The Aiken Soil and Water Conservation District annually awards one deserving Aiken County Senior that is pursuing a degree in environmental science, natural resources, or agriculture with the $1000.00 Jeffrey Dale Swartz Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded in memory of Jeffrey Dale Swartz, the son of long time Conservation District Commissioner Emeritus Edward Swartz who tragically lost his life when responding to a medical call as a volunteer firefighter in 2007. The recipient of the 2018 JDS Scholarship is Mr. Darren Abney, a graduate from Ridge Spring Monetta High School and nephew of Jeffrey Dale Swartz. Abney plans to attend Clemson University in the fall to pursue a degree in Agricultural Education. Abney has been a vital part in his family’s diversified livestock operation, co-managing with his father. He has managed a demanding schedule throughout his high school career and demonstrated his ability to balance working on his family’s farm, maintaining a 4.4 GPA, being a two-sport athlete, and participating in several clubs and committees. The Aiken Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Commissioners is honored to award Mr. Darren Abney the 2018 Jeffrey Dale Swartz Scholarship for his outstanding academic achievements and for his commitment to South Carolina Agriculture.
Picture #1: ASWCD Commissioners Vince Furtick, Neely Page, Brad Harmon and Linda Lee with JDS Scholarship recipient Darren Abney.
Picture #2: ASWCD Manager, Lauren Burroughs with Darren Abney at Ridge Spring Monetta High School's Senior Awards Night.
Picture #3: Tammy Swartz (Jeffrey’s Wife), Jamie Swartz (Jeffrey’s Daughter), Darren Abney (JDS Scholarship Recipient and Jeffrey’s nephew), Angie Rodgers (Darren’s Mother), Paulette Bolen (Darren’s Grandmother), Brantley Swartz (Jeffrey’s Son), Lydia Chavez and Kennedy Swartz (Jeffrey’s granddaughter).