Honoring Excellence and Remembering a Life: Eau Claire High School’s Honor Roll Celebration Becomes a Moment of Legacy
- CUBNSC
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
By Javar Juarez | CUBNSC
Columbia, S.C. - Eau Claire High School gathered students, families, faculty, and community members inside the ECHS Auditorium for its Second Nine Weeks Honor Roll Celebration, a midday program designed to celebrate academic achievement and character. What unfolded, however, was more than a recognition ceremony. It became a powerful testament to remembrance, resilience, and the enduring impact of a young life lost too soon.
As students were recognized for their excellence, the program also centered on the story of Michael Martez Thomas, a former Eau Claire High School student whose legacy continues to shape the school community years after his death.
Michael Thomas, affectionately known as “ Little Mike,” was a sophomore at Eau Claire High School and an A-B Honor Roll student. A gifted athlete, he excelled in both baseball and basketball, earning varsity opportunities across multiple schools due to his talent, discipline, and work ethic. On May 7, 2021, Michael was tragically struck and killed by a vehicle while riding his bicycle home. He was just 15 years old.
Though his life was cut short, Michael’s presence has not faded. Instead, his family has transformed grief into purpose through the Michael Martez Thomas Jr. Scholarship Fund, ensuring that his name continues to uplift students who embody perseverance, resilience, and determination.
During the Honor Roll Celebration, Michael’s mother, Lakenyatta Maxwell, and his grandmother, Linda Maxwell, delivered heartfelt reflections that moved the room into a shared silence of remembrance. They spoke of Michael’s love for learning and competition, and of the educators who poured into him during his time at Eau Claire High School.
One of those educators was Dr. Melanie Williams, one of Michael’s teachers, who spoke passionately about his spirit of excellence, resilience, and character. In recognition of her impact on his life, the Thomas family presented Dr. Williams with a commemorative plaque on behalf of the Michael Martez Thomas Jr. Scholarship, honoring her guidance, commitment, and enduring influence on Michael’s journey.
The family also presented a second commemorative plaque to ECHS Principal Ekemam Montgomery, recognizing his leadership, care, and continued support of both the Thomas family and the scholarship established in Michael’s name.
The ceremony served as a reminder that schools are not merely institutions of learning, but communities where lives intersect, values are shaped, and legacies are formed.
Eau Claire! A Charge to Lead: Keynote Address by Hamilton Jacobs Sr.
Serving as the keynote speaker was Hamilton Jacobs Sr., a proud Eau Claire alumnus and member of the ECHS Class of 2006, whose words challenged students to see themselves not only as achievers, but as leaders in the making.
Jacobs spoke candidly about discipline, focus, and self-motivation, urging students to resist distractions and commit themselves fully to their purpose. He framed academic excellence as more than personal success, calling it a responsibility to one’s family, school, and community.
“You must be bold, confident, relentless, and resilient,” Jacobs told the students. “Times will be tough. Classes will be more difficult. You will be faced with more challenges, but the true testament of a great student leader is how you handle and overcome adversity. Never settle, never compromise your future for temporary satisfaction, and believe there’s nothing you can’t do when you put your mind to it.”
Drawing on the teachings of Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, Jacobs reminded students that time itself is a responsibility and that even small actions, when used wisely, can lead to lasting change. His message resonated deeply in a room filled with young people being recognized not just for what they have done, but for what they are capable of becoming.
A Moment That Will Linger
As the ceremony concluded and families transitioned to a celebratory luncheon in the Media Center, one truth remained unmistakable: this was not simply about grades. It was about who these students are becoming, and about honoring a young man whose life continues to teach lessons beyond the classroom.
At Eau Claire High School, excellence is remembered, grief is honored, and legacy is actively carried forward.
Michael Martez Thomas’ name now lives not only in memory, but in opportunity, scholarship, and purpose. And on this day, surrounded by students striving toward their futures, his story stood as both a reminder and a charge: every life matters, every effort counts, and every moment can shape tomorrow.
