The Anderson County Human Relations Council has named the following Anderson County students as recipients of the 2013 Cory White Diversity Awards in recognition of their efforts to promote the qualities of diversity and acceptance within their communities.

Anderson County Alternative School- Tevarous Johnson

Palmetto Middle- Matthew Roberson

Wren Middle- Jackson Sanders

Powdersville Middle- Jemiah Cruell

Palmetto High- Kelsey Mikal Frazier

Wren High- Jennie Montgomery

Wren High- Naimik Patel

Powdersville High- Casey Barwick

Belton Middle- Shanteal Davis

Honea Path Middle- Tia Kelley

Belton-Honea Path High- Faith Baker

Starr-Iva Middle- Kyle Dawkins

Crescent High- Benjamin “B.J.” Yeargin

Riverside Middle- Christian Gilstrap

Pendleton High- Tracy Grate

Glenview Middle- Bernard Hamilton

McCants Middle- Kobe Burriss

Robert Anderson Middle- Zoie Smith

Southwood Middle- Monika Hight

T.L. Hanna High- Qwinnterius Copeland

Westside High- Austin Nichols

These students were recognized at a dinner held on Monday, April 22nd, 6:00 PM at the Civic Center of Anderson. Anderson University head wrestling coach Dock Kelly served as the featured speaker at the event. Approximately 180 people attended the ceremony, including students, their families, school principals and staff, school district superintendents, and special guests.

The Human Relations Council extends its appreciation to these outstanding young people for their efforts and wishes them the best wishes in their future endeavors.

The Cory White Diversity Awards were established by the Anderson County HRC to honor the memory of the student designer of the Anderson County Human Relations Council logo, Cory White. It was only after Cory’s tragic death in an automobile accident that the HRC became aware of what an outstanding young man he was. He demonstrated his love and acceptance of all people daily and went out of his way to make others feel important and valued. The HRC established the Cory White Diversity Award to honor his memory and recognize young people within the community who share his values and strong character. Area schools are invited to nominate students who make a positive impact on peers, teachers, and /or school staff in the areas of human rights, special needs and disabilities, and/or cultural inclusion and acceptance.

The Anderson County Human Relations Council seeks to improve human relations by building bridges and lowering barriers among all races and ethnic groups represented throughout Anderson County. The HRC was established as a commission to aid the county and municipal governments in efforts to improve relations among all races, ethnic, and age groups represented in Anderson County. The HRCs membership is comprised of volunteers appointed by the Anderson County Council and Mayors from the nine municipalities in the county.