High school graduates have several options right after graduation: continue their education, jump into the job market or enlist in the military, among them.  USCA saluted area high school seniors who will march off to military boot camp right after graduation.  The university teamed up with Our Community Salutes Midlands South Carolina to sponsor a gala, complete with military-style protocol and decorum, to celebrate the decisions these students made to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.  The seventh annual Enlistee Gala took place May 20 at the USCA Convocation Center. The event recognized the decisions of approximately 40 recruits from Aiken, Barnwell and Edgefield counties, who were sworn into military service by a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient during the event.   Each enlistee received a signed copy of “Living with Honor,” written by Medal of Honor recipient Salvatore Giunta, who was the guest speaker.  As a staff sergeant in an Army airborne unit, Giunta earned the MOH for his actions in Afghanistan on Oct. 25, 2007, during Operation Enduring Freedom. When he received the medal from President Barack Obama in 2010, Giunta was the first living Congressional Medal of Honor recipient since the Vietnam War.  “The opportunities the military gave me made me the man I am today,” Giunta told local enlistees and their families. “It’s incredible the opportunities you will have when you open your heart to the possibilities.  “Some of the things you will have to do in the military will be uncomfortable, but you are doing them for all of us. Sacrifice is sometimes necessary, and you are sacrificing your time and talent. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.”  Allison Cohuo from Midland Valley High School, who will join the U.S. Navy, earned the Gary Beikirch Award. Beikirch received his Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam conflict from President Richard Nixon in 1973.   After his military service, Beikirch served as a middle school guidance counselor and the Medal of Honor Society chaplain. He founded the Veterans Outreach Center in Rochester, New York, and was instrumental in the creation of the Midlands chapter of OCS. Beikirch served on the board of Our Community Salutes Midlands until his death.   “Receiving the Gary Beikirch award is an honor. This award holds a meaning of being selfless, responsible, being yourself and helping our community as much as we can,” Cohuo said.   The Gary Beikirch Award goes to a local enlistee who will report to active duty within six months of high school graduation. Guidance counselors, teachers and recruiters work together to identify nominees. To earn the award, students must be from Aiken, Barnwell or Edgefield counties. They must demonstrate selflessness, integrity, leadership, respect for others and a commitment to community service.  “Allison has consistently proven herself to be an exceptional asset to our school, our program, and the broader community. Throughout her time in the program, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership, commitment, and character, making a lasting impact on both her peers and those she serves,” said Stephanie Beikirch, daughter of the Vietnam-era Special Forces sergeant, who presented the award.   As a member of Midland Valley’s Junior ROTC program, Cohuo held three leadership positions: platoon chief, platoon commander and public affairs officer. As part of her responsibilities, she mentored more than 50 fellow cadets.  “Allison treats others with genuine respect and humility, rarely seeking recognition for her accomplishments. Instead, she finds purpose and fulfillment in serving others, a quality that truly sets her apart,” said Beikirch.  Cohuo said her inspiration to enlist in the U.S. Navy came from her ROTC experiences.  “My instructors’ amazing stories and hearing about all their accomplishments and seeing all their awards and medals and knowing they received those because they changed people's lives really inspired me,” she said.  “I really hope to change people's lives while I am in the Navy. I also want to give back to the community as much as I can. They have helped not only myself but my family. It would be an honor to give back to everyone who has helped us through so many hardships.”  Cohuo’s commitment to serving others extends beyond the ROTC program. She has volunteered with Special Olympics, Wreaths Across America, Adopt-A-Highway projects, Run United and other community-focused efforts and initiatives at Midland Valley. She is a member of the school’s cross-country team, the ROTC Rifle, Academic, Drill and Athletic teams.  OCS also presented Jessica Thomas, a counselor at Midland Valley High School, the General Colin L. Powell Memorial Service Award. Local military recruiters nominate high school counselors who they believe represent the service, compassion, and commitment demonstrated by Powell, who served in the Army, as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and as secretary of the U.S. Department of State.  “This award is especially meaningful to me because it highlights the importance of encouraging and supporting students who choose military service after high school,” Thomas said.  “These students are committing themselves to something greater than themselves through sacrifice, dedication and service to our country. I believe that it is important to celebrate their decisions, provide support and ensure they feel valued and respected for choosing a path of service and leadership.”  The greater Aiken County community joined OCS and USCA in honoring the military enlistees. Aiken Public Safety, Graniteville-Vaucluse-Warrenville Fire Department and the South Carolina National Guard created an impressive entrance for the gala, and the U.S. flag flew between two fire department ladder trucks ceremonially protected by two National Guard Tactical Vehicles.  Military veterans, service members, high school officials, corporate representatives and other community leaders joined OCS and USCA in the unique salute to say, “thank you” and “congratulations” to those deciding to enlist in the military.  “Our Community Salutes connects future service members to their community and thanks them for their service. At USCA, we take the long view. These students will complete their service and want to come home to a career and a community proud of their decision to serve,” said Robert Murphy, a retired Marine who serves as director of Student Veteran Military Services at USCA and is president of on the board of the Midlands South Carolina chapter of OCS.  “As a Best for Vets and Military Friendly university, USCAstands ready to welcome them home."  This year, USCA once again earned the Military Friendly® “Gold” School designation and was ranked as the #7 Military Friendly Spouse School.  “The significance is seeing the national recognition for the hard work USCA puts forth to ensure our veteran and military student community has what they need for academic success,” Murphy said. “These students often have multiple factors, including benefits, deployments, gaps in semesters, that make completing their degree a little more challenging.   “Knowing this, the VMSS center team connects with and fosters a success mindset from the first day a military-connected student walks on campus.”  This academic year, VMSS processed more than 1,600 student VA GI Bill benefits to ensure students had the funds to pay for school, books, and housing.  According to Murphy, USCA is one of only three South Carolina universities with a Military Friendly School Gold rating.  “USCA is the only South Carolina Small Public University with the gold rating and ranked in the top 10 Military Spouse Friendly Small Public Schools in the nation.” 

Dr. Sarah Young, assistant professor of political science at USCA, served as a guest commentator during FOX54’s election coverage on June 9.   Young provided analysis and context on South Carolina’s primary election results, discussing key races, voter turnout trends, and the potential implications for upcoming elections. Her commentary helped viewers better understand the significance of the results and their impact on the state's political landscape.  About Dr. Young  Young specializes in state and local government policy, with a focus on South Carolina. She is entering her tenth year at USCA and brings 18 years of experience in higher education. 

The Etherredge Center at USCA is celebrating a milestone this year as the Cultural Series enters its 40th season.  To kick off the anniversary, the Etherredge Center hosted a season reveal event May 22 in downtown Aiken to showcase what audiences can expect.  "Since it's the 40th anniversary, we wanted to feature performers and shows that had been here before, kind of a 'best of' season," said Paul B. Crook, director of the Etherredge Center. "We went back through 40 years of programming and looked at which performances audiences loved most."  Since its founding in 1986, the Cultural Series has brought world-class performers, orchestras, theater productions and cultural experiences to Aiken audiences. Over four decades, the series has hosted everything from international ballet companies and symphony orchestras to Broadway performers and acclaimed jazz musicians, becoming a cornerstone of the region's arts scene.  In 2019, the organization expanded its mission with the launch of the Carolina Series, which highlights state artists and cultural traditions.  This year's tagline, “World-class shows with a local touch,” reflects both the series' history and its continued commitment to serving the community.  The Cultural Series will kick off Sept. 12 with a performance by The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, a band known for its blend of jazz, swing and pop music. Audience members can also purchase tickets to an exclusive black-tie VIP reception held in conjunction with the show.   