Kindness Club
- One Day/One Dollar for Harvest Hope - November 2024
- Pumpkin Decorating with Friends - October 2024
- National Custodians Day 2024
- Yoga with Friends
- Black History Month 2024: Our Current Students Make History, too!
- Women's History Month 2024 - Our Students Make History, too!
- Handmade Wreaths for Dreher Families
- Ruby Merland and her Message of Kindness
- Unified Spirit Week 2023
- Gratitude
One Day/One Dollar for Harvest Hope - November 2024
Pumpkin Decorating with Friends - October 2024
National Custodians Day 2024
Yoga with Friends
Black History Month 2024: Our Current Students Make History, too!
- February 29 - MaKayla Moody
- February 28 - Curtis Wilson
- February 27 - Jasmyn Hurt
- February 26 - Caleb Evans
- February 23 - Ariyanna Hughes
- February 23 - Gabrielle Williams
- February 22 - Rachel Langley
- February 21 - Benjamin Brown
- February 20- Isaiah Little-Davis
- February 15 - Ethan Freeman
- February 14 - Laila Brown
- February 13 - Tony Baker
- February 13 - Zyon Williams-Hayes
- February 12 - CJ Jeffcoat
- February 9 - Mynala Patterson
- February 8 - N'diyah Miller
- February 8 - Desmond Huggins
- February 7 - Sara Brown
- February 6 - Kyra Grindley
- February 5 - Daniel Rose
- February 2 - Kylie Thomas
- February 1 - Tyra Helper
February 29 - MaKayla Moody
We would be remiss if we ended our Black History Month highlights without mentioning everyone's favorite Blue Devil: MaKayla Moody
MaKayla may be short in stature, but she has a BIG heart. MaKayla's positive personality brightens every day. She has been a regular participant in the Miss Blue Devil pageant - she's certainly a perennial "Miss Congeniality!" Makayla is also a regular in Mrs. Lee's dance classes. As you can see from this photo from the Special Ed prom, Makayla will dance whenever she hears music!
February 28 - Curtis Wilson
Although still a junior, Curtis Wilson has already taken AP Human Geography, AP Stats, AP European History, and is currently enrolled in AP US History, AP Chemistry, and AP English Language.
He has also taken three engineering courses and an IT course at Heyward. He has earned the IT Essentials certification.
For his academic excellence, Curtis was a South Carolina Junior Scholar and has received the College Board's new National African American Recognition Award. His name always appears on either Dreher's Principal's or A honor rolls. Of course, Curtis has been inducted into the National Honor Society.
Curtis, we look forward to your senior year.
February 27 - Jasmyn Hurt
Jasmyn Hurt is currently ranked in the top 7% of the junior class. She has achieved this high ranking because she has challenged herself in AP Human Geography, AP World History, AP US History, AP Seminar, AP Research, AP Psychology, and AP English Language!
Jasmyn is not only talented academically, but also athletically. She is on both the varsity volleyball and varsity soccer teams.
We look forward to another year with Jasmyn succeeding at all she does at Dreher.
February 26 - Caleb Evans
February 23 - Ariyanna Hughes
Senior Ariyanna Hughes is new to Dreher this year having spent the past two years in Vincenza, Italy. However, she has quickly immersed herself in the Dreher culture.
For example, she will play on our softball team this spring.
Ariyanna collected for Harvest Hope this past fall as a member of the Key Club. She has been inducted into the National Honor Society. She is also a member of the Spanish Club and is currently enrolled in Spanish 5 Honors.
Ariyanna is in Dance 4 Honors and plays in the strings section of our orchestra. Her name has appeared on the Principal’s Honor Roll all year.
Benvenuta, Ariyanna, e mille grazie!
February 23 - Gabrielle Williams
Senior Gabrielle Williams is in the National Honor Society and the Junior Classical League. She earned a first place, Cum Laude, on the National Latin Exam. Not surprising, since she has taken four years of Latin.
Gabby has also explored her interests in technical fields. She has taken Intro to Engineering and Principles of Engineering, and is currently enrolled in both Aerospace Engineering and Digital Electronics.
Gabrielle has been honored by the College Board with its new National African American Recognition Award. Her name has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll at the start of the past three school years.
February 22 - Rachel Langley
Senior Rachel Langley has it all and does it all! She is a varsity cheerleader and runs both the 800 and the 4x800 relay on our track team.
Rachel holds several leadership roles. She is the social media chair of the Key Club and the Vice President of the National Honor Society. Rachel has taken four years of Chinese and is the former President of the Chinese Club. and currently serves on the Athletic Director's Student Athletic Advisory Council.
