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CLASS OF 2025 VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIAN PROFILES Silver Bluff High School Valedictorian: Susan Li Susan Li, Valedictorian of the Silver Bluff High School Class of 2025, is a QuestBridge Scholar who has earned a full-ride scholarship to Duke University. At Duke, Susan plans to double major in Computer Science and Statistics, fields that reflect both her analytical strengths and creative problem-solving abilities. One of her favorite high school memories comes from Mrs. Mack’s AP Statistics class. During one unforgettable lesson, the class went to the stadium for a hands-on activity using Barbie dolls, where students tested how close their dolls could fall to the ground using rubber band “bungee cords” without actually touching it. “Best class ever!” Susan said. Congratulations, Susan! #ACPSDcelebrates #ClassOf2025

CLASS OF 2025 VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIAN PROFILES Ridge Spring-Monetta High School Salutatorian: Emma Kathryn Fulmer Emma Fulmer, daughter of Paul and Amanda Fulmer, is ready to turn her passion for film into a career. After graduation, she plans to attend USC Aiken to study film and editing, with aspirations of working in the film industry. Emma’s advice to current high school students? “Don’t stress over schoolwork—because even procrastinators graduate eventually!” During her time at Ridge Spring-Monetta, Emma was an active member of Beta Club, the National English Honor Society, and Colorguard. One of her favorite high school memories was participating in Secret Santa in Coach Dee’s class—a moment filled with laughter, surprises, and holiday cheer. Congratulations, Emma! #ACPSDcelebrates #ClassOf2025

CLASS OF 2025 VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIAN PROFILES Ridge Spring-Monetta High School Valedictorian: Gabrielle Faith Brannon Proudly representing the Ridge Spring-Monetta Class of 2025, Gabrielle Brannon is preparing to embark on an inspiring journey in healthcare. After graduation, she plans to attend USC Aiken to earn her Bachelor’s in Nursing, followed by a Master’s in Nursing at MUSC. Her ultimate goal is to become a Pediatric Oncology Nurse, offering care and compassion to children battling cancer. Gabrielle joined Ridge Spring-Monetta High in ninth grade, one year after her father, Coach Jay Brannon, began teaching and coaching at the school. Since then, she has thrived—participating in volleyball and track and field, serving as President of both HOSA Future Health Professionals and Beta Club, and contributing to Student Council all four years. She is also a proud member of the National English Honor Society. Among Gabrielle’s proudest accomplishments is earning her CNA, Phlebotomy, and EKG Technician licenses through Mrs. Middlebrooks’ Clinical Studies program—a true testament to her dedication and drive. Congratulations, Gabrielle! #ACPSDcelebrates #ClassOf2025

Aiken High School’s Class of 2025 chose Mrs. Katie McMillan to wear a robe signed by the graduates and share the accomplishments of their class. Student Body President Addison Barton joined her to share highlights of her graduating class, some of which include: 147 students (more than half of the graduating class) have a 3.0 GPA or higher; 14 are Palmetto Fellows qualifiers; 72 are eligible for the LIFE Scholarship; and 76 qualified for HOPE. Eighty-five students are Honor Graduates; 16 are Senior Scholars; and two are National Merit Commended. Two students earned the Seal of Biliteracy, two earned their Cambridge Diploma, and there are 152 CTE completers. Congratulations, Hornets!

CLASS OF 2025 VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIAN PROFILES Aiken High School Salutatorian: Carson Josef Colmer Carson Josef Colmer, Salutatorian of the Aiken High School Class of 2025, will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he plans to study Aerospace Engineering. A natural leader, Carson served as Senior Class President and was actively involved in student government throughout high school. One of his favorite memories was traveling with fellow student government officers on leadership trips—experiences that deepened friendships and strengthened his commitment to teamwork and service. Carson’s goal is to become a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force, and he’s excited for the journey ahead as he prepares to take on the challenges of one of the world’s top engineering programs. Congratulations, Carson! #ACPSDcelebrates #ClassOf2025

