STEM certification and praised an SRO for saving a choking student.
The School District of Pickens County Board of Trustees opened its Aug. 25 meeting by recognizing student leaders, district communications work and the accomplishments of local JROTC units.
Dr. Young read short biographies of the four high school student body presidents: Mikaela Reed of DW Daniel High School; Lucas Goodacre of Easley High School; Mac Digby of Liberty High School; and Adeline Jewell of Pickens High School. Dr. Young said the recognitions mark the start of the 2025–26 school year and invited the students forward for a group photo.
The board also highlighted JROTC programs across the district. Daniel High School’s Air Force JROTC unit (SC941) was noted for enrollment, regional and national competition participation and a recent partnership with Clemson University that will allow cadets to pursue unmanned aircraft flight certifications; Miranda Riggins was identified as the corps commander. Easley High School’s Navy JROTC was credited with extensive community service and competitive successes; the transcript identifies its cadet commander as Bridal Russell. Liberty High School’s JROTC battalion commander was identified as Samaya Field, and Pickens High School’s Blue Flame Battalion was noted with senior Kelly Odom serving as commander.
Dr. Young told the board the district earned 30 combined awards from the South Carolina chapter of the National School Public Relations Association, including 29 state-level recognitions, and a national Golden Achievement Award for a communications submission about the district’s work-based learning program created by Anna Ursery and Caroline Morris.
The board also recognized McKissick Academy of Science and Technology for earning Cognia STEM certification, a district announcement described as placing the elementary school among a small number in South Carolina to meet Cognia standards.
In a safety highlight, Dr. Young recognized School Resource Officer Robert Timmons for responding on Aug. 4 when a fifth‑grade student was choking in a school cafeteria; according to the superintendent’s remarks, Timmons cleared the immediate danger and the student later reunited with parents.
The recognitions concluded and the meeting proceeded to routine business and votes.
The board took photographs of the students and instructors and offered congratulations to the named students, cadets and staff.
