2021 Cecil O. Davenport Award
The Small Business of the First Quarter was awarded to Southern Twist. Owner, Christie Finley, opened this business early 2019 and has continued to be a hotspot for shopping in Laurens County. Each quarter, the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce invites the community to nominate businesses for the Small Business of Excellence Award. The award recipient is selected by the Chamber Executive Committee.
Since 1996, the Cecil O. Davenport award has recognized outstanding tenth grade students from local High Schools. This prestigious award is named in honor of the late Chamber Executive Cecil O. Davenport. 13 students were nominated for the award, and a committee of community members select the award recipient and the two runner ups for this award. The awards were presented by Chamber of Commerce Board Chair, Ernie Segars, and Mr. Ty Davenport who annually participates in the ceremony in honor of his father.
The 2020 Cecil O. Davenport Citizenship Award Recipient is Miss Bayley Fruns. Bayley is a student at Laurens District 55 High School and is the daughter of Beverly Burns. Bayley is an honor student, member of student council, a Football and Basketball Cheerleader and a Gold Presidential Service Award recipient. She was chosen to attend the SC Conference for the Prevention of Bullying and as a representative for the SC Electric Coop Virtual Youth Experience. She has participated in Blessing Boxes, Team Ecology and United Way Day of Caring and has volunteered with Backpack buddies.
The 2020 Cecil O. Davenport Citizenship Award Runner-up, Miss Anna Mae Kiley. Anna Mae Kiley attends Clinton High School and is the daughter of Patrick & Kelly Kiley. Anna is a member of the Science Olympiad, Beta Club, Varsity Soccer Team, and serves as Sophomore Treasurer. She has volunteered at the Community Garden and with the LC Humane Society. She likes to travel, hike, play Tennis and Pickel Ball. Anna plays the flute, ukulele and is learning the piano.
2020 Cecil O. Davenport Citizenship Award Runner-up, Miss Rachel Jo Vondergeest. Rachel Jo Vondergeest attends Clinton High School and is the daughter of Craig Vondergeest & Cinda Ginn. Rachel is a member of the Science Olympiad, Academic Team, Beta Club, Youth in Government, PLTW Engineering, and Varsity Soccer Team. She plays the French Horn through the LC Academy of Music and lessons at PC. Rachel participates in 1st Pres & United Methodist of Clinton youth groups and helps with Sunday music services. She enjoys Soccer, Tennis and learning math & science.