Staff photo by Rob Novit LBC Middle School student Nick Keenan, in wheelchair, celebrates a basket at a Project Unify event for special needs children. Volunteer buddies from the school, including Nicks mentor Alex Johnson, behind him, celebrate wildly during the three-school tournament.
amazed by her schools response. Other teachers brought their students to the gym to provide support. Our Buddy Club has stepped up and helped my kids practice, Newbegin said. Our Ambassador Club is an actual class, and they made all the posters for us and the other schools. My kids have been so excited. They knew it was a tournament and said, Were going to beat those other schools. Mike Epps, LBCs basketball coach and physical education teacher, said his wife has brought their daughter Carrie to all his games. This event was emotional for Epps, as Carrie is one of Newbegins students. He helped plan the event and served as the referee for the first half. For the first time, he watched his daughter get a chance to play basketball on
that court. Its great for Carrie and all these kids, Epps said. They look at all the others cheering for them, and those are students they think are superkids. Esmerelda Cortez has one buddy, Megan OBanion. Yet, at the football game last month, Meagan and three other classmates hung out with her the entire time. They did so again Tuesday. Ezzie is leaving (to go to Midland Valley) next year, Megan said. Im really sad about that. Aiken Middle teacher Eszter Mad-Szabo was delighted to bring her students to LBC. Its important for us to come out and be together, she said. Everybody can see that these kids can have just as much fun as other kids.
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fraud resolution provided by Experian. Anyone who filed a South Carolina tax return since 1998 should take the following steps: Call 1-866-578-5422 to enroll in a consumer protection service. (The call center is open 9:00 AM 9:00 PM EST on Monday through Friday and 11:00 AM 8:00 PM EST on Saturday and Sunday.) For any South Carolina taxpayer who wishes to bypass the telephone option, there currently is an online service available at http://www.protectmyid.com/ scdor. Enter the code SCDOR123 when prompted. Experians ProtectMyID Alert is designed to detect, protect and resolve potential identity theft, and includes daily monitoring of all three credit bureaus. The alerts and daily monitoring services are provided for one year, and consumers will continue to have access to fraud resolution agents and services beyond the first year. GED Classes at Christ Central: If you know of someone who needs to earn their GED, Christ Central in Aiken offers both pre-GED classes and an intensive GED course. For more information, call (803) 564-5902, ext. 0. Speaking with Groups Around the District: Several local groups have invited me to attend one of their meetings to provide a legislative update. If you have a group that would like for me to come to a meeting, please let me know. Report Waste, Fraud and Abuse in State Government: To report waste, fraud and abuse in state government, you can call: 1-855-SC-FRAUD. Facebook: I have a Facebook page for Senator Tom Young. Please like the page to receive updates during the week from me on Facebook. Tom Youngs Website: My website can be reached at www. senatortomyoung.com. There are continued to page 4
full Education Committee. Concealed Weapons Permit: In late February, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed legislation (S.308) allowing concealed weapons permit (CWP) holders to carry their handgun into a restaurant which serves alcohol as long as the permit holder does not consume any alcohol while there. Restaurants have the option to post a sign not allowing concealable weapons on the premises; if that is done, then CWP holders cannot carry legally into such restaurants. The bill has stiff penalties for violating and a zero tolerance threshold for alcohol consumption. I voted in favor. The full Senate now has the bill. Restructuring Elimination of Budget and Control Board: On February 20, the full Senate passed legislation (S. 22) creating the Department of Administration. There was substantial debate over moving procurement to the Department of Administration under the Governor or placing procurement with a newly created State Fiscal Accountability Authority composed of the Governor, Comptroller General, Treasurer, Ways and Means Chairman, and Senate Finance Chairman. By a vote of 27-18, the Senate refused to place procurement under the Department of Administration. I voted in favor of putting procurement under the Department of Administration. State Exports Good News!: South Carolinas exports reached a record $25.3 Billion in goods sold in 2012. Our state ranks first among the 50 states in tire exports. Canada, Germany, and China are the top export markets for all products. Cyber Attack Deadline Extended: South Carolina taxpayers affected by the information security data breach at the South Carolina Department of Revenue now have until March 31, 2013, to sign up for a year of free credit monitoring and unlimited
The Midland Valley Monthly is a free publication provided by the Aiken Standard newspaper. DISTRIBUTION: Around 3800 copies of this section will be distributed each month on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. The section will publish inside the Aiken Standard to subscribers in Midland Valley zip codes of 29816 Bath, 29822 Clearwater, 29828 Gloverville, 29829 Graniteville, 29834 Langley, and 29851 Warrenville. Plus copies will also be distributed at strategic rack locations in these areas as well. MAILING ADDRESS: Midland Valley Monthly, c/o Julie Lott, P.O. Box 456, Aiken, SC 29802. SUBMISSION OF ARTICLES OR PICTURES: jlott@aikenstandard.com or the above mailing address. UPCOMING DEADLINE: March 29, 2013. NEXT PUBLICATION: April 10, 2013.
