2023 Christmas celebrations in the Town of Williston. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck.
2023 Teacher of the Year Ceremony at Barnwell High School. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A 2023 Williston-Elko High School graduate is hugged by two of his family members. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A grandmother smiles with her grandson at the Town of Kline 2023 Christmas celebration. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A Williston-Elko High School graduate receives balloons and hugs after the ceremony. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A family dressed as characters from the Shrek movie smile at the 2023 Town of Hilda trunk-or-treat. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A late alumnus of Williston-Elko High School is honored by her family during the school’s annual Black History Month parade. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
An Allendale-Fairfax High School graduate walks off the stage after receiving his diploma . Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Baarnwell Primary School students made a Halloween visit to residents at Pruitt Health, a senior home in Barnwell. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
The family of a Williston-Elko High School graduate is all smiles while supporting their loved one. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
An Allendale-Fairfax High School graduate smiles at her supporters in the crowd. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Nokomia Joyner has been collecting clowns her whole life. Here she is pictured in one of her two buildings she had specifically built to house her clowns. She was in the running for a Guinness World Record for the largest clown collection before her death. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A Christmas elf has a moment of awe when watching her fellow performers dance in Kline. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Lizzie Etta Wright recieves a hug during her 100th birthday celebration in August 2023. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Coach Kenneth Lipsey gives direction to his quarterback during the Blue Devil’s homecoming game. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A Blackville-Hilda High School Graduate dances across the stage after receiving his diploma. 2023 SCPA Award Winning photo. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Williston-Elko drum major Jason Edwards oversees his bandmates during practice. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Blackville Garden Club director and caretaker Vivian Alston smiles next to her impressive yield of okra. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
S.C. Governor Henry McMaster claps next to CEO of the Tin Thanh Group, who broke ground for a tire company in Allendale County. This Vietnamese owned industry is the first to establish in the state. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A flipped tractor trailer caused road closures in Barnwell. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
The old Barnwell County Sheriff’s Office being torn down. The building had sat in disrepair for years before demolition. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A guest at the Barnwell Public Library’s ecology lab held by Savannah River Nuclear Solutions is shocked at the feeling of a snake’s scales. 2022 SCPA Award Winning Photo. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
The roof of the Hagood Avenue Baptist Church caught fire, requiring firefighters to plan their attack from above. Part of the Hagood Avenue Baptist Church series. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
BBQ Pit Master Jerome Furnace smiles at Barnwell’s annual BBQ, Blues, & Boos event. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Blackville Fire Department firefighters walk in the town’s 9/11 remembrance parade. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
The late Peggy Kirkland was beloved in the Barnwell community for her undying love for people and innate heart for service. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
This couple was extra patriotic at the City of Barnwell’s Fourth of July celebration. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A player in a Williston Disc Golf tournament makes a shot. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A child flies down a zip-line at the Dreams, Imagination, and Gift Development Program’s annual STEM festival. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Nokomia Joyner has been collecting clowns her whole life. Here she is pictured in one of her two buildings she had specifically built to house her clowns. She was in the running for a Guinness World Record for the largest clown collection before her death. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Barnwell County Council Chairman Jerry Creech welcomes the newly built YMCA pool. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Jessie Mae Albany celebrates her 106th birthday with a parade. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Alfred Smith stands in the charred remains of his home after a fire broke out. The community came together to find him a temporary housing before locating a new trailer. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A thought is shared between Williston-Elko Blue Devil teammates during their homecoming game. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
First responders wait for the next instruction during an ongoing fire. Part of the Hagood Avenue Baptist Church fire series. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
The crowd was dancing at the 2024 Sundial Festival in Barnwell with local performers like Gage Cagle and Warren Peay. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Three friends smile together during Lunch-Buddies, an initiative brought by local law enforcement to eat lunch with students. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A firefighter gears up to enter the flames. Part of the Hagood Avenue Baptist Church fire series. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Howard University student Zoey Hall gives a piggyback ride to Dreams, Imagination, & Gifts (DIG) student. DIG hosted the Maryland based students for a week in March 2023 to mentor their students. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A Williston-Elko Blue Devil is tackled during their 2023 homecoming game. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Two Easter egg-hunters are ready to collect eggs at the Town of Williston’s 28th annual Easter egg hunt. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Second grader Houston Robinson portrays legendary boxer Muhammad Ali at Barnwell Primary School's Living History Museum. He's pictured with teacher Beverly Anderson. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A young fisherman smiles with his catch at the May 4 Fishing Rodeo hosted by S.C. Department of Natural Resources. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