She's busy, but she does not neglect her studies. She has taken AP Seminar, AP Research, AP Psychology, and is currently enrolled in AP Chemistry and AP English Language. At the end of junior year, Rachel ranked in the top ten percent of her class.
February 21 - Benjamin Brown
Benjamin Brown is today’s Black History Month honoree. He’s in everything at Dreher- NJROTC, Key Club, FBLA, National Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society. Not only that, Ms. Brooks has notified him that he will be Richland One’s first “quadruple CTE completer.”
Outside of school Benjamin serves as a leader in 4-H and has his own children’s book and recycling business.
Last year Benjamin received the Martin Luther King Dream Keeper Scholarship and was a South Carolina Delegate to the Disney Dreamers Academy. This year he is a candidate for the Bank of America scholarship.
Benjamin was named to the College Board’s new National African American Recognition Program. He will be recognized at the Urban League’s Young and Gifted Dinner. Even the South Carolina State House of Representatives noticed him, passing a resolution honoring Benjamin for all his accomplishments.
February 20- Isaiah Little-Davis
Isaiah Little-Davis is a senior new to Dreher this year. However, he has already made an impression. He is a proud youth member of New Black Wall Street and works in the community in support of black businesses and in public speaking.
Isaiah was the number two ranked runner in the 55 meter dash for 3A in his previous school.
Isaiah has made a special impression on our media staff. Ms. Coffman reports that Isaiah is their best customer. He reads a book a week!
February 15 - Ethan Freeman
Ethan Freeman is a fine example of a student/athlete. He is one of the captains of our competitive boys' soccer team.
Every quarter, you will see Senior Ethan Freeman's name on either the A Honor Roll or Principal's Honor Roll. So it is no surprise that he is an inductee into the National Honor Society and a candidate for the National Technical Honor Society, having succeeded in Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, Civil Engineering and Architecture and Aerospace Engineering. He is obviously a candidate for Project Lead the Way Completer.
Ethan will be honored by the Columbia Urban League for his academic accomplishments.
February 14 - Laila Brown
Senior Laila Brown is the youngest in a family of Blue Devils. Her two brothers are Dreher grads.
Laila is outstanding dancer. She has taken four years of dance at Dreher. Laila is also an outstanding athlete and teammate. She received recognition as an All-State Volleyball player both this year and last.
Laila has been on the B, A, and Principal’s Honor Rolls throughout her high school career.
Laila is one of Dreher’s participants in “Chat with the Chair” – that’s the chair of the District School Board! - and serves as an officer on the Student Athletic Advisory Leadership Board.
You will never see Laila without a smile on her face, whether in class, in the hallways, or helping out in the canteen at lunch.
February 13 - Tony Baker
Tony has been accepted to Mars Hill, Benedict, Francis Marion, and SC State, with some scholarship offers to consider when he finalizes his decision.
Tony is probably the most likable and polite student. He is kind to everyone he meets.
He is trying to look serious in the photo above, but the smiling Tony is the real one:
February 13 - Zyon Williams-Hayes
Zyon Williams-Hayes had a great football season this year. So good that he made the news as a WLTX Player of the Week in football. Zyon has been on the B Honor Roll each year, and this past semester he is finishing strong on the A Honor Roll.
Zyon will be honored by the Columbia Urban League for his athletic talents.
February 12 - CJ Jeffcoat
Charles - CJ - Jeffcoat is a stand-out athlete in football and track. He was selected to participate in the North/South All-star Football game in Myrtle Beach and he has an offer from Newberry College.
CJ now moves on to help our Track team. He was region champ in the shot put last spring.
CJ is a member of the 100 Black Men Club and will be honored by the Columbia Urban League for his athletic talents.
February 9 - Mynala Patterson
We have a fantastic visual arts program at Dreher and senior Mynala Patterson has taken advantage of every art class offered since she was a freshman.
Mynala has been enrolled in Art 1, Art 2, Art 3 Honors, photography, and ceramics. Not only that, she ventured in Introduction to Engineering Design last year. She is now enrolled in Ms. Gorlewski's AP Art 2-D Design.
Mynala is such a talented artist, and you'll be able to enjoy her work at the not-to-be-missed AP Art Show coming up in April.
February 8 - N'diyah Miller
Senior N'diyah Miller is clearly a performer. Her lineup of classes at Dreher includes Chorus, Theatre, World Music and Broadcast Journalism.
N'diyah was selected for the District Honor Choir. She has been honored as a “Thespian of the Year” and won a superior in duet acting at the district theater festival last fall. She was recently inducted into the International Thespian Society.
