Community Service Merit Awards

2024 Community Service Merit Award Winner

Lucas McFadden

Lucas is anchor and producer for CN2 and host of Palmetto Mornings radio talk show on WRHI. His job is to interview as well as entertain, to broadcast local news, and to assist in sharing the needs of our community and the successes of our friends and neighbors. Often with a microphone still in hand, Lucas goes beyond the 9 to 5 workday to garner support and build enthusiasm by volunteering for countless nonprofit events, local government and school initiatives, and many other charitable causes. Look past the microphone and you’ll see Lucas’ impact through his role on multiple local boards and committees as well as leadership and mentor roles through local schools, camps, and his church and you’ll begin to wonder how he fits it all in.

2024 Community Service Merit Award Winner

Juan Joseph

Among his other roles, Juan is most known throughout Rock Hill for his longtime role as President of The Fellas, a nonprofit organization based in Rock Hill for the purpose of serving as mentors, tutors, and role models for students that may be struggling with their education or transitioning to adulthood. Under Juan’s leadership, The Fellas provide a positive support system to help young men and women in middle and high school to avoid the pitfalls that may derail their goals, improve their educational prospects through tutoring and scholarships, and lead them to positive changes in their lives. Juan’s vision and his capacity for caring has been instrumental in expanding the reach and impact that The Fellas has been able to provide in improving the lives of local students and their families.

2024 Community Service Merit Award Winner

Isaiah Reggie Venning

Isaiah continuously serves our community in a variety of volunteer roles with a true passion for impacting and improving the lives of others. He currently holds leadership positions on Winthrop University’s Board of Trustees, Carolina Community Actions Board, City of Rock Hill Community Relations Council, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Through these positions and other committees, as well as the many other charitable causes he avidly supports, Isaiah has spent countless hours towards helping people in need and is a past recipient of the Rock Hill School District’s Outstanding Volunteer Award.

2024 Community Service Merit Award Winner

Terry Hagen

For over two decades, Terry has specialized in therapeutic recreation and currently serves as the Recreation Programmer for the City of Rock Hill’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department. She is located at Miracle Park, a one of a kind inclusive playground designed for all ages and abilities and Terry has implemented a variety of art, social, and athletic programs including Miracle League of Rock Hill. Additionally, she has served MaxAbilities for many years and strives to assist individuals with special needs in reaching their maximum potential. Terry is a member of the Area 11 Special Olympics Organizing Committee where she serves as a coach, recruits volunteers, and helps to fundraise and assist with the coordination of 15 different area competitions. This wonderful, talented individual somehow finds the time to volunteer through various committees including Team Leader for Christmasville and acting as guardian ad litem, where she ensures the best interests are represented for the children under her care.

2024 Community Service Merit Award Winner

Mildred Douglas

Mildred has served as a Rock Hill School Board Trustee for over 20 years. As a retired teacher with over 40 years of experience in the classroom, she has been a champion for education and developing children for her entire career. From policy-making to advocating for equity, access, and opportunities for all, she has served with distinction for many years. She has led and supported numerous efforts to build schools, improve access to education, promote volunteer service, encourage young people to pursue postsecondary education, and service to the public.

2024 Community Service Merit Award Winner

Sabina Fernandez

Following her career as an architect as well as adjunct instructor at both Winthrop University and York Technical College, Sabina now works full time actively seeking out opportunities to help others across York County in many different ways. As a full-time volunteer, she has stepped into established roles and created new programs when she sees a need. From helping launch Her Place, a shelter for providing safety and support for homeless women, to feeding the hungry at Bethel Men’s Shelter, leading social justice ministries at her church, and serving children across multiple capacities including as a Girl Scouts troop leader, Sabina is a perfect example of putting faith into action.