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more about tourism in the four county region of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, and Barnwell, visit www. tbredcountry.org. Email Updates: If you know of people in or around District 24 who do not receive my updates but they would like to get them, please email their names and email addresses to me. Road Issues: If you see a road problem, call the SCDOT at 6417665 or Aiken County at 642-1532 to report the problem. If you do not get a prompt response, please let me know at TomYoung@scsenate. gov or call me. Generally, most paved roads in the County are maintained by SCDOT and are identified on the road sign poles by a small black and white sign listing the road number, such as S-2-1669. Most unpaved roads in the County are maintained by the County. Please know that I can be reached by telephone (649-0000 or 215-3631); email (TomYoung@ scsenate.gov); regular mail (P.O. Box 651, Aiken, SC 29802); or just pull me aside when you see me. Thank you for the privilege and the opportunity to represent you.
links to a variety of constituent services; the status of sponsored 119 Trolley Line Road, Graniteville 663-7552 bills; and roll call votes. Please add my web site as a bookmark on your computer. SPRING YARD SALE - Gregg Wednesday Small Business Help SC Parks annual Spring Yard Sale ZUMBA 5:45-6:30 p.m. Dept. of Commerce: The South is the perfect place to bring those Come check out the Zumba Party Carolina Department of Commerce treasures and shop while youre on Wednesday afternoons with has helpful information for small selling. The yard sale will be held Instructor Becky Geeting. This on Saturday, April 27th, from 8:00 class is for any level of participation business owners and employees. To learn more, go to http:// a.m. 12:00 noon. Pre-registration and provides a non-intimidating sccommerce.com/sc-businessrequired. Call to register by opportunity for new exercisers. network. Thursday, April 25th, 6:00 p.m. No Congressman Joe Wilson need to pay for your space until that Tuesday and Thursday Contact Information: day. Cost is $5.00 per table (limit 2 ZUMBA CLASSES 6:00-7:00 p.m. per/person). *No Rain Date. Party yourself into shape! Come join Congressman Wilson now represents all of Aiken County. the ZUMBA PARTY with Certified He has staff in Aiken County with Upcoming Dates for Summer Instructor Tasha Hammell while office hours in Aiken and in North Day Camp - Gregg Parks Summer listening to the latest beats and Augusta. His office number is 608Day Camp will be held for boys sounds. 9747. and girls, ages 5-12. Camps will be State House Tours: Tours are held the weeks of June 17-20, June WALKING IS E-A-S-Y!! available for the S.C. State House 24-27, July 15-18, July 22-25, 2013. Earn a FREE t-shirt after just by calling (803) 734-2430. If you set Monday - Thursday each day from completing (16) walk times/20 a tour between January and June 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Cost is $40/ minutes or more and begin seeing and it is on a Tuesday, Wednesday, week/passholder and $50/week/ results for a healthier you! Sign or Thursday, please let me know so non-passholder. Pre-registration in at the front desk. Our New Session will continue through April I can do my best to see you. required (limited registration). Thoroughbred Country 4, 2013. *This is an ongoing program -- South Carolina Regional UNLIMITED Exercise Classes per Month begin walking with us anytime. Tourism Organization: To learn $10/Month for Passholders $15/Month for Non-Passholders LITE-SIDE - A seniors class for those who desire a vigorous and fun Monday and Wednesday filled workout! Certified instructor Lite-Side Exercise (Seniors) Emily Johnson will demonstrate 9:00-10:00 a.m. the latest techniques for health Instructor Emily Johnson teaches conscious adults. Classes are held the latest steps and techniques that on Mondays and Wednesdays from are fun and healthy. 9:00-10:00am. Monday and Wednesday Cardio/Weight Class 4:30-5:30 p.m. A 30/30 Cardio and Weight Class consisting of a cardio workout and followed by light weights for toning and abdominal work. Instructor: Becky Geeting Karate classes are taught by Brian Randall and are held on Tuesday nights from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Classes are for ages 5 and older with instruction in tae kwon do and kenpo. Cost is $15.00 per month.