N’diyah is a member of the National Honor Society and Key Club. She will be recognized at the Columbia Urban League’s upcoming gifted and talented awards dinner. You will be able to see N’diyah on stage as a contestant in this year’s Miss Blue Devil Pageant.
February 8 - Desmond Huggins
Senior Desmond Huggins is another talented performer. His instrument is the baritone sax.
Desmond has been a member of both the Marching Band and the Concert Band for the past three years. Desmond was a student leader of the Marching Band during his junior year and was this year's Woodwind Captain.
Each year Desmond's Concert Band performance has been rated "Superior" in Solo and Ensemble Honor Band. Desmond has also been called back for the All-State Honor Band.
Desmond is an Urban League honoree in both arts and academics. He was inducted into the National Honor Society and plans on majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in college.
If he has enough time, we hope he continues to play the bari sax!
February 7 - Sara Brown
Senior Sara Brown clearly exercises both her artistic and her technical talents.
Sara is a member of the District Honor Choir. In addition, she has spent four years in theatre classes, and was elected as a State Thespian officer.
But Sara has also accepted the challenges of the Project Lead the Way Engineering program, having earned a place in the National Technical Honor Society.
Sara was recognized by the College Board with its new National African American Recognition award.
Last but not least, Sara is also the best cashier at the Rosewood Publix!
February 6 - Kyra Grindley
Kyra sings with the District Honor Choir. On stage, she was ranked “Superior with Distinction” at the District Theatre Festival. Her Theatre teacher honored Kyra as a “Thespian of the Year.”
Kyra is a senior leader in the Kindness Club. For her many achievements, Kyra was named by the College Board as a recipient of the Board’s new National African American Recognition award.
February 5 - Daniel Rose
We have so many talented musicians and artists at Dreher. This week of Black History Month we want to highlight just a few of them.
Daniel has played in the All-State Orchestra for the past two years. Last year he traveled to DC to perform with the All-National Symphony Orchestra.
February 2 - Kylie Thomas
Today’s honoree for Black History Month is senior Kylie Thomas.
Kylie was elected as South Carolina’s Sergeant-at-Arms for SkillsUSA. In this position she represented our state in Washington, DC.
Kylie is heavily involved in our Project Lead the Way Engineering program. Kylie has excelled in Introduction to Engineering, Principles of Engineering, Principles of Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering and Architecture, and Digital Electronics. Not only that, she is in Automotive Tech 3 at Heyward.
Kylie is a CTE Completer, a member of the National Technical Honor Society, and a varsity cheerleader.
February 1 - Tyra Helper
Last year Tyra was selected for the National Quest Bridge College Prep scholarship and this year she was matched to Rice University in Houston, Texas, through that program. Tyra’s four years at Rice will be fully covered – tuition, room and board, books, and travel. Her scholarship is worth over $300,000.
Among her many activities, Tyra’s on our Robotics Team, is a member of the National Honor Society, and is a CTE Completer in Project Lead the Way/Engineering.
Women's History Month 2024 - Our Students Make History, too!
For Women's History Month 2024, we invited sponsors of clubs and activities as well as coaches of teams to identify a girl in the group who stands out as a leader. We think you'll agree we have inspiring leaders among the girls at Dreher.
- Maureen McConaghy Thunell with Shelby Mode
- Daryl Jarvis with Laila Brown, Libby Hardin, and Kylie Thomas
- Katie Pfrommer with Sophie Martin
- Katie Pfrommer with Larrabee Ellenberg
- Kathleen Pennyway with Aza Nyberg and Emma Keller
- Kathleen Pennyway with Drama Co-Chairs Larrabee Ellenberg and Sara Brown
- April Finley with Aza Nyberg
- Madalyn Hazlett and Berkeley McCants
- Kathleen Lee and Malana Pinckney
- Nicoleta Hodis and Ella McLean
- Alison Schriro and Emma Keller
- Dr. Nicoleta Hodis and Grace Rivers
- Jaynelle Bolton and Lindsay Smith
- Marjorie Weaver and Isabella Cox
- Ella Humphrey and Elizabeth Link
- Merryn Courie and Madalyn Hazlett
- Naja Weinkle and Lindsey Hiller
- Hannah Barr and Dr. Chris Lee
Maureen McConaghy Thunell with Shelby Mode
Maureen McConaghy (Thunell) is grateful for the leadership of Shelby Mode:
Sponsor of the Kindness Club, Maureen McConaghy (Thunell), is grateful for the leadership of senior member Shelby Mode. Shelby took the lead on this Women's History Month project, single-handedly capturing photos for our display. Shelby relates exceptionally well with our friends in the Special Ed classes, recently encouraging some shy friends to dance at the Special Ed prom.
