City of Aiken, SC / Aiken Awards 2018

We all know and love our first Aiken Award winner … many knew her as a loving and dedicated educator here in Aiken County … others know her through her more than 20 years of service as a member of Aiken City Council. We all know her love for Aiken and the active role she has played in improving this community for all of us.

This honoree isn’t a native of Aiken, but you wouldn’t know it from the way he has thrown himself into the life of this community since moving here in 1999. He’s been a driving force for the Aiken Center for the Arts through the Horseplay project, he was instrumental in our Sesquicentennial celebration, and for the last several years, he has helped transform and improve the historic facilities at Hopelands Gardens, Rye Patch and the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame through his role with the Friends of Hopelands. Bill Reynolds has made real and important contributions to this community

The City of Aiken is honored to recognize a whole family that has given so much in defense of the nation, including the tragic sacrifice of their son, Marine Cpl. Matthew Dillon, who died in combat December 11, 2006 while on patrol in the Anbar province of Iraq. The award we confer today honors not just Matt, but his entire family … As you’ll see, military service and support for the brotherhood of veterans runs deep in Lucy and Neal Dillon’s lives.

A beautifully penned poem by Joan Lacombe was recited elequently at the State Of The City by Mayor Pro Tem Gail Diggs. It truly speaks to the hearts of all who loves this great city.