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Worthless Idols
By Dr. Lynn Kirkland Jon 2:8 Those who worship worthless idols have abandoned their loyalty to you. Jon 2:9 But I will sing praises to you; I will offer you a sacrifice and do what I have promised. Salvation comes from the LORD! In this day and age of undocumented access to knowledge have believers in the Good News of Jesus Christ actually turned to worthless idols. If so what might some of those idols be. TRADITIONS OF MEN Isa 29:13 The Lord said, These people claim to worship me, but their words are meaningless, and their hearts are somewhere else. Their religion is nothing but human rules and traditions, which they have simply memorized. A friend of mine recently said, as we were practicing our music for worship service that until he started actually reading the words of the music in order to learn the chord changes that he did not know how beautiful and meaningful many songs are. He went on to say that many were just memorized tunes that he knew all too well. How many times have you looked at the church bulletin to see what the last song was that you sung? You really thought I was going to lay into the more liturgical denominations here didnt you? Sorry, but I know up close and personal the many horror stories of pastors having to leave churches because a vase was moved, or shrub cut down. I know stories of certain songs not being sung on a particular Sunday and the Pastor eventually left because of it. Bulletins. No bulletins. Style of music. Volume of music. Order of service... I could go on and on. Are these things really important? What about your next door neighbor with the live in girl friend Do they know Jesus? What about the people you work with everyday? Have you ever prayed for an opportunity to share your faith in Jesus Christ with them? Have you taken advantage of that opportunity when it presented
Lynn and Ann Kirkland www.AgrippaDubeMinistries. blogspot.com . If you are interested in being a sponsor of this column and the work we do locally, internationally, and on the internet, or if you have questions or a prayer request contact us at: Dr. Lynn Kirkland EVANGELIST / REVIVALIST Impact Ministries International, Inc. COWBOY CHURCH P.O. Box 5431, Aiken, SC 29804 OFFICE PHONE: 803-400-3609 http://www.ImpactMinistriesInt.org Sign up to recieve our monthly E~NEWS: www.tinyurl.com/4enews
RELIGIOUS BRIEFS
St. James Lutheran Church Holy Week Worship - Palm Sunday, March 24 at 11:00 am, Maundy Thursday, March 28 at 6:30 pm, Good Friday, March 29 at 6:30 pm, Easter Sunrise, March 31 at 7:00 am with Pre-Service music at 6:40 am. After service the LCY will host the Annual Easter Sunrise Breakfast. Donations will be accepted to help fund the groups trip to the LCY National Convention in July, 2015 St. James Lutheran Church is having an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30 at 10:00 am. Easter Sunday, March 31 at 10:30am First Baptist Church of Gloverville will present the cantata I Will Rise by Mike Speck. Everyone is invited to come and join us as we celebrate a risen Savior! The St. John Food Bank will be open on the third and fourth Saturday of the month from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at St. John Baptist Church, 286 Huber Clay Road, Langley. For more information, call 593-4186. The Clothes Closet at St. Pauls Episcopal Church, 117 Hard St., Graniteville, is open from 10 a.m. to noon every Saturday. Clothes are free. For more information, call Ann Mayer at 663-7440. Young Storm Branch Baptist Church, Langley, provides a clothes closet for anyone in need. For more information, call Dorothy Young at (706) 399-8117.