CLASS OF 2025 VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIAN PROFILES Aiken High School Valedictorian: Joanna Thanh Brown Joanna Thanh Brown, Valedictorian of the Aiken High School Class of 2025, plans to attend the University of South Carolina in Columbia, where she will study Meteorology. During her time at Aiken High, Joanna was an active member of the marching band and the Academic Quizbowl team. Among her favorite memories are traveling to band competitions with her fellow musicians and attending the National Academic Quizbowl Tournament in Atlanta—both experiences that combined learning, teamwork, and lasting friendships. Congratulations, Joanna! #ACPSDcelebrates #ClassOf2025

Jeanette Hunter began a pursuit for her GED in 2023 at the age of 68. Yesterday, she addressed her fellow graduates, a class of more than 150 adults who persevered, many overcoming significant life challenges, and earned their high school diploma or GED. We celebrate you, Adult Education Graduates! Your collective resilience, determination, and commitment to rewrite the script of your lives is inspiring! #ACPSDcelebrates #ClassOf2025

Last night, we celebrated Aiken Scholar’s Academy’s Class of 2025. As these driven and incredibly intelligent scholars pursue their dreams, may they remember the words of their Valedictorian Sarah Ferida Porcha-Konjikusic. “The world is not waiting for perfection,” she shared. “It is waiting for discernment, authenticity, and courage.” Go forth and do great things, ASA Class of 2025! #ACPSDcelebrates #ClassOf2025

More than 500 seniors representing their high schools gathered this evening to celebrate earning career certifications at the 2025 Senior Completer Ceremony. Congratulations to our Career & Technical Education (CTE) Completers of the Class of 2025! #ACPSDcelebrates #ClassOf2025

CLASS OF 2025 VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIAN PROFILES Aiken Scholars Academy Salutatorian: McKenna Hope Davis McKenna Hope Davis is proud to be named the Class of 2025 Salutatorian for Aiken Scholars Academy. This fall, she plans to attend Clemson University, where she will major in Architecture and is enrolled in the Clemson Honors College. McKenna is excited to continue her academic journey and hopes to achieve just as many of her aspirations in college as she did during high school. Congratulations, McKenna! #ACPSDcelebrates #ClassOf2025

CLASS OF 2025 VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIAN PROFILES Aiken Scholars Academy Valedictorian: Sarah Ferida Porcha-Konjikusic Throughout high school, Sarah Ferida Porcha-Konjikusic remained committed to academic excellence while playing four years of varsity tennis for South Aiken High School. She also held leadership roles in several organizations, including Beta Club, National Honor Society, Social Inc., and student government. Sarah is passionate about community service, demonstrated through her volunteer work with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, ACTS of Aiken County, and United Way. She is also deeply involved in her church and takes great pride in being multilingual. This fall, Sarah plans to attend the University of South Carolina Honors College, where she will major in Biochemistry. She aspires to pursue a career in medicine, specializing in plastic surgery. Sarah is immensely grateful for the support she received from Aiken Scholars Academy and the greater school district. Congratulations, Sarah! #ACPSDcelebrates #ClassOf2025

CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2025 🎓 Aiken County Public Schools is proud to celebrate this year’s graduating class! Graduation ceremonies will take place May 28–May 30, and we invite you to join us in honoring the Class of 2025 by viewing their commencement ceremonies virtually. To access the live stream, visit www.acpsd.net/graduation and select the high school of your choice. Live streams will begin 15 minutes prior to each ceremony’s start time. 📅 Graduation Schedule Wednesday, May 28 • CTE Senior Completer Ceremony – 5:00 p.m. • Aiken Scholars Academy – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 29 • Aiken High School – 2:00 p.m. • Ridge Spring-Monetta High School – 5:00 p.m. • Silver Bluff High School – 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 30 • South Aiken High School – 9:00 a.m. • Wagener-Salley High School – 12:00 p.m. • Midland Valley High School – 3:00 p.m. • North Augusta High School – 7:00 p.m. Hats off to the Class of 2025! 🎉 #ACPSDcelebrates #ClassOf2025

