This year’s recipient of the Johnston Development Corporation (JDC) Robert H. Herlong Scholarship is Isaac Westbrook, a Strom Thurmond High School Senior.
The award is presented each year to a high school student exemplifying outstanding community service. It is awarded in the run-up to the Johnston Peach Blossom Festival, sponsored by the JDC. This year’s Festival is May 4.
Isaac is an active high school student who reaches out to his community in many ways.
Isaac conducted a fishing rodeo for the residents of Epworth Children’s Home in July 2023. He also involved football teammates and community members to help. Afterwards, he was able to purchase all 14 participants a new rod, reel, and tackle kit. The fishing rodeo was so successful they conducted another one this year.
He wrote and received a grant to buy books for the children he taught through the Teacher Cadet class.
Isaac helped with the Feedy Needy program to feed elderly in our community, volunteered at the Special Needs Prom in 2022 and 2023, and participated in Churches Changing Communities in the summer of 2022. He also volunteered at Vacation Bible School.
He also taught students about electromagnetics at W.E. Parker Elementary School Science Day. In addition, he was one of the football players who greeted the elementary school students in the morning at school.
Isaac also did yard maintenance for an Edgefield County resident who needed assistance.
Isaac is an usher at the Edgefield United Methodist Church and did Christmas caroling at the nursing home and for shut-ins.
He said the volunteering opportunities that he has been involved in are molding him into the man God wants him to be.
The popular Festival, which will be held May 4, is also taking applications for individuals, organizations or businesses interested in being a part of event in these areas:
- Arts and Crafts: Donna Livingston, (803) 275-7002, P.O. Box 311, Johnston, SC 29832
- Parade: Parade: Jenny Herlong, (803) 480-2595, 607 Edisto Street, Johnston, SC, 29832
- Food Concessions: Noah Peterson, (803) 480-0135, P.O. Box 282, Johnston, SC 29832
The Johnston Peach Blossom Festival Premier Sponsor is AT&T.
Other Corporate Sponsors are Edgefield County Health Care, J.W. Yonce and Sons, Spanky’s Service Center/Ridge Auto Parts and Supply, Dominion Energy, Herlong Ford, U.S. Fibers, Bridgestone, KJs Market, Gas Pro, Herlong Financial Group, National Wild Turkey Federation, Regions Bank, SRP Federal Credit Union, Creative Catering by Doug Landreth and First Citizens Bank.
The Johnston Peach Blossom Festival Premier Entertainment Sponsor is Three Star Vineyard and Orchard.
Other Peach Blossom Festival Entertainment Sponsors are Dr. Hugh Morgan Family Practice, Moorecraft Cabinets, Trantech Radiator Products, Pendarvis Chevrolet, Generac, and Titan Farms.
Thousands of patrons descended on Johnston each year to enjoy the day set aside to honor the peach industry, which has been so important in the development of the area. Each year, the Town goes all out with the Festival to remind citizens about the peach industry and to open its arms to visitors.
The Johnston Development Corporation, a non-profit volunteer organization, sponsors the Festival. The Corporation works to aid the community in areas such as economic development, education, recreation, historic preservation, tourism, scientific and cultural opportunities, and continued promotion of Johnston.
