Mauldin honors firefighters, student athletes and declares Lupus Awareness Month

Mauldin — Council and community groups used the May 18 meeting to recognize local service and achievement.

An American Legion Post 271 representative presented Justin Keller with a Firefighter of the Year recognition, citing his EMT training (identified in the meeting as 276 hours), leadership and community outreach. Sergeant Embry and other fire and police personnel were also thanked for public safety work and for a recent life-saving response.

Mayor Terry Merritt read proclamations honoring Bianca Connell, a Mauldin High School athlete lauded in the proclamation as a multi-time state wrestling champion and a member of the school’s orchestra and athletic leadership; the proclamation notes she has signed with Presbyterian College. The council also recognized the Mauldin High School cadet color guard for placing first in the CWEA Carolina championships and heard from a band representative about the program’s upcoming participation in the Bands of America Grand National Championships.

Finally, the mayor read a proclamation declaring May 2026 as Lupus Awareness Month in Mauldin, noting the disease’s prevalence, diagnostic challenges and the need for public awareness and improved care.

Each proclamation was presented from the dais and met with applause; the recognitions were ceremonial and do not create enforceable policy changes.