The Barnwell High School Career Fair showcased numerous after-graduation possibilities— including enlisting in the service. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
And they’re off! The 8-10 year old group of kids takes off at the start of the 2024 Williston Easter egg hunt. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
The zipline was one of the many attractions at the 2024 DIG STEM Festival. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Squishy, a dog in foster care at the Barnwell County Animal Shelter, found his forever home at the first annual car show & adoption event held by the shelter. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
An adoptable puppy at the Barnwell County Animal Shelter’s Car Show & Adoption Event poses on a board member’s motorcycle. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A family waits for the fireworks show held annually by the First Baptist Church of Williston. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Teacher Trudy Lott smiles with one of her students at the Macedonia Elementary-Middle School Black History Month program. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Allendale-Fairfax High School students smile during their graduation ceremony. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A Williston-Elko graduate hugs her mother after the ceremony. SCPA 2022 Press Awards First Place Award Winner. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Tag and Maddie Clay Nix were big winners at the 2023 Augusta Futurity. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Williston-Elko High School graduate Colby Barker excitedly exits the football field after the ceremony. 2023 SCPA Award Winning Photo. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
The community watched as a beloved church was being engulfed in flames. Part of the Hagood Avenue Baptist Church fire series. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A young man brings his little brother to the Williston trunk-or-treat in 2022. SCPA Award First Place Photo. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A son hugs his mother at the 2022 graduation ceremony at Blackville-Hilda High School. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A teacher at Kelly Edwards Elementary School in Williston, S.C. smiles next to one of her students on the first day of school. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A Blackville-Hilda High School graduate leans in for a hug after walking across the stage. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Williston DIsc Golf Club founder Hal Mundy watches a tournament intently while holding his grandson, Ellison. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Watermelon Field Day at the Lemon Extension watermelon fields in Blackville, S.C. brings in countless local farmers to learn about how to better their yield. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Testing the water quality is vital for these volunteers. They use test local waterways for insect quality and water health. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Face painting is one of the many free things offered for kids at Barnwell’s annual Sundial Festival. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
The director of YouthBuild Melinda Hernandez walks with two of her students. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Williston-Elko High School Vickie Benjamin smiles with the school’s mascot at the 2023 homecoming game. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Barnwell County School District Superintendent Dr. Crissie Stapleton smiles with one of her students at the opening of Barnwell High School’s STAR Academy learning center. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
The Barnwell YMCA pool opening was a splash hit. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
King George Lavender Farm in Barnwell County is fun for all ages. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
The Barnwell County Animal Shelter’s annual Tractor Santa event brings animals of all kind. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Physical education teacher Dalton Mundy fist bumps a student on the first day of school at Kelly Edwards Elementary School. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Artist Lucy Longstory paints faces at the Barnwell Farmers Marker. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Memorial Day in Barnwell County brings out veterans from every branch. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A preschool graduate excitedly waves at his grandfather as he travels through the drive-thru graduation ceremony. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
The Aiken-Barnwell Mental Health Center’s non-profit organization held a Mental Health Awareness walk. Pictured is deputy Lisa Caring walking with her team in honor of a friend she lost to suicide and her son, who struggles with mental health issues. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Learning about robots from professionals in the field was a hit at the Dreams, Imagination, and Gift Development Program’s annual STEM festival. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Sheriff Steve Griffith poses with a guest at the annual Community Worship Service hosted by his office. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
The City of Barnwell’s Christmas celebrations is the perfect time for family pictures. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Fake snow is a highlight at the City of Barnwell’s annual tree lighting and Christmas parade. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A Fourth of July soda break. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Pageant winner Anna Kate Richardson is part of the City of Barnwell’s annual Christmas parade. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
City of Barnwell Fire Captain Mark Cato speaks over the radio during the Hagood Baptist Church Fire. Part of the Hagood Avenue Baptist Church fire series. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
The Williston-Elko 2023 Homecoming Queen Is crowned. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
The Blackville Police Department holds an annual community forum. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
The Town of Blackville’s 9/11 remembrance event is for all ages. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A Kelly-Edwards Elementary School Student shares a bit about baseball player Jackie Robinson at the school’s Black History Month program.
