Darlington Rotary Club gives $3,000 Scholarship
Darlington Rotary President DeeDee Kehl gives the $3,000 check and certificate to Adamaris “Ann” Lei. PHOTO BY STEPHAN DREW
By Stephan Drew, Editor
editor@newsandpress.net
At a lunch meeting held on Thursday, June 11 at the South of Pearl Restaurant, the Darlington Rotary Club presented a $3,000 scholarship to Adamaris “Ann” Lei, the Class of 2026 Valedictorian of Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology. Her parents were present to witness the honor, beaming alongside a young woman whose ambitions stretch far beyond Darlington — and far beyond the ordinary.
Born in Florence and raised in Darlington, Lei attended Cain Elementary School and St. Johns Elementary School before earning her place at the top of her class at Mayo. This fall, she will enroll at Clemson University, where she will spend the next six years pursuing a Master’s Degree in architecture with a focus on sustainable design.
Lei’s path to architecture began with two simple loves: geometry and drawing. “I initially chose architecture because it was a combination of what I was good at — geometry — and what I wanted to do — draw,” she explained. But what started as personal passion has grown into something far larger. “In an ideal world, I can draw as much as I want, but I am glad life is not ideal, because architecture gives me the opportunity to serve other people.”
Lei — who affectionately refers to architects as “Archies” — is quick to broaden people’s understanding of the profession. Architects, she notes, do far more than design buildings. They design roads, plan cities, and even shape the natural environments within them. Her own architectural vision encompasses two urgent global challenges: the affordable housing crisis and climate change.
“I also care about the earth,” she said, “which is why I want to contribute to greener infrastructure in cities, where pollution and smog are commonplace, hurting flora and fauna.” Her goal is to design sustainable, livable urban spaces where green infrastructure is not a luxury but a standard — and where every resident, regardless of income, has a home worth coming back to.
The scholarship presentation was not the only moment of recognition at Thursday’s luncheon. The Darlington Rotary Club also honored one of its own members: Debra Grooms was presented with the Paul Harris Fellow award from Rotary International.
Darlington Rotary Club President Denise Kehl presented the scholarship, award and pin.
The award — named for Paul Harris, the Chicago attorney who founded Rotary International in 1905 — is among the organization’s most distinguished recognitions. Funds contributed in a recipient’s name are directed to The Rotary Foundation, supporting humanitarian, educational, and public health initiatives worldwide. Grooms’ recognition reflects a commitment to the same spirit of service that the club celebrated in young Ann Lei: the belief that ordinary individuals can build a better world.