Daryl Jarvis with Laila Brown, Libby Hardin, and Kylie Thomas
Athletic Director Daryl Jarvis praises the leadership of four senior girls on his Athletic Advisory Council: Laila Brown, Tyra Helper, Libby Hardin, and Kylie Thomas. These four excel in the classroom and on the fields and the courts. And, in the case of Tyra, in the pool. Among their many accomplishments, Libby is a leader on the girls' soccer team. Kylie is a senior member of the cheer squad. Tyra’s on the swim team, and Laila is an All-State volleyball player.
Although off at a Robotics competition when this photo was taken, Tyra Helper is also valued by Coach Jarvis.
Katie Pfrommer with Sophie Martin
Art teacher Katie Pfrommer says of Sophie Martin:
Sophie Martin is an outstanding leader in National Art Honor Society and the Visual Arts program. She brings her creativity, strong work ethic, and kindness to whatever endeavor she pursues. Sophie serves as our club Historian, is in Art 3 Honors, and recently represented Richland County School District One in the Cottontown Art Crawl as a student artist.
Katie Pfrommer with Larrabee Ellenberg
National Art Honor Society Advisor Katie Pfrommer praises Larrabee Ellenberg:
Larrabee Ellenberg is an outstanding leader in National Art Honor Society and the Visual Arts program. She brings her creativity, positivity, and brilliance to whatever endeavor she pursues. Larrabee serves as our club Vice President (and former President last school year) and is in AP Visual Art. She has led our program in many school wide art projects, including the collaborative art piece that hangs in the School Counseling office.
Kathleen Pennyway with Aza Nyberg and Emma Keller
Theatre Teacher Kathleen Pennyway says of Aza Nyberg and Emma Keller:
"Emma and Aza served as assistant directors for our recent production of Metamorphoses. They were responsible for helping to conduct auditions, leading warm-ups, giving acting feedback, and generally helping with the production. Their desire for excellence and positive attitudes made the rehearsal room pleasant and productive every day.
Kathleen Pennyway with Drama Co-Chairs Larrabee Ellenberg and Sara Brown
Theatre teacher Kathleen Pennyway says of her Drama Department Co-Chairs Larrabee Ellenberg and Sara Brown:
Larrabee and Sara are Co-Chairs for the Dreher Drama Department this year. They are both committed to excellence, and have revamped several of our processes to make them more efficient and effective.
Larrabee and Sara are both active in technical theatre and acting, and have led in multiple ways throughout the year. They lead by example no matter what part they play in our productions. They are warm, kind, positive, and dedicated to excellence, and any room is better when they are in it!
April Finley with Aza Nyberg
Student Council Advisor April Finley says of Student Body President Aza Nyberg:
Aza is an amazing young lady who is committed to success in and outside of the classroom! She has been a phenomenal Student Body President who consistently advocates for the students of Dreher. I am very proud of all she has accomplished and I look forward to seeing the wonderful things she will achieve beyond high school.
Madalyn Hazlett and Berkeley McCants
e-sports Club Sponsor Madalyn Hazlett praises Berkeley McCants:
"Berkeley McCants is the reason our e-sports club was able to raise over $600 for new equipment - she came up with the idea to host a talent show to raise money and pitched the idea to Ms. Asouzu to get approval. Every other aspect of the talent show was a group effort, but the idea came solely from Berkeley's persistence and strong leadership skills. I am so grateful to have her on our team, especially since she's only a freshman! I can't wait to see what amazing things she does over the next four years."
Kathleen Lee and Malana Pinckney
Kathleen Lee says of Sophomore Malana Pinckney:
Malana is a valued member of the Dreher Dance Company (DDC) and a talented choreographer. Malana does not draw attention to herself; rather, she is always there, behind the scenes, supportive, and leading by example. Malana is always prepared, always kind. I trust her advice about what will work with our dancers.
Nicoleta Hodis and Ella McLean
Dr. Nicoleta Hodis says of Ella McLean:
"As the students put it 'she always gets things done.'" Although a senior, Ella is one of the most reliable students in our Latin Club. She will always be there to organize, support, or just do whatever is needed. Her friendly demeanor and positive attitude allow her to easily interact and work with other students.
Ella and her fellow members of the Latin Club placed first in the SC Junior Classical League Forum for the second year in a row.
Alison Schriro and Emma Keller
Alison Schriro, Advisor to the National Honor Society, says of Emma Keller:
"Emma has been a Dreher Ambassador for two years and is secretary of the Eleanor Doggette Chapter of the National Honor Society. She consistently impresses me with her maturity, dependability, and initiative. In both roles, Emma regularly goes above and beyond. I am so lucky to have the opportunity to work with her both within and outside of the classroom!"
Dr. Nicoleta Hodis and Grace Rivers
Dr.. Hodis has two very special members of her Latin Club: Emma McLean and Grace Rivers.
Dr. Nicoleta Hodis says of Grace Rivers:
"As the students put it 'she always gets things done.'" Although only a sophomore, Grace is one of the most reliable students in our Latin Club. She will always be there to organize, support, or just do whatever is needed. Her friendly demeanor and positive attitude allow her to easily interact and work with other students."
At the SC Junior Classical League Forum, Grace was elected state Historian.
Spanish teacher Maria Paz Velazquez says that while she does not teach Grace, she thinks Grace is a wonderful addition to the language corner.
Jaynelle Bolton and Lindsay Smith
Lindsay Smith, coach of the Cheer Team, says of Jaynelle Bolton:
"Jaynelle is an integral part of the varsity cheer team at Dreher. She is a hard worker, she is a very talented athlete and is always pushing herself to improve. She is kind to all of her teammates and is one of the strongest main bases on the team. She is a leader on and off the field. She helps her teammates and coaches whenever they need it, she is always on time and prepared, and she just overall does a great job and gives 100% in everything she does.
She is also in honors classes and is in Teacher Cadet. She was chosen to speak before the School Board in support of the Teacher Cadet program.
Marjorie Weaver and Isabella Cox
Mock Trial Team Coach Isabella Cox says of Marjorie Weaver:
Marjorie is an active participant in Mock Trial and has been for the past three years. Marjorie always offers support to her peers and helps them become better Mock Trial participants. She won "Most Effective Attorney" at the Regional Competition and helped lead the team to compete at States."
Ella Humphrey and Elizabeth Link
" Even though I do not coach the Robotics team, I notice that Ella Humphrey is very involved with Blue Devil Mechanics Robotics and has spearheaded this year's efforts to include special education students in Ms. Celeste Smith's class into the newly formed team, Blue Devil Mechanics Unified.
Merryn Courie and Madalyn Hazlett
Math Team Coach Madalyn Hazlett says of Merryn Courie:
"Merryn has been on math team for her entire high school career and this year she has taken on the leadership role as math team captain. Even when she was a freshman, she was willing to come to the board and demonstrate a solution to challenging problems to upperclassmen and has continued to be that willing to try and help others since that day.
Merryn is consistent and always stays positive - she is a great leader and I'm looking forward to having her next year!"
Naja Weinkle and Lindsey Hiller
Key Club Advisor Lindsey Hiller says of Naja Weinkle:
"Naja Weinkle is one of the best Key Club Presidents I have had. She has taken the initiative to get our members to volunteer with the Congaree River Clean Up and volunteer every Sunday at Still Hopes. I wanted to start committees for Key Club this year, and she ran with the idea by putting all members into committees and making meeting schedules. Naja has been the epitome of an effective student leader."
Hannah Barr and Dr. Chris Lee
Band Director Dr. Chris Lee says of Hannah Barr:
"Hannah is a force! She is energetic, determined, organized, kind, influential, prepared, concerned and hilarious. She is the epitome of excellence and is a major factor in the success of our band. She is the first to arrive, she makes sure her leadership team is doing their jobs and is not afraid to jump in to assist.
Ms. Barr is a beacon example of servant leadership."
Handmade Wreaths for Dreher Families
Ruby Merland and her Message of Kindness
Unified Spirit Week 2023
Unified Spirit Week, celebrating the spirit of unity among all Blue Devils, was observed at Dreher during November 13-17, 2023.
Savannah Le, teacher in the Special Education Department, provided homeroom teachers with discussion topics on awareness of students with differing abilities.
Students displayed their 'Unified Spirit" by dressing in the theme of the day.
Teachers Haley Williams and Amy Requa led a relaxing lunchtime yoga class for special education students and their friends on Wednesday.
The big event was on Friday when we hosted students from Columbia and AC Flora High Schools for a Special Olympics basketball game. Cheerleaders, friends, and some family members in the stands were vocal in their encouragement of the participants.
The theme for Wednesday of Unified Spirit Week was "Wellness Wednesday - Let's Get Physical." To help us get in the spirit, teachers Haley Williams and Amy Requa led our Special Ed students and other friends in a yoga class during second lunch.
Friday was our Special Olympics Basketball Game - a great way to end this year's Unified Spirit Week. We were privileged to host teams from AC Flora and Columbia High Schools.