In 2023, Shiela Martina Keaise, known as Ms. Literacy, founded Community Innovations (CI) to empower the community with life skills through innovative programs. CI launched the Colleton Leadership Awards to honor individuals in Colleton County for their contributions. Ms. Literacy said, “Being outstanding in the community comes with these precursors: love of community, respect for oneself, and service to others.”
The Annual CI Leadership Awards Luncheon, held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at noon, celebrated three local leaders, with Cherry Keaise serving as Mistress of the Ceremony. Julie Epple greeted the attendees by highlighting the purpose and extending a warm welcome to everyone present. Aaron Wright followed with a prayer, setting the tone for the significance of the day: Wright said, “CI Leadership Awards are a highlight of healthy role-models and character-traits that elevate each of us to recognize and pursue.” Performances were given by the 2025 Colleton Voice Winner, Jasmine Cheryl, and Chris Strickland. Jasmine inspired the audience with “The Truth” by Megan Woods, and Chris’s melodious touch to “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler prompted the Mistress of the Ceremony to add that the honorees are CI Heroes. Thanks to Delbert Dubois and Paula Creel-Munoz, who coordinated the decorations and the delightful lunch, and Joe Epple, who served as photographer. Attendees enjoyed a lovely meal catered by Food Lion.
Honorees Sirena Memminger, Debbie Skoland, and Laura Clark received awards for their exceptional service. Despite Sirena’s absence, her niece accepted the award on her behalf. Past CI Leadership Award winners, including Travis Godley, Doris Taylor, Stacy See, Ephraim Green, and Aaron Wright, were acknowledged for their lasting impact. Doris Taylor expressed, “The Community Innovations program was a huge success. I am absolutely thrilled to have been named a part of your leadership team.”
Shiela Keaise concluded the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of service, echoing Thomas Monson’s sentiment on the purpose of life through service to others. She thanked everyone for coming out and supporting the event. CI Board Member Julie Epple said, “I loved the sense of community which was evident as we came together to honor our Colleton County residents.”
