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Next Generation
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Sumter's Next Generation: Miss Sumter High Kaylee Witherspoon talks of how her crown is another way to serve
For Kaylee Witherspoon, being Miss Sumter High, in all its glitz and glamour, is less about the crown. When she talks of the title, she talks of how it has guided her community service, from painted rocks tucked along walking trails to little … more
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Sumter's Next Generation, presented by TheLINK: Drum major Kayla Epps on leading Crestwood High's marching band with quiet confidence
Off the field, Kayla Epps said she keeps to herself. She's quiet, shy and not always quick to fill a space with conversation. But as the drum major for Crestwood High School's marching band, the senior has learned when to flip a switch by stepping … more
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Sumter's Next Generation, presented by TheLINK: Sumter High's Endicott discovers her path through determination, discipline
If there is one skill to keep in your suite of skills, it is to always be determined. No matter the situation, the circumstance or how far-fetched the solution may seem, your determination will take you far. Few know that better than Sumter High … more
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Sumter's Next Generation, presented by TheLINK: Sumter High's Drama Troupe 5054 talks the power of theater, community after wins at Palmetto Dramatic Association Festival
The lights are bright, the music is loud and the people are laughing, talking and moving quickly across the stage. For someone walking into a theater room for the first time, it can feel like a whirlwind. But for students of Sumter High … more
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Sumter's Next Generation, presented by TheLINK: Lakewood High's Kayla Strong on building a path through community service, personal development
Every experience is what you make of it. And you owe it to yourself to make it count. Which is why Lakewood High School senior Kayla Strong does not shy away from a new venture; she welcomes it and all its lessons with open arms and a chance to … more
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Sumter's Next Generation, presented by TheLINK: Wilson Hall's Liz Singkhonket honors community, culture, confidence through canvas
For Wilson Hall senior Elizabeth Singkhonket, art is both a mirror and a map. Her artwork starts where, for a lot of teens, stories get complicated: finding our identity. And while navigating it is filled with highs and lows, she finds her way … more
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Sumter's Next Generation, presented by TheLINK: Morris College's Bolden finds key to success in cybersecurity, consistency
The world of cybersecurity is vast. With its various technologies, processes and policies, the area of study has grown through the years in its sophistication, frequency and interest among young college students - that includes Morris College's … more
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Sumter's Next Generation, presented by SumterEDGE: PalmettoPride Youth Ambassador Ethan Budden finds purpose in being observant
Ethan Budden isn't the loudest voice in the room, and, truthfully, he doesn't try to be. The 18-year-old Sumter High School senior prefers to observe, listen and lead quietly. For him, it's more about your presence than what you say to persuade … more
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Sumter's Next Generation, presented by SumterEDGE: A year of big plans and brave beginnings
Your youth is your formative years. It's a time to explore new interests, turn them into burning passions and imagine who you can become because you gave it your best shot. In 2025, The Sumter Item got an up-close look at what that process truly … more
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Sumter's Next Generation, presented by SumterEDGE: CCTC's Ly'Asia Washington finds strength in the spark of welding
It's the curve of a sharp spark fluttering to the ground. The grace of a steady hand. The low hum of metal meeting metal. For 18-year-old Ly'Asia Washington, the slag-covered booths within Central Carolina Technical College's welding classrooms … more
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Sumter's Next Generation, presented by SumterEDGE: Sumter High's Caden Pack finds his way behind the wheel of classic cars
It is said that the birth of muscle cars, sports coupes and luxury sedans between the 1960s to 1990s symbolized an era of youth, rebellion and American spirit. It's a legacy that has traveled across states, counties, cities and generations - … more
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Sumter's Next Generation, presented by SumterEDGE: Emerging Leaders share a new lens on community, service and self
Ask yourself this one question: What makes a leader? Is it their ability to control a room or their willingness to share the spotlight? Is it someone boisterous and adaptable or someone quiet and grounded? Someone who speaks loudly or someone who … more
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Sumter's Next Generation, presented by SumterEDGE: Sumter High's Celena Dawson on how shifting perspectives turns obstacles into opportunities
The question of where 18-year-old Sumter High School senior and International Baccalaureate student Celena Dawson inherited her gumption, her answer, wrapped in a warm smile, is simple: "My grandmother." "She had 12 siblings, and they all slept … more
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Sumter's Next Generation, presented by SumterEDGE: Crestwood senior, singer Emma Ketchum on the growth and harmony REACH brought into her life
At just 17 years old, Crestwood High School senior Emma Ketchum has spent most of her life chasing melodies. From the church stand, her young voice squeaking out the words to "God Bless America," to an anxious ninth-grader singing for her spot as … more
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Sumter's Next Generation, presented by SumterEDGE: Thomas Sumter's Omnaa Patel reels about film debut, importance of believing in yourself
Sometimes, our greatest gifts are the ones we don't see within ourselves. They're gifts that showcase qualities about us that delight others and solidify defining moments in our lives. Take Thomas Sumter Academy senior Omnaa Patel, 17, for … more
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