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Twins Awarded Scholarships by Rotary Club of Aiken

Local students celebrate their achievements and scholarship awards at the Rotary Club luncheon.

News Summary

Lawrence and Logan Valdez were among 25 scholarship recipients awarded $7,500 each by the Rotary Club of Aiken at a luncheon at Newberry Hall on May 5, 2025. This year’s program saw a record distribution of $187,500, highlighting the club’s commitment to supporting local students in higher education. The Valdez twins plan to study mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech, among other recipients from Aiken High School and surrounding areas.

Aiken – Twins Lawrence and Logan Valdez are among the 25 recipients of $7,500 scholarships awarded by the Rotary Club of Aiken during a luncheon held at Newberry Hall on May 5, 2025. This year’s scholarship program saw a record total of $187,500 distributed, marking both the highest number of recipients and total value in the club’s history.

The scholarship fund received a significant boost from the Albrecht family, who donated $100,000 in memory of Gary and Virginia Albrecht. Additionally, the Rotary Club contributed $52,000 towards the scholarships. A total of 123 viable applications were received for the 2025 scholarships, underlining the increasing demand for financial aid among students in the Aiken County Public School District’s Area 1.

Lawrence and Logan Valdez have plans to attend Georgia Tech, focusing their studies on mechanical engineering. Lawrence is also considering minoring in finance and/or business, while Logan has expressed interest in mechatronics, a field that integrates mechanical and electrical engineering with computer science.

Both twins currently work at QuickTrip convenience store and have previous experience as employees at Wingstop in North Augusta. Their father, who did not complete high school and had the twins at a young age, instilled a strong work ethic in them, prompting gratitude from the sons for his influence in their lives.

Other scholarship recipients include students from Aiken High School, Aiken Scholars Academy, Silver Bluff High School, and South Aiken High School. The scholarship winners from Aiken High School comprise: Jasmine Battle, Joaquin Beltan, McCarten Drake, Marlenne Garcia-Lopez, Lauren Goldwire, Madeline Hopkins, Jairo Huerta-Hernandez, Cimora Lawrence, Dylan Lee, Kahlei Morris, Shatoya Riley, Emersen Sherrod, and Vallencia Starkes. Aiken Scholars Academy winners include Kyla Decker, Kaylynn Dixon, Brandon Enlund, Dylan Enlund, and Sofia Romero, while Silver Bluff High School’s recipient is Catina Hamilton. South Aiken High School winners are Brisa Dumas, Maryn Price, Andrew Rogers, and Isabella Rogienski.

This year’s scholarship awards reflect the Rotary Club’s ongoing commitment to supporting local students in their pursuit of higher education. The annual scholarship program not only alleviates some of the financial burdens faced by students but also encourages academic excellence and community involvement within Aiken County.

Each scholarship recipient exemplifies dedication to their education and career aspirations, and they represent a diverse group of talented individuals prepared to contribute positively to their communities. As they embark on their post-secondary journeys, support from organizations like the Rotary Club of Aiken remains a pivotal resource for many aspiring students.

The Rotary Club’s scholarship initiatives continue to strengthen educational opportunities in the region, reaffirming their mission to serve the community through charitable support dedicated to youth development and success.