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            • DCSD’s Dr. Shannon Flowers named Hartsville Rotary Club Citizen of the Year

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              May 21, 2025
               
              DCSD’s Dr. Shannon Flowers named Hartsville Rotary Club Citizen of the Year
               
              HARTSVILLE, S.C. – The Darlington County School District (DCSD) is proud to announce that Dr. Shannon Flowers, business engagement coordinator for the district, has been named the 2025 Hartsville Rotary Club Citizen of the Year.
               
              This prestigious award, presented annually since 1940, recognizes an individual who exemplifies Rotary International’s purpose of “Service Above Self” through selfless dedication, leadership, and a commitment to the betterment of Hartsville and its citizens.
               
              The selection of Flowers for this honor centered on her unwavering devotion to education, youth and community advancement, according to the Hartsville Rotary Club. There is a nomination process for the award, and submissions are reviewed and decided upon by a committee.
               
              “Dr. Flowers truly embodies the heart of service,” said Dr. Tim Newman, DCSD superintendent. “She is a connector, a mentor, and a champion for students and community. We are thrilled to see her receive this well-deserved honor.”
               
              "To be recognized by such a respected organization in a community full of people who selflessly give so much is truly overwhelming,” Flowers said. “There are so many others I could name who are just as, if not more, deserving of this honor. I accept it with deep gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the Hartsville Rotary Club. I’m incredibly fortunate to work in a field that allows me to encourage others, just as I was by so many amazing people in my life. I’m inspired daily by those around me, and anything I’ve been able to accomplish has only been possible because of their support, collaboration and shared purpose."
               
              Prior to her work with DCSD, Flowers served at Coker University as university registrar, where her care for students extended beyond her administrative role. Among her many initiatives, she launched a campaign to help fund the Cobra Cupboard in 2019 to provide personal care items for students in need. Flowers serves on the Hartsville Chamber board, First Steps Parents as Teachers Board, Pee Dee Regional Education Center Advisory Board, and is a member of the Hartsville Women's League.
               
              Now serving as DCSD’s business engagement coordinator, Flowers continues to lead transformative projects that connect students with meaningful career opportunities. She works with 87 local businesses to host paid student interns and apprentices through Key to Career, providing hands-on experiences that prepare students for the workforce. Through her efforts, the district has secured grants—including support from the Byerly Foundation—and partnered with PDRTA to address student transportation barriers.
               
              She has provided work attire, transportation, and support for background checks, drug testing, and medical exams. She also spearheads other student-centered initiatives such as an eighth grade ASCEND program and fifth grade Career Time Tuesday, which expand student access to a wide array of professional pathways.
               
              Thanks to her leadership, many former students have chosen to remain in Hartsville, drawn by the strong community ties and sense of belonging she helped foster, the Rotary Club said. Her behind-the-scenes generosity and tireless work have changed countless lives—always without seeking recognition.


               
              Contact:
              Audrey Childers
              audrey.childers@darlington.k12.sc.us, (843) 398-5100