Laurens County Chamber Announces 2025 Cecil Davenport Citizenship Award Nominees

Since 1996, the prestigious award, named in honor of the late Chamber Executive Cecil O. Davenport, has recognized outstanding tenth grade students from the High School located in Laurens County, including Clinton High School, Laurens Academy, and Laurens District High School.  This citizenship focused award recognized for their ability and motivation to apply themselves academically, make mature decisions, and help others in their community.  Below are the thirteen nominees. One finalist from each school will be selected and recognized at the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner on February 5th at Presbyterian College.

Laurens Academy

Micah John Straight is a dedicated and well-rounded student who excels both in the classroomand in extracurricular activities. As a varsity basketball and football player and National Honor Society member, he demonstrates strong leadership and a commitment to service. Micah enjoys fishing, traveling to new places, and cooking. But more than anything Micah strives to root his faith in Christ and love others as God does.

Eliza Pearl Terry is described as having a consistent commitment to service, leadership, and community involvement. She established a 4-H club at Laurens Academy, serves on the Laurens County Teen Council, participates in Student Council and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and is a member of the Laurens-Greenville Dairy Club. Eliza enjoys studying her Bible, babysitting, and spending time on her family farm.

Laurens Dist. 55 High School

Nora Beth Storey is active in her church youth group and volunteers at Waterloo Elementary School. She enjoys taking pictures, crafting, painting, and is involved in Student Council, Beta Club, and a member of the Lady Raider Golf Team. Nora Beth portrays citizenship by serving others, whether on mission trips with her church or by being a leader in the classroom.

Emma Welch enjoys playing tennis, running, baking, playing the cello, and watching the Clemson Tigers. She is active in youth at her church, Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America, Orchestra, and the Beta Club.  Emma gives back to her community by volunteering with her church at the Laurens Memorial Home for the Aged.

Sully Simmons showcases a unique blend of creativity and leadership, driven by interests in music, the arts, and athletics. In academics, she is active in Health Care Leaders of America, Beta Club, Student Council, and Future Business Leaders of America. Sully volunteers at Laurens Disabilities and Special Needs and believes that helping people is important.

Makayla Combs enjoys shopping and spending time with animals. She is active in Beta Club and in her community. Makayla believes that character is shown through encouraging others, positive feedback, fairness, and treating others how you wish to be treated. She hopes to reach her long-term goals in life through discipline and hard work.

Harmonie Graham is full of energy and loves challenging herself through activities like competitive cheerleading and outdoor activities. She is part of the Beta Club and Varsity Cheer Team. Harmonie shows citizenship by giving back to her community through trash pickups, volunteering at Laurens Elementary field days, and helping feed the homeless. She believes that actions speak louder than words.

Joyce Foggie excels both on the basketball court and on the soccer field. She enjoys computer science, is a member of Beta Club, and excels in writing. Joyce shows citizenship by participating in community cleanups, volunteering at her church food bank, and volunteering at the Laurens County Museum. She believes making a difference in other people’s lives is important.

Clinton High School

Allison Wages dreams of one day becoming a teacher. She spends her Wednesday afternoonshelping younger students learn to play the clarinet; mentoring is a big part of citizenship for her.Allison believes balancing her academics and extracurriculars is essential and requires discipline.She is active in her church, marching band, concert band, the Academic Team, FCA, and Beta Club.

Salaam Jenkins is a well-rounded individual and participates in Student Council, JROTC, Beta Club, and the Science Olympiad Team. He loves to build Legos, fly drones, and play golf. Salaam gives back to his community by volunteering for the Laurens County Community Theater, Whitten Center, and the Humane Society.

Maggie Payne believes being a good citizen is serving your community with no expectations in return. She is described as being driven and always positive. Maggie stays busy outside of the classroom through marching band, jazz band, Beta Club, FCA, and the Academic team. She is also active in her church youth group and choir. She describes her biggest passion as beingmusic.

Cassie Suarez loves to travel and try new foods in different countries. She enjoys learning new languages, public speaking, modeling, swimming, and photography. Cassie also is active in her church and served on a mission trip to Honduras. She feels that her role in sports has given her responsibilities as being a leader to younger athletes. Even more so, Cassie shows her citizenship through character and being true even when no one is watching.

Arohi Patel is a dynamic student, participating in many activities such as the Science Olympiad, Academic Team, Eco Club, Beta Club, and Future Health Professionals. She cares deeply about the environment, reading, and playing volleyball. Arohi shows citizenship by writing cards to the elderly with “Love for our Elders” and tutors children. She is described as having a “sterling” character being highly motivated.