KIDS PAGE
There are NINE things different in the picture. Can you locate the differences?
ANSWERS ON PAGE 8
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BRIEFS
The March meeting of the Midland Valley Area Chamber of Commerce will be held, Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at Noon. The meeting will be held at Bobbys BBQ with guest speaker being Zoom Heaton from TLC Medical. The Langley-Bath-Clearwater Historical Society meets on the first Thursday each month at the Midland Valley Lions Club (No. 1 Lions Trail, Bath). The meeting starts at 7:00pm.
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naming ceremony in the village, which usually is held seven days after a babys birth. This time, the volunteers were given their own ceremony. Her host sister, Maimuna, asked Andrea to wear her own wedding outfit which Andrea describes as a Disney-like bubble gum pink top, with the skirt embellished with flowers, sequins and more. Her Gambian name is Sira Bah, named after her host mother. All the children call out Sira when she walks out her door. Gambia has made some strides to move toward modernization. Still, those in the rural areas like Koba Kundu have limitations theyre trying to overcome.
* Region Game
MARCH 2013
2013 MVHS Varsity Baseball Schedule DATE March 15 16 19 22 25 26 29 April 2 6 15 17 18 OPPONENT Swansea* North Augusta Brookland-Cacye* Airport* Silver Bluff Strom Thurmond Gilbert* Silver Bluff North Augusta Airport* South Aiken Strom Thurmond SITE Home Away Away Home Home Away Away Away Home Away Away Home TIME 7:00 2:30 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 6:30 7:00 2:30 7:00 6:00 7:00
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2013 MVHS JV Softball Schedule DATE March 13 15 19 21 22 25 26 28 April 2 3 16 22 OPPONENT North Augusta* Swansea* Brookland-Cayce* Swansea* Airport* Silver Bluff* Strom Thurmond* Gilbert* Silver Bluff* South Aiken Airport* North Augusta* SITE Home Home Away Away Home Home Away Away Away Away Away Away TIME 5:00 5:30 5:30 5:00 5:30 5:00 5:00 5:30 5:00 5:00 5:30 5:00
* Region Game
2013 MVHS JV Baseball Schedule DATE March 14 16 20 25 30 April 1 2 6 8 OPPONENT Brookland-Cayce* North Augusta Aiken** Silver Bluff Swansea* ** South Aiken Silver Bluff North Augusta Brookland-Cayce*
** Double Header
2013 MVHS Girls Soccer Schedule DATE March 15 19 20 22 26 28 April 2 4 16 18 23 26 29 OPPONENT Silver Bluff Gilbert* Ninety Six Swansea* Brookland-Cayce* Airport* Strom Thurmond* Grovetown Swansea* Brookland-Cayce* Airport* Strom Thurmond* Ninety Six**
**Senior Night
SITE Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away
TIME 6:00 12:00 5:30 5:30 11:00 5:30 5:00 12:00 6:00
2013 MVHS Tennis Schedule DATE March 13 12 14 18 19 25 26 28 April 2 15 16 18 22 23 25 29 OPPONENT Aquinas Lincoln County Brookland-Cayce* Camden Military Academy Saluda North Augusta Barnwell Gilbert Laney Branwell Brookland-Cayce* Airport* Batesberg-Leesville Saluda Gilbert* Airport*
** Home - Gregg Park
* Region Game
2013 MVHS Varsity Boys Soccer Schedule DATE March 14 15 19 22 26 28 April 1 4 16 18 22 23 26 30 May 2 OPPONENT Strom Thurmond* Silver Bluff Gilbert* Swansea* Brookland-Cayce* Airport* South Aiken Saluda Swansea* Brookland-Cayce* Ninety-Six Airport* Strom Thurmond* Barnwell** Ninety Six