For the Carolina Series, which features artists exclusively from South Carolina, the Etherredge Center will partner with the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities.   “We're going to feature four events with their students, including theater, dance, music, and visual arts students. That's going to be a fun partnership and gives the Carolina Series its own unique identity this year,” Crook said.  Tickets for the Cultural and Carolina Series will go on sale starting July 13.      Cultural and Carolina Series 2026-27 Lineup  Cultural Series   The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra – Sept. 12  The anniversary season opens with a black-tie celebration featuring the high-energy big band sounds of The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra. The evening will include a VIP reception aimed at donors and sponsors while recognizing past Etherredge Center directors.  Jerron Paxton and Dennis Lichtman – Nov. 17  This intimate cabaret-style concert in the Etherredge Center lobby showcases two acclaimed musicians performing acoustic blues, ragtime, early jazz, folk traditions, and original works. Guests will enjoy charcuterie and a cash bar.  Breach of Peace – Feb. 2  Written and performed by Mike Wiley, this powerful documentary theatre piece tells the story of the Freedom Riders and the fight for civil rights. The event will coincide with Black History Month programming and community partnerships, including educational workshops and exhibits.  ARTRAGEOUS – March 21 Designed for audiences of all ages, ARTRAGEOUS combines live painting, music, dance, and visual arts into an interactive, high-energy family experience celebrating creativity and artistic expression.  Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana: Quinto Elemento – April 3  The anniversary season concludes with a visually stunning flamenco performance exploring the concept of "ether," featuring award-winning choreography, live music, and internationally acclaimed dancers.    Carolina Series  Drama Showcase – Jan. 24  Governor's School theatre students present a dramatic performance followed by a reception where families can meet faculty and learn about educational opportunities.  Dance and Visual Arts Showcase – Feb. 7 A performance by dance students is paired with an exhibition of student artwork, highlighting multiple artistic disciplines from the Governor's School.  Music Showcase – March 14  The series concludes with a concert featuring Governor's School music students, celebrating young artistic talent from across South Carolina.     

The National Council on Teacher Quality gave USCA a grade A for its elementary education curriculum and programs, which prepare Pacers to teach reading to elementary students.  “We are proud of this recognition because it reflects the hard work of our faculty and the strength of our elementary education program,” said Dr. David Buckman, dean of the USCA School of Education.  “Reading proficiency remains one of the most important foundations for student success, and our faculty are committed to preparing teacher candidates who can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children.”    The report, Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation, published on June 9, recognizes USCA for meeting literacy standards and incorporating effective methods of reading instruction. Based on the report, future teachers who graduate from USCA are ready to provide science-based reading instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension and vocabulary.  “While no single review defines a program, it is encouraging to see our efforts in literacy preparation recognized," Buckman said.  Data included in the National Assessment of Educational Progress indicates that four in 10 fourth graders in South Carolina cannot read at a basic level.   NCTQ believes teacher preparation is key to changing that — but only if aligned to the research-based instructional methods that have been proven to help most students become successful readers.  “Every child deserves a teacher who has been well prepared to teach reading, and every teacher deserves the opportunity to enter the classroom ready to help students succeed,” said NCTQ President Heather Peske.   “Across the country, many teacher preparation programs still do not fully align with the science of reading, but University of South Carolina Aiken is demonstrating what strong preparation can look like.”  NCTQ is a nonpartisan research and policy organization that aims to help ensure every child’s educational success. Its methodology is informed by a panel of reading experts, teacher preparation faculty, reading advocates and measurement experts. To evaluate the quality of preparation being provided, a team of experts at NCTQ analyzed syllabi, including lecture schedules and topics, background reading materials, class assessments, assignments and opportunities to practice instruction in required literacy courses for elementary education majors at USCA.  

