News Summary

Aiken High School dedicated its auditorium in memory of Diana Floyd, a passionate advocate for public education. The ceremony celebrated her contributions to enhancing educational opportunities and included awards for $3,500 scholarships given to ten students pursuing medical careers. Community leaders and family members gathered to honor Floyd’s legacy, highlighting her efforts to secure funding for local schools and support for students with special needs.

Aiken, South Carolina – Aiken High School commemorated the legacy of public-school advocate Diana Floyd during a dedication ceremony for its newly named auditorium on May 23, 2025. The event celebrated Floyd’s influential role in enhancing educational opportunities and funding for local schools prior to her passing in 2022 due to complications from COVID-19.

The ceremony brought together family members, friends, and community leaders, including Aiken County Board of Education Chairman Cam Nuessle and S.C. Senator Tom Young. The proceedings included a heartfelt performance by the Aiken High School Chorus, under the direction of music teacher Tycia Wright, who sang “I Am Not Okay” by Jelly Roll. The gathering began with prayers led by Tom Williams, a partner of Floyd’s husband, Steve Floyd, blessing the auditorium as a space dedicated to education.

In addition to the auditorium’s dedication, ten aspiring students were awarded $3,500 scholarships named in honor of Diana Floyd, aimed specifically at those pursuing medical-related careers. The recipients included students from various schools in Aiken County, showcasing a diverse array of talent and ambition. The scholarship recipients are:

Madeline Hopkins (Aiken High)
Arianna Garbrielle Gardner (Aiken County Career & Technology Center)
Jada Printup (North Augusta High)
Ashtyn Poston (Horse Creek Academy)
Anabelle Grace Cowart (Midland Valley High)
Gabrielle Brannon (Ridge Spring-Monetta High)
Alexzia Gillette (Silver Bluff High)
Alexis Meyer (South Aiken High)
Emily Alyssa Tindal (Wagener-Salley High)
Carrie McKie (Aiken Scholars Academy)

Diana Floyd played a significant role in advocacy for educational advancements, notably helping to secure funding for local schools through voter-approved initiatives, including a one-cent sales tax and a bond referendum. Her contributions also included efforts to establish dual enrollment programs, promote inclusion for children with special needs, and facilitate graduation celebrations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The dedication event included the unveiling of a plaque that will be displayed in the auditorium to commemorate Floyd’s profound impact on education in Aiken County. School district superintendent Corey Murphy highlighted that Floyd was pivotal in transforming educational facilities throughout the district, thereby enhancing the learning environment for countless students.

To further honor her legacy, a framed resolution from the South Carolina General Assembly was presented to Floyd’s family during the ceremony, affirming her contributions to the community and educational landscape. Steve Floyd shared sentiments of pride in the scholarship recipients, acknowledging that Diana would have been deeply proud to see them benefit from her dedication to education.

The ceremony underscored Diana Floyd’s ongoing influence and commitment to improving educational opportunities for students in Aiken. The dedication of the auditorium serves as a lasting tribute to a woman who was not only a passionate advocate for public education but also a vital member of the community dedicated to uplifting the next generation of learners.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Aiken County Board of Education Honors Diana Floyd’s Legacy

Aiken High School Dedicates Auditorium in Honor of Diana Floyd

News Summary

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

Author: hereaiken