Celebrating Academic Excellence
Alongside this moment of remembrance, Eau Claire High School proudly recognized students who earned A-Honor Roll, A-B Honor Roll, and Perfect Attendance for the second nine weeks. These students represent the discipline, focus, and commitment that educators work tirelessly to cultivate.
A-Honor Roll Recipients
Curtis Adams
King Ashford
Tyesha Carter
Yossin Cortes-Campos
Breonna Johnson
Nahir Johnson
Antho’Na Jones
Richard Keith
Gabrielle Lewis
Alayah Leysath
Kaleb Palmer
Harmonee Robinson
Ja’Miyah Windless
Shu’Quan Anderson
Ja’mari Canzater-Harrison
Eric Watkins
Samayha Adams
Rebecca Adkins
Monalisa Inek
Aniya Solomon
Maliya Stewart
Terrell Wood
Brandon Ashford
Steven Hall
Tianna Jefferson
Oscar Salazar-Martinez
Eryn Lindler
Shayla Lowman
Carmen Spann
Deven Thomas
Shaniya Thompson
Braylynn Tiller
Alondra Velasquez
De’Niya Williams
Ja’Qualin Williams
Rihanna Williams
Kajuan Boone
Trinity Corbin
Hayleigh Gist
Za’Riah Hudgens
Kamryn Jenkins
Jayden Lindsey-Singleton
Zori-Asia Love
Elizabeth Martinez-Salazar
Kynada McDaniel
Kai Nelson
Danasha Richardson
Johnny Ruiz
Amberleigh Scarlett
Lianna Sligh
Saniyah Staudcert
Vashon Taylor
Derrick Thompson
Akiona Washington
Durral Wilson
Destinee Young
Janiya Young
Ayani Spry
Shanyriah Taylor
Ameriah Thomas
Alan Alvarez
Darrell Bether
Semira Bryant
A’Keyah Chisholm
Nivea Crowell
Adin Davis-Young
Vianney Espinal-Macias
Kimora Ferrell
Samaria Harrison
Amya Howard
Zorriya Jacobs
Imani Jenkins-Johnson
Aylin Martinez-Martinez
Azariah McCoy
Amar Oree
Khanh Pham
Mekhi Sanders
Tavaras Seibles
Nyasia Thames
Tynasia Tucker
Justice Weiters
I’Rhaunna Wheatle
A-B Honor Roll Recipients
Cherish Andrews
Jesse Bryant
Shamel Burgess
Von’Tavia Carraway
London Day
Londen Dixon
Alexandra Escareno
Jerloin Garcia Herrera
Brayden Gary
Azari Goff
Rolland Graves
Chloe Greene
Markei Harts
Madison Holley
Kaniya Burgess
Bay’Zjohn Cook
Kevin Craft
Dereonna Crowell
Ya’nayshia Dickerson
Franklin Duenas Fuentes
Alexander Gonzalez Palacios
Cam’ron Holley
Serenity Myers
Alex Neri-Alatorre
Jaylin Robinson
Mariela Salazar-Valentin
Dennis Solis-Rodriguez
Perfect Attendance
Yossin Cortes-Campos
Keayla Harris
Kevin “Khanh” Pham
Darnell Pixley
Jared Salazar-Martinez
A Celebration Worth Applause
To every student recognized during Eau Claire High School’s Honor Roll Celebration, this moment belongs to you.
Your names were called not simply because of grades on a report card, but because of the discipline, consistency, and determination you demonstrated day after day. In classrooms, study halls, and moments when quitting would have been easier, you chose to keep going. That choice matters.
To the A-Honor Roll and A-B Honor Roll students, your commitment to excellence sets a standard for your peers and reflects the strength of your character. To those recognized for Perfect Attendance, your presence speaks volumes. Showing up is often the first act of leadership.
You are walking proof that effort compounds, that focus pays off, and that your future is being shaped right now. May this recognition serve not as a finish line, but as confirmation that you are capable of more than you may even realize.
On behalf of the families, educators, and community members who gathered to honor you: congratulations. We see you. We are proud of you. And we are excited to witness all that you will become.
Keep striving. Keep learning. Keep believing in yourselves.
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