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Orangeburg County Community of Character
Orangeburg County Community of Character
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  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
  • CITIZEN OF THE MONTH
    • 2025 Character Traits
    • 2024 Character Traits
    • Citizen of the Month
    • Past Citizens (2024-2016)
  • LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
    • Character In Action
    • Youth Leadership (YLM)
    • Fifth Grade Program
    • 2025 Fifth Grade essays
    • 2024 Fifth Grade essays
  • COMMUNITY IMPACT
    • Walls That Speak
    • Character Care Closet
    • Willie Jeffries Award
    • "The Austin" Award
  • MAKE A DIFFERENCE
    • Character Affirmation
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    • Volunteer
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    • Chronicles of Character
    • In the News
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THE WILLIE JEFFRIES CHARACTER AWARD

The Willie Jeffries Character Award recognizes the outstanding high school football athlete from our area who demonstrates outstanding performance and character on and off the field. This award is given by Orangeburg County Community of Character in support of our mission to inspire, motivate, and recognize excellent character in Orangeburg County. It is named in recognition and honor of Hall of Fame Coach, and Austin Award Winner, Willie Jeffries for his major contributions to our organization, our community, and the athletic world.


Nominations for the 2025 award must be received by the deadline, November 4, 2025. Please return forms to cvaughn@orangeburgcharacter.org.


Please continue reading below for eligibility criteria and past award winners.

Meet our 2024 Award Winner, Khasean Saldano

Khasean Saldano, a senior at Branchville High School, is this year’s recipient of the 2024 Willie Jeffries Character Award. Recognized for his perseverance, humility, and leadership, Khasean excels both on and off the field. As a dedicated student, he maintains a 4.12 GPA while balancing honors and dual enrollment courses. 


