ROTC cadets lend a hand

Alex Hightower readily acknowledged he didn't exactly volunteer to take a leadership role in South Aiken High School's NROTC gift-giving drive for Helping Hands.

"I was kind of volunteered, but it has worked out well," the South Aiken freshman said cheerfully. "Basically, the freshmen were in charge, but all of the upperclassmen really helped out."

Cadet commanding officer Maddy Velie has made a point this year to engage the first-year cadets in several community activities. Hightower was joined in coordinating the gift-giving effort by freshmen Jose Fuentes, Luke Carey, Joshua Livingston and Shane Chandra.

All of the ROTC students got descriptions of children and what they needed. The high school students brought in hygiene products, pajamas, laundry detergent, school supplies and much more.

"I brought shoes and pants for a little girl who's 2," said Fuentes. "I've learned more in ROTC than I thought I would. I like helping out with the freshman projects."

Velie and other cadets took the presents to Helping Hands Friday afternoon. Their gifts will be opened early Christmas morning by some very happy children and teenagers who were removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect.

Velie was recognized by the Aiken County Board of Education last week as one of 18 high school ROTC students named nationally as winners of the prestigious Legion of Honor award. Board members also cited Velie's civic contributions.

As a seventh-grader, Velie recalls her involvement in a project in which gift items were sent overseas. That was great, she said, "but I wanted to choose something in Aiken this time and have the cadets see the impact they have in their own community. Everyone seems to have enjoyed it."

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.