** Senior Night
SITE Away Home Home Home Away Home Away Away Away Home Home Away Home Home Away
TIME 7:00 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:00 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:00 6:00 7:30
SITE Away Away Home Home Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Away Away Away
TIME 4:30 4:30 5:00 5:00 5:00 5:00 5:00 5:00 4:30 5:00 5:00 5:00 5:00 5:00 5:00 5:00
SITE Home Away Away Away Home Away Home Home Home Away Home Away Home
TIME 5:30 6:00 6:00 6:30 6:30 6:30 5:30 5:30 6:30 6:30 6:30 6:30 6:00
* Region Game
* Region Game
2013 MVHS Track Schedule DATE March 21 22-23 27 April 3 12-13 24-25 May 4 11 OPPONENT Swansea Garden City Classic Ridge Spring Aiken/Strom Thurmond Taco Bell Region Meet AAA State Qualifier AAA State Meet SITE Swansea Laney High Ridge Spring Midland Valley Spring Valley Swansea Lower Richland Spring Valley TIME 4:30 4:30 5:00 5:00 5:00/9:00 4:00 9:00 am 9:00 am
* Region Game
2013 MVHS Boys Golf Schedule DATE March 14 18 21 26 28 April 2 4 18 23 25 29-30 May 6 13-14 EVENT Aiken, Fox Creek, Silver Bluff North Augusta Silver Bluff Brookland-Cayce South Aiken Aiken, Silver Bluff, Fox Creek Strom Thurmond Brookland-Cayce North Augusta South Aiken Region V-AAA Tournament AAA Lower State Qualifier AAA State Tournament SITE Midland Valley Country Club River Course Country Club Cedar Creek Country Club Midland Valley Country Club Woodside Plantation Houndslake Country Club Pine Ridge Country Club Charwood Country Club Midland Valley Country Club Midland Valley Country Club TBA Coastal Carolina University N. Myrtle Beach High School TIME 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm TBA TBA TBA
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Connor Barton, NyQueria Collins, MaKinley Davis, Dunbar Hair, Cody Hutto, Gracie Swint, Wyatt Thomas, Grace Ann Thompkins, Drew Wren, Corben Johnson, Alyvia Gresham, Irys Odum, McKenna Palmer, Samantha Silas, NhyKaviyah Taylor, Urit Aguliar-Ayona, Jayden Baker, Haley Drake, Dalton Fulghum, Kaidyn Mabrey, Jaydan Odum and Ethan Power (Fourth grade) Saylar Barton, Skylar Barton, Corey Beecher, Callie Burnett-Rogers, Antonio Freeman, Olivia Nappier, Ben Rush, Justin Workman, Theron Hoar, Matthew Ingle, Madi Jones, Abby Khakee, Julius Odum, Blake Souder, Kieara Grogg, Tiana Holley, Chad Prince, Patrick Roof, Estefani Torres, Meaghan Wilson, Rebeckah Wilson and Addie Wren (Fifth grade) Mallorie Altman, Liam Culp, John Duncan, Kolby Hendrix, Skylar Jones, Jewel Miller, Abel Rocha, Walker Seymour, Richie White, Brooke Widener, Zander Huntington, Justen Judge, DeSean Williams, Lilin Phillips, Colby Tinsley and Caleb Wood
Escarlet Zuniga A/B HONOR ROLL Hannah Lydia Abney, James Randolph Adams, Alexis Adell Bates, Carl Gregory Cato, Tiana LaTrell Chandler, Anna Justine Clark, Latiphia Shantrail Coates, Taylor Marisa Coleman, Kenneth Blake Cook, Stephanie Aurora Flores, Katherine Diane Frazier, Danika Nicole Antawn George, Kenneth James Glenn, Samantha Daisy Green, Jeffrey Alan Grice, Ashley Danielle Hall, Aaron Jacob Hamer, Holland Elaine Hicks, Halle Emma Hook, Deidra Georita Jefferson, Joseph Alexander Johnson, Jaysen Ian Jones, Lexus Koral Leach, Jordan Lee Martin, Zachary Taylor Martin, Marissa Marie McClain, Wesley Lamont Minor, Percy