AHS Sophomore Earns Two HTC REEL Kid Awards

Candace Baker receives the Taylor McKinney Award

Candace Baker is a sophomore at Aynor High School with an amazingly positive attitude. Candace was nominated for the HTC REEL Kids award (Recognizing Extraordinary Examples of Leadership) and was honored by HTC Thursday night, May 23 during the 13th annual REEL Kids Awards at the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes. According to HTC's website, REEL Kids are students who have "proven themselves through scholastic, athletic and community achievements in the face of recent obstacles or extenuating circumstances."  Candace and her mother, Sherry Baker, knew they were getting the HTC REEL Kids award, but were not prepared for another award she would receive. "I knew I had won something, but the second award I did not know that it was going to be for me," Candace said. "I found out when they revealed the video. I got emotional because I thought I was only going to get one award and when I found out I got two, I was shocked." The second award was the Taylor McKinney Award for Courage. Taylor was a Waccamaw Elementary student who passed away in October 2005 after battling leukemia and enduring several bone marrow transplants. The award is given in her honor each year to a student who shows courage in the face of fear. Candance's mom was just as surprised when she discovered Candace was being honored with the second award. "We did not know until they started talking about her and showed her on the screen," mom said. "Candace dropped her head and started crying. She has been through a lot and is an amazing child. That award was so special to her. She held onto it all the way home."  Pam Johnson, AHS teacher, nominated Candace for the HTC REEL Kids award. "Candace is the epitome of what it truly means to be an HTC REEL Kid," Johnson said. "Her story is truly inspirational, and I am very proud of her." The entire Blue Jacket Family joins with Ms. Johnson in congratulating Candace. We are all very proud of her!