A saxophonist played a tune during the Williston Black History Month parade. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Macedonia Elementary-Middle School teacher Natasha Sept is hugged by her students on Veterans Day. Sept served her country for 8 years. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Jessica Bradshaw (left) and Dawn Snead (right) are all smiles about a new offering at the Barnwell Farmer’s Market- homemade salsa. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A helicopter was brought to the annual law enforcement expo held by the Barnwell County SHeriff’s Office. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Barnwell County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer Donald Danner is the longest serving and oldest D.A.R.E. officer in the state of South Carolina. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Justin Lott fishes with his daughter, Lydia, at the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Fishing Rodeo on May 4, 2024. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Barnwell County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer Richard Anderson and his son Mason Luke Anderson sit together at an annual event focused on joining youth and law enforcement. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Rita Pernell (right) hugs a loved on at the opening of her store in the Town of Blackville. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
S.C. Highway Patrol Corporal Brittany Glover helps a student tie his shoe at Macedonia Elementary Middle School’s Lunch Buddies program. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A couple hugs at the City of Barnwell’s annual Just 4 celebration. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Two donkeys at Adventure Farms in Barnwell - Dolly & Ellie. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Kids at Macedonia Elementary Middle School smile during a Lunch Buddies event with local law enforcement. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A volunteer and food pantry coordinator played a vital role in unloading and distributing a large food donation. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
The Leathernecks of Barnwell County held a booth at the Hilda Hometown Festival. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A teacher greets her students on the first day of school. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Dorothea Gillis Bishop celebrates her 109th birthday at the Barnwell State Park surrounded by family and friends. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources held their annual fishing rodeo at the Williston Town Park in April 2024. Over 147 were in attendance. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A Williston-Elko band member performs during one of the town’s parades. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Marsha Brown is surprised by Barnwell County Council and Sheriff Steve Griffith with a resolution of recognition for her 30 plus years of service in law enforcement. Brown was the first Black woman to hold numerous positions in Barnwell County dispatch and policing. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
First responders work to extinguish the flames at a local church. Part of the Hagood Avenue Baptist Church fire series. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A father helps his son with programming equipment at the 10th annual DIG STEM festival in Williston, S.C. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A father fixes his the line on his daughter’s fishing pole at the S.C. Department of Natural Resource’s annual fishing rodeo at the Williston Town Park. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Barnwell County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Eric Kirkland looks proudly at Barnwell County Career Center student Sidney Mason. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Norman Bolen, Barnwell County’s Elvis impersonator made an appearance at the 2023 Taste of Blackville event. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
Two friends walk together at the City of Barnwell’s July 4 celebration. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
One of the sewing machines that can be found in the back of Blackville’s Sista Closet, a consignment and alterations boutique. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A grandmother receives a hug from all four of her grandchildren at the City of Barnwell’s July 4 ceremony, 2024. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
A mother kisses her baby at the Town of Kline’s annual Easter event. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.
The duck race is a popular attraction at Adventure Farms in Barnwell S.C.
A goat peeks around the fence pole. Photo by Alexandra Whitbeck for The People-Sentinel.