Aiken County Public School District’s full-time virtual program, Aiken iNNOVATE, is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 school year. If you or your student are currently in 5th grade or higher and interested in a flexible, innovative learning environment, now is the time to apply. Aiken iNNOVATE offers a 100% virtual experience with certified ACPSD teachers and curriculum, providing students in grades 6–12 the opportunity to learn from anywhere while staying connected to their school community. To apply, visit www.acpsd.net/ai. If you have any questions, feel free to email Ai@acpsd.net. Don’t miss this opportunity to take charge of your education through Aiken iNNOVATE. Spots are limited.

Aiken County Public School District, May 27 BOARD MEETING - The Board of Education will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, beginning at 6:00 p.m.  Please visit https://www.acpsd.net/page/board-meeting-livestream to view the meeting agenda and access the livestream when the meeting begins. Board Meetings are open to the public, although seating is limited. Our School Board Representatives may be contacted for any questions from our community stakeholders. Their contact information is available from that link as well.

Happy Memorial Day! All schools & offices are closed today (Monday, May 26) and will reopen tomorrow.

🌟 Honoring Our Heroes This Memorial Day Weekend 🌟 As we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, we also take this moment to recognize the everyday heroes in our schools—our dedicated teachers, support staff, and administrators. Your commitment to shaping the future through education uplifts our community and strengthens the values we hold dear. Thank you for your service to our students, especially as we reflect on service and sacrifice this Memorial Day. If you know a staff member who deserves special recognition, give them a shout-out! www.acpsd.net/shine #SHINEACPSD #ACPSDcelebrates

The Seamless Summer Meal Program returns for Summer 2025! The ACPSD Child Nutrition Program will be offering nutritious meals at no cost for children aged 18 and under, as well as for individuals with disabilities up to age 21. Meals will be served Monday through Thursday from June 2 to June 26, 2025. See flyer for more details!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined us at Tailgate Tavern for Children’s Place’s 30th Annual Celebrity Waiter Night. Your generous tips—and incredible spirit—helped support a meaningful cause and made the evening one to remember. 🎉💛 We’re especially proud of The Brainy Bunch—our STARS of Public Education—who traded classrooms and offices for aprons to serve as this year’s Celebrity Waiters: 🍽️ Christie Palladino, District Teacher of the Year (Aiken County Career and Technology Center) 🍽️ Theresa Reeves, First Year Teacher of the Year (Byrd Elementary) 🍽️ Rashad Roland, Professional Staff Member of the Year (Transportation) 🍽️ Ni’Jae Jerry, GEM of the Year (Busbee Elementary) 🍽️ Micki Dove, District Level Administrator of the Year Honor Court Member (Instruction) Thanks for showing up and tipping big for a great cause! All tips and raffle ticket sales go directly to supporting the vital work of Children’s Place. #CelebrityWaiterNight #STARSofPublicEducation #STARSACPSD #TeamACPSD #ACPSDgivesback

Join The Brainy Bunch, comprised of our District’s STARS of Public Education, for dinner tonight at Tailgate Tavern during Children’s Place’s 30th Annual Celebrity Waiter Night. Serving as Celebrity Waiters are our District’s Teacher of the Year Christie Palladino (Aiken County Career and Technology Center), First Year Teacher of the Year Theresa Reeves (Byrd Elementary), Professional Staff Member of the Year Rashad Roland (Transportation), GEM (Classified Staff Member) of the Year Ni’Jae Jerry (Busbee Elementary), and District Level Administrator of the Year Honor Court Member Micki Dove (Instruction). Reservations and generous tips (with 100% of tips going to Children’s Place) are encouraged: (803) 226-0909.

Shining a Spotlight on Staff! Your dedication, resilience, and heart have made this school year one to remember. As we head into the final stretch, know that your hard work is seen and deeply appreciated. Let’s finish strong—together! If you know a staff member who deserves special recognition, give them a shout-out! www.acpsd.net/shine #SHINEACPSD #ACPSDcelebrates