Student donates memorial benches to Lugoff-Elgin High School to honor classmates

Abigail Shoemaker told the Kershaw County School Trustees at their meeting that she is donating two memorial benches to be placed at the main entrance of Lugoff-Elgin High School to honor classmates Samantha Gladen and Maryanne Large.

"On behalf of the graduating class of 2026, I am donating memorial benches to be placed at the entryway of Lugoff-Elgen High School," Abigail said, describing the benches as six feet long, wooden and engraved "in memorial of Samantha Gladen" and "in memorial of Maryanne Large." She said the planned unveiling is Friday, March 13, and will include family members and any guests the families choose to invite.

Abigail named several local contributors who helped make the project possible, including Mr. Corey Wright and school staff at Lugoff-Elgin High School, Royy's Wood Products, Connell Law Firm, Charleston Battery Bench, and student body president Jada Diaz, who assisted in organizing the project but was not present at the meeting. Board members in the room thanked Abigail and invited family members forward for a photograph.

The presentation included design packets that board staff distributed to trustees. No formal board action was required; the announcement was recorded as a presentation to the trustees.