Julianna “Jules” Gray and Ava Shahbahrami not only shared the decision to attend the same university, but also crossed the stage together with all smiles after graduating from the USCA LIFE program on May 6.   Gray and Shahbahrami, both from Lexington, SC, have Down syndrome and made local and national headlines after enrolling in the program in fall 2024.  Since arriving on campus, the pair have built lasting friendships, grown in independence, and embraced every opportunity that college life had to offer. From attending sporting events and dances to working jobs, the two quickly became familiar faces throughout the USCA community.  “I think I will miss the dynamic between the two of them the most. They encouraged and supported each other in everything that they did,” said Falcone Dunlap, coordinator and teacher for USCA LIFE.   Dunlap said one of the biggest areas of growth she noticed in both students was in their communication skills, which helped strengthen their confidence and ability to advocate for themselves.  “The growth in these skills have increased their ability to be self-advocates and I could not be prouder.” she said.  For Shahbahrami’s mother, Patricia Gates, watching her daughter grow throughout the program has been emotional and rewarding.  “I am completely overwhelmed with pride for Ava’s growth,” Gates said. “Ava’s confidence in her ability to do things has grown tremendously. She loves to say, ‘I got it! I’m an adult.’”  Programs like USCA LIFE, she explained, have given their family reassurance and confidence in Ava’s future.  “We knew she could do all these things, but being in a setting where she had to prove it and then finish with a credential means the world to us,” she said.  Following graduation, Ava has already accepted a new position at Joy in the Journey, a speech and occupational therapy office in Lexington, South Carolina, where she will serve as the office’s joy coordinator. Beginning June 2, she will help therapists prepare rooms, welcome new clients, and assist in the waiting room.  While stepping into the workforce, Ava is also looking ahead to even bigger goals.  “She would like to live on her own or with roommates in an apartment,” her mother said. “She still wants to be like any other college graduate and 23-year-old and start living without her parents.”  Jules’ mother, Toni Gray, has also seen tremendous personal growth during her daughter’s time in the program.  “The changes we’ve noticed are an increase in her day-to-day independence and a definite growth in her level of maturity,” Gray said.  Although Ava will not be returning to campus in the fall, Jules plans to continue in the USCA LIFE Leadership & Civic Engagement (LCE) program as a third-year student and is already looking forward to the upcoming school year.   “She’s extremely excited about being a third-year student,” Gray said. “She’s looking forward to moving into a new dorm and finding out who her roommates will be.”  Their friendship, however, is far from ending. Gates and Gray say their daughters will still make plans to catch up over the summer.   “Her friendship with Ava is an unbreakable bond,” Gray said. “They talk, text, and/or FaceTime every day, but they are not inseparable. They both have many other friends and activities without each other. Jules will miss her when she returns in the fall because Ava has decided not to return. I’m sure they will still call each other at 8 p.m. every night to say goodnight.”  During her time at USCA, Jules especially embraced the social side of college life while also gaining valuable work experience through a job at ACE Hardware.  “Jules truly enjoyed the social aspects of college the most,” Gray said. “She was always planning her next activity such as sporting events, dances, karaoke, or just spending time with the other students in the dorm lobby.”  “She worked three days a week cleaning, organizing, and helping customers,” Gray added. “She’s excited to find out what new job she’ll get when she returns.”  As the two best friends celebrate this milestone together, their families say the USCA LIFE program has helped provide opportunities, confidence and independence that will continue shaping their futures long after graduation. 

USCA School of Education students, faculty and alumni teamed up with Leavelle McCampbell Middle School on April 1 for Metric Math Olympics, during LMMS’ Enrichment Week.   Dr. Devone McKie, LMMS assistant principal and USCA alumnus, collaborated with Dr. Bridget Coleman, SoE professor, and her students to plan hands-on activities for LMMS and Langley-Bath-Clearwater middle schoolers during the event’s Math Camp.   “The partnership with University of South Carolina Aiken played a major role in the success of our Level Up Math Camp,” McKie said.   “The college students provided extra support, encouragement, and positive mentorship to our students throughout the camp. It also gave our students exposure to college opportunities and helped make learning more engaging.”  Elliott Hendricks, a secondary math education major, led several engaging activities, which included measurements and a lot of fun: javelin straw throw, paper plate discus, sphere marbles grab, and cotton ball shot put. The fan favorite was Hendricks’ sponge squeezing competition to determine which middle schooler could squeeze the most water from the sponge.   “Elliott Hendricks’ involvement added tremendous value through his mathematics expertise and support of both students and staff,” McKie said.  “His involvement helped strengthen the instructional activities and made the experience even more meaningful for our students.”  Other USCA alumni who now teach at LMMS and LBC assisted with the event, including Kali Paczynski, Kayla McPhee, Bryan Hadden and Jalisa McKevie-Daniels.    “Overall, the collaboration created a positive learning experience that benefited everyone involved,” McKie said.