Lee OConner, Kristyn Lee Padgett, Gracie Caroline Phillips, Ashlyn Brooke Regan, Lauren Kaylee Riggs, Holly Brooke Rittenberry, Tevin DQuan Robinson, Glen Tyler Sizemore, Aaron Spencer Stallings, Christopher George Taylor, Brittany Michelle Wallace, Matthew Glenn Widener, Autumn Brianna Williams, Brittany Nicole Williams, Hope LaGrace Williams, Jennifer Lynn Wood, Samuel Santiago Zapanta, Bria Davinee Adams, Lindsey Anne Atkinson, Adam Christopher Barton, Alanna Jessica Berrie, Ashley Machelle Bledsoe, Bryn Kristine Blumenthal, Logan Storm Boatwright, Bradley David Broome, Ryan William Byrd, Brittany Lynn
Campbell, Whitney Lee Campbell, Shelby Nicole Carpenter, Kiersten Marie Castillo, Alejandro Chavez, Hailey Rena Clark, Austin Cody Clary, Brandon Michael Corley, Baleigh Elane Ennis, Hanna Renee Feagin, Jaynie Savanah Fuentes, Magen Brooke Fulghum, Jeremi Alexander Harris, Julie Loree Harris, Macie Nicole Lott, Jonathan Aaron Marroquin, Catalina Martinez Arias, Michael Chandler McAdory, Alyssa Nicole McGovern, Colby Alexander Shealy, Shelby Steinmeyer, Dakota Lee Swearingen, Brianne Marie Tanner, Jennifer Stacey White, Hannah BreArlys Widener, Jonathan Thomas Winters, Stephen Edward Yaun, Britney Danielle Allen, Hannah Elizabeth Babb, Adrianna Nicole Baker, Stone Gregory Briatico, Kameron Alonzo Brown, Abigail Lorene Brunson, Blake William Craig, Andrea Maria Cruz, TaLesia Arayanna Dorch, Samantha Lorene Foster, Randy Lee Gagnon, Jennifer Huerta Gomez, Brianna Chanel Green, Abigail Faith Harper, Victoria Hope Hawkins, Trena Jeanette Hazel, Mattie Lee Inabinet, Madison Paige Jackson, Cassie Lynn Johnson, Shelby Ruth Johnson, Wyatt Alexander Jones, Rachel Alexis Killinger, Samantha Taylor Langley, Dalton Tyler Lewis, Ingrid Paulette Luna, Cheyanne Sierra Markel, Kayla Brooke Mayson, Allison Emmaline McWaters, Allen Micheal Mealing, Kayla Lauren Owens, Kirstin Bailey Polk, Brian Zachary Rittenberry, Guadalupe Romano-
Santana, Mikah Leigh Schar, Brett Douglas Silas, Sage Olivia Simpson, Brandon Michael Smith, Alexzander William Stone, Skyler Hope Storey, Allison Elizabeth Swiecki, David Omar Urizar, Ryan Thomas Welsh, Joseph Clayton Whitt, JaQuez Raikwon Chris Williams, Casey Jay Wilson, Codi Elizabeth Woodward, Rassia Bonae Yeldell, Joseph Chandler Alloways, Lauren Marie Baker, Kristen Michele Beam, Lilliana Aili Cameron, Jazmine Celeste Canaday, Lauren Elizabeth Carroll, Brandon Larry Chriswell, Michael Samuel Clayton, Craig Steven Correia, Henry Donovan Couch, Autumn Danielle Durden, Zachary James Fields, LeDaisha Lenn Graham, Lauren Renee Hadden, Zoe Ashlin Hawkins, Connor Edward Howell, Brandon Tyler Jackson, Michelle Frances Johnson, Chelsea Ann Kerce, Gonpreet Kaur Khera, Nicholas Alexander Linley, Carrianne McKenzie Long, Yenifer Ventura Lopez, Gage Austin McIntosh, Courtney Lauren Montgomery, Nicholas Calvin Morris, Angel Monique Moss, Zedric Brice Nelson, Mana Nicole Pham, Hannah McKenzie Redd, Kelli Lynn Richardson, Lukas Chance Sessions, William Devonte Slappy, Kaitlyn Marie Smith, Charity Lee Stephens, Sydney Analise Strother, Joshua Michael Towson, Shelea Coretta Washington, Cadence Breanne Weatherford, Kellie Elizabeth White, Breannah Sage Williams, Savannah Nicole Wood
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