Pastor James J. Anderson, first lady Gloria Anderson, and youth participants and attendees.
Courtesy photo
BENNETTSVILLE — Members of the Historical Sawmill Missionary Baptist Church held their annual youth day program Sunday, June 8. The morning service was presented by the following youth as part of their Youth Day celebration.
Sunday School Superintendent was Keon Adams, Secretary was Nori Adams, Sunday School teachers were: McKenzie Douglas – Youth Class, Mrs. Linda Calhoun Adult Class, Presider, Call to Worship, and Invocation was presented by Addison Hersey; Scripture was presented by Shamyra Gee, Congregational Prayer was presented by Tyreek Charlie Brown Jones, Welcome and Recognition of Visitors was presented by Kennedi Graham, Inspirational Readings were presented by Alyessea Adams, “The Future is in Our Hands,” and David Springle, “Called to Shine.” Announcements were presented by McKenzie Douglas, Solo (Never Would Have Made It) was performed by Tyreek Charlie Brown Jones, Mission and Offering was carried out by Kamori Jennings and Destiny McCoy, and the Morning Message was presented by James J. Anderson, pastor. His message was, “Which Way Will You Go?”
The program concluded with the announcement of the youth of the year for 2025-2026 and runners up, followed by the recognition of graduates, and student achievement during the fourth nine weeks.
Tyreon Lowery was named the Youth of the Year 2025-2026. Tyreon is the grandson of Ms. Delores Lowery and will graduate from Marlboro County High School in July.
Shamyra Gee was 1st runner-up. Shamyra is the daughter of Ms. Sharon Thompson. She is a rising 8th grader at the Blenheim Middle School of Discovery.
McKenzie Douglas was 2nd runner-up. Mckenzie is the daughter of Kendricks and Mahilda Douglas. She is a rising 10th grader at Marlboro County High School.
The 2025 graduates were: Malia Bridges Fuller – Blenheim Middle School of Discovery, Kenndi Graham – Courtland High School in Spotsylvania, Virginia, Tyreon Lowery – Marlboro County High School (July graduate), and Tyreek Charlie Brown Jones – Sandhill Community College in Pinehurst, N.C.
Students acknowledged for their nine week’s grades were: Alyssea Adams- All A’s (Principal List), McKenzie Douglas – All A’s (Principal List), Perfect Attendance, and 2025 NETC Presidents List; Willandria Gee – A’s and B’s and no more than one C; Addison Hersey – A’s and B’s and Perfect Attendance; Shamyra Gee – A’s and B’s, Top Dawg Perfect Attendance 2 yrs., and Beta Club Top Dawg; Tyreon Lowery – A’s and B’s and one C; Kenndi Graham – A’s and B’s; Malia Bridges Fuller – Effort; Jaquez Little – Effort; Destiny McCoy – Effort; David Springle – Effort; Miracle McBride – Effort; Brycen Primus – Effort; Aubrey Bridges Fuller – Effort; London Fortune – Effort; Skylar Little – Effort; and Zion Smith – Effort. Ms. Annie Bell Dease is Chair of Youth Department.