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The Lexington Soil and Water Conservation District held their Annual Awards and Recognition Banquet on May 15, 2008 at T&S Farms in Batesburg-Leesville. Listed below are those that were honored at the banquet.

Scholarships --- William “Will” Amick, a senior, who attends Lexington High School, was the recipient of the $1,000 scholarship. He served as President and Reporter of the Lexington Technology Center FFA Chapter, and is a member of the Boy Scouts of America, the Order of the Arrow. He has participated in conservation efforts through the FFA and Boy Scouts, where he has actively participated in protecting land from erosion. Will has been accepted to Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Georgia, majoring in Horticulture. His proud parents are Blake and Dell Amick, of Lexington.

Samantha Mack, a senior, who attends Gilbert High School, was the recipient of the $500 scholarship. She has served as the Reporter of the Gilbert FFA Chapter and the Gilbert Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Chapter. She is very active in both chapters, where she has competed in state and national HOSA competitions, as well as area, state, and national FFA competitions. She has learned the importance of soil, water, plants, and animals through her studies in her Agricultural Science and Environmental and Natural Resource classes. Samantha plans to major in Horticultural Technology at Spartanburg Community College. Her proud parents are Timothy and Pamela Mack of Lexington.

Teacher of the Year --- This award was presented to teacher team from Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School. The teachers were Mrs. Myra Davenport and Mrs. Julie Ruff. Mrs. Davenport and Mrs. Ruff each received a Desk Clock and a $150 check. Dr. Darlene Stephens, Principal at B-L Elementary School submitted Mrs. Davenport and Mrs. Ruff nominations. Dr. Stephens said both teachers have been pioneers for conservation education at B-L Elementary School, as well as in their community. Together, they have worked to create a successful school recycling program, as well as create a butterfly and vermin composting area that will serve as an outdoor classroom for students to enjoy real world experiences, while learning. Mrs. Davenport and Mrs. Ruff’s efforts to educate others about the importance of conservation are far reaching and long lasting.

Environmental Education Award --- This award was presented to Mr. Tommy Harmon, Agricultural Education Teacher and FFA Advisor, at the Lexington Technology Center. Mr. Harmon has been instrumental in educating Lexington’s youth about agriculture and natural resources, and how they fit into and benefit our daily lives. He started teaching in 1980. Since then, he has taught students not only about agriculture and natural resources, but how to work together as a team and how to be leaders. Through his efforts, knowledge, and wisdom; he has had numerous state winning FFA Career Development Event Teams, as well as numerous state FFA Officers. We are proud of Mr. Harmon and all of his accomplishments in his years of teaching!

Tommy (left) and Dwight Davis (right).

Environmental Protection and Water Quality Award --- This award was presented to Mrs. Synithia Williams and Ms. Sheri Armstrong for their efforts in protecting our natural resources through implementing stormwater changes and educating the general public about stormwater in general. Ms. Williams and Ms. Armstrong work in the Stormwater Division of Lexington County Public Works. Ms. Williams is the Environmental Coordinator, and Ms. Armstong is the Stormwater Manager, in the Stormwater Division. Both ladies have been instrumental in getting the new Stormwater Ordinance and Development Design Manual written, as well as making numerous presentations to various groups about stormwater and the problems it causes.

Synithia (left) and Fred Taylor right).

Sheri (left) and Fred right).

Chair's Special Recognition Award --- This award was presented to the Lexington County Council for their efforts in protecting our natural resources. The district recognizes and appreciates the Lexington County Council for adopting the Stormwater Management Ordinance and The Land Development Manual to protect the quality of soil and water resources. Billy Derrick accepted the award on behalf of the Lexington County Council.