Students win big for service-project videos
Amanda Hughes, Clinton Rotary Club secretary; Regina Copeland, club president-elect; Charlotte Johnson, former president; Leah Hernandez, winner; Nichole Grygier, winner; Neveah Mincey, winner; Michael Foster, Anderson County commissioner; Kelly Johnson, Clinton City Schools director; and Katherine Birkbeck, executive director for Historic Downtown Clinton, pose in front of the Clinton Community Center to celebrate the outstanding student-led community service projects.
The contest invited Anderson County and Clinton City students to submit one-minute videos showcasing innovative projects designed to benefit the local community. Judging was based on project impact, creativity, and social media performance, a news release stated.
After careful review, the Rotary Club selected two outstanding initiatives as co-winners.
It chose Nichole Grygier and Nevaeh Mincey of Clinton High School’s BARK Club for their project titled “Project Makeover.” The students proposed replacing benches and constructing an agility course at the Anderson County Animal Shelter. Their project aims to enhance the quality of life for shelter animals and improve the experience for visitors and volunteers. The $1,000 award will go toward funding construction materials and supplies.
Leah Hernandez, also from Clinton High School and a member of the Interact Club, also won the award for her thoughtful initiative, “Dragon Basket.” This project provides monthly gift baskets to children in Clinton City Schools filled with essential items and peer-requested goodies. Designed as a raffle-style giveaway, Dragon Basket seeks to boost morale and support under-resourced students with compassion and creativity. Hernandez will also receive $1,000 toward materials and supplies.
The winners were honored at the Mosaic Arts Festival, where they shared their visions with community members.
Each winning project will be completed by April 2026, fulfilling the contest’s mission to invest in long-term community improvement. The Rotary Club encourages continued participation from schools and student organizations in future years.
