On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, seniors across Aiken County Public School District (ACPSD) were honored at the annual Enlistee Recognition Gala hosted by Our Community Salutes-Midlands South Carolina.
Held at the USC Aiken Convocation Center, the event recognized graduating high school seniors who have committed to enlisting in the U.S. Military. Out of 40 total enlistees in attendance from Barnwell, Edgefield and Aiken Counties, an incredible 35 represented Aiken County!
The evening also highlighted two outstanding individuals within the Midlands and CSRA who go above and beyond for the military community. Midland Valley High School counselor, Jessica Thomas, was honored with the prestigious Colin Powell Award, which recognizes one local counselor who demonstrates exceptional service, compassion, and commitment in guiding and mentoring students. The second award of the evening was presented to Midland Valley High School senior, Allison Cohuo, who received the prestigious Gary Beikirch Award. We are so proud of them both!
ACPSD holds the distinction of being the very first official Purple Star School District in South Carolina. The dedication to military families is managed by Sondra Thomas, who serves the district's military families and sits on the board for Our Community Salutes. For Sondra, her job is personal and filled with pride.
"When my father was drafted, we didn’t realize it would become the greatest blessing for our family," Thomas shared. "The benefits he earned built the foundation for our lives and allowed my siblings and me to get an education. Because of that gift, I feel a profound calling to support military families and new enlistees. Stepping up to serve is the ultimate sacrifice, and I am incredibly proud of everyone who makes that choice."
We are immensely proud of these brave young men and women who have chosen to answer the call to serve our nation. Please join us in recognizing and celebrating the 2026 Aiken County Public School District military enlistees:
Aiken High School
Lucia Mejia Mesquite – Navy
Jose Moreno – USMC
Laila Parrish – Army National Guard
Kolby Staley – Army National Guard
Midland Valley High School
Heaven Andrews – Navy
Allison Cohuo – Navy
Lisa Cruz Garduno – Army National Guard
Cason Mahurin – Air Force
Ruben Montiel – USMC
Cam'ron Williams – Air Force
North Augusta High School
Ayala Abiel – USMC
Jackson Beach – Navy
Joyselym Cruz – Army National Guard
Makayla Dammon – Navy
Jarvis Goodly – USMC
Sharrod Grimes – Army
Weston Hadden – USMC
William Kight – Coast Guard
Luca Lobato – Navy
Ethan McKenzie – USMC
Karly Ruiz – Army National Guard
Madalyn Thompson – USMC
Xander Tjovaras – USMC
Xavier Vaca – Army
Isabella Williams – Navy
Ridge Spring-Monetta High School
Lesley Fierros Garcia – Army National Guard
Ella Talton – Navy
Silver Bluff High School
Skylar Barrera – Army National Guard
Janyia Booth – USMC
Jaydyn Moore – Army National Guard
Tristan Snyder – Army
South Aiken High School
Trevor Brown – Navy
Landon Faircloth – Army National Guard
Gabriella Ibarra – USMC
Wagener-Salley High School
Samya Daniels – Navy
Please join us in sending a special thank you to our 2026 senior enlistees for their commitment to our country. We wish them a safe, healthy, and successful future as they step forward to protect our nation.