The Dillon County Farm-City Week Luncheon and Awards Presentation was held on Tuesday, November 18th at the City of Dillon Wellness Center.
Cullen Bryant, a well-known local farmer, emceed the ceremony and welcomed everyone in attendance. Benny Cooper of Cooper Funeral Home gave the prayer and blessing of the meal.
This was followed by the pledge of allegiance led by Veteran Terry Morris.
Everyone then enjoyed a chicken bog lunch prepared by Q&J’s BBQ. Local volunteers helped serve the meal to guests.
During the meal, Christopher Jackson gave out the first round of door prizes. Cullen Bryant introduced Mayor Tally McColl, who presented the awards along with Bobby Meekins of the Dillon Kiwanis Club.
The award winners were as follows:
Dillon High School– Antwan Lee Drawhorn
The Farm-City Week Outstanding Student for Dillon High School is Antwan Lee Drawhorn. Antwan is an energetic and enthusiastic young man who has proven how determined and serious he is in achieving his goals by his high academic achievements. He has not only taken the more rigorous courses at Dillon High School, but he has taken many dual credit courses with Northeastern Technical College.
Besides his academic performance, Antwan also participates in Dillon High School’s National Honor Society, Beta Club, Junior Marshal (11th grade), Baseball team, Senior Class president, Key Club, Teacher Cadet, American Legion’s Palmetto Boys State delegate, Academic Challenge Team, Yearbook Staff, and Lead Copywriter for Dillon High School’s Newsletter.
While maintaining high grades, participating in clubs and organizations, he also volunteers his time with the Junior League Charity Event, Dillon County Nursing Home, and the Animal Shelter Drive.
Dillon County Technology Center- Zacchariah Aaron
The Farm-City Week Outstanding Student for the Dillon County Technology Center is Zacchariah Aaron. He is the son of Rashawn and Kimberly Aaron and is currently a senior at Dillon High School and Dillon County Technology Center where he is enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program. He is part of the Academic Challenge Team, the National Honor Society, and participates in Track and Field. Additionally, he has excelled in the Culinary Arts Program, earning OSHA, ServSafe Food Handler, and ServSafe Manager certifications. Zacchariah has applied to several colleges and has been accepted with a full scholarship to Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama. His aspiration is to become an Aerospace engineer. Zacchariah is a well-rounded young man who enjoys cooking, reading, weightlifting, and, most importantly, attending Mt. Oliver Baptist Church.
Latta High School-Kate Gasque
The Farm-City Week Outstanding Student for the Latta High School is Kate Gasque.
She is a young woman of outstanding character, leadership, and integrity. Kate is the daughter of Johnny Mac Gasque, Jr. and Laura Herndon Gasque. She carries forward the values of hard work, humility, and community service for which her family is so well-known.
Kate quickly learned how to balance a busy schedule filled with academics, athletics, and leadership responsibilities. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the sidelines as a Varsity Cheerleader, serving in her church youth group, or representing the Latta FFA Chapter, she gives her very best to everything she does.
This past year, Kate earned the title of South Carolina FFA State Champion in Farm Business Management — a remarkable achievement that showcases her dedication to agricultural education and her understanding of the business side of farming. She has served as an FFA officer for three years and currently leads as President of the Latta FFA Chapter, setting an example of service and leadership that others strive to follow.
Kate is also a student leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, demonstrating that her leadership extends beyond the classroom and into her faith and community. Her maturity, persistence, and integrity are evident in every role she takes on.
Today, as we celebrate Farm-City Week and honor the bond between our agricultural and community leaders, it is only fitting that we recognize a young woman who so beautifully represents the future of both.
Lake View High School-Lane Cook
The Farm-City Week Outstanding Student for the Lake View High School is Lane Cook. Lane Cook is a senior at Lake View High School. Lane is the current FFA President and has a 4.202 GPA. As an FFA member, Lane has competed in several FFA Career Development Events including Tool Identification, Farm Business Management, Tractor Driving, and Soil and Land Classification. Lane has attended the National FFA Convention, several State FFA Conventions, and the Sun Belt Ag Expo.
Dillon Christian School-Lillith Shooter
Lillith Shooter, a senior at Dillon Christian School, is the daughter of Charlie and Luanna Shooter of Rowland, North Carolina and the granddaughter of Charles and Cathy Shooter also of Rowland, North Carolina. Wilton Shooter & Sons Farms is a family-owned agricultural business in Rowland, NC, that specializes in growing a variety of crops. The farm is committed to providing fresh, high-quality produce using sustainable practices to benefit the local community and the environment. Coming from a proud farming family who cultivates strong family roots as well as corn, soybeans, and wheat, Lillith exemplifies the values of hard work and dedication both in and out of the classroom. She has been selected to represent DCS as the recipient of the Dillon Farm-City Week Outstanding Student Award for 2025. Lillith has taken dual credit classes during her junior and senior years, demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence and her drive to challenge herself. After graduation, Lillith plans to attend Barton College, where she will continue her educational journey and pursue her passion for softball.
Businessman of the Year-Ryan Schafer of South of the Border
The Businessman of the Year is Ryan Schafer. Ryan Schafer is the President and CEO of South of the Border in Hamer, South Carolina. The son of Richard Schafer and Alexa Grubb and the grandson of South of the Border’s founder, Alan Schafer, Ryan carries forward a legacy built on vision, hard work, and community pride. With a strong focus on regional growth and innovation, he is dedicated to elevating the iconic attraction while supporting the people who call this community home. Through the Schafer Foundation, Ryan helps provide significant annual contributions that strengthen local programs, opportunities, and families—continuing a tradition of generosity that defines the Schafer name.
Industry of the Year-Arclin
Arclin is the Industry of the Year. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, Arclin is a provider of building solutions and polymer technologies for industries including agriculture, construction, electronics, energy, pharmaceuticals and more. The company operates manufacturing facilities and offices throughout the U.S. and Canada and manufactures for customers worldwide. Arclin recently announced that it was expanding its operations in Dillon County. The company’s more than $60 million investment will create over 30 new jobs. The expansion will add 60,000 square feet and a new production line to Arclin’s existing facility, located at 219 Harllees Bridge Road in Dillon, to meet increased customer and market demand. Operations are expected to be online in July 2026.
Farmers of the Year—Bruce Price Farms (Sonny and Tony)
These farmers are growers in the Minturn area of Dillon County. Their farm spans several generations. They produce corn, cotton, soybeans, and wheat. They successfully feed and clothe the world while sustaining our environment.
After the presentation of awards, the remainder of the door prizes were given, and Cullen Bryant gave the closing remarks
Sponsors and Those Who Provided Assistance
Sponsors of the event included Arbor One, MPD, Dillon Kiwanis, City of Dillon, County of Dillon, Dillon Tractor & Implement Co., Inc., Duke Energy, Coastal Agro, Farm Bureau, Dillon County Sheriff Jamie Hamilton, Cooper Funeral Home, Carolina Eastern, Dillon Tire Superstore, Dillon Seed, Fred’s Tire & Auto Repair, and Harbor Freight Tools. Additionally, Brittany from Woodforest Bank assisted in the serving of the meal and clean-up of the event. Special thanks to Cullen Bryant, Mayor Tally McColl, Benny Cooper of Cooper Funeral Home, Christopher Jackson, Bobby Meekins, Vanetta Graves, Terry Morris, Levern Hayes, Lonnie Daniels, Julie Daniels, Cathorine Price, Marsha Gilbert, and Karen Bowen for their roles in making this a successful event.
About Farm=City Week
Farm-City Week recognizes the partnerships between rural and urban communities that are essential to the nation’s food supply. The week also highlights the importance of agriculture to the economy, quality of life, and foodways to our nation.
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon County News, LLC
