Students Who Went the Extra Mile to be Honored at Cory White Awards

Observer Reports

Twenty-one middle and high school students from all five school districts will be honored tonight at the 2026 Cory White Diversity Awards banquet at the Anderson Civic Center.

The Anderson County Human Relations Council (HRC) established the awards in memory of the student designer of its logo, Cory White, to recognize those students who made a difference in the lives of those around them.

These recognitions will put the spotlight on students nominated by teachers and/or other school officials from each of Anderson County’s middle and high schools who have positively affected their peers, teachers, and/or school staff in the areas of human rights, special needs, and disabilities, and/or cultural inclusion and acceptance. These qualities were exemplified by White, who was known for his ability and efforts to reach out to those who were alone, shy, or ignored.

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. Established as a commission to aid the county government in its efforts to improve community relations, the HRC’s membership is composed of volunteers appointed by the Anderson County Council members.

Those to be honored tonight are:

Jada Thurmond - Palmetto High School

Yannabah Poola - Palmetto Middle School

Marley Merritt - Powdersville High School

Collin Butler - Powdersville Middle School

Thomas Marte - Wren High School

Jose “Bryan” Guzman Garcia - Wren Middle School

Jaxon Smith - Belton-Honea Path High School

Kaden Ballentine - Belton Middle School

Roxanne Sanders - Honea Path Middle School

Kylan Ware - Crescent High School

Griffin Smith - Starr-Iva Middle School

Corday Chapman - Pendleton High School

Phoenix Smith - Riverside Middle School

Sara Kate Smith - Anderson 5 Charter School

Krisna Patel - Glenview Middle School

Andre Rodrigues - McCants Middle School

Timothy Davis - Robert Anderson Middle School

Lillian Amare - Southwood Academy for the Arts

Emry Smith - T. L. Hanna High School

Karoline Stewart - Westside High School

David Miranda Sagastume - Renaissance Academy

Students, their families, school and government officials will honor these students with an award dinner and presentation ceremony at the Anderson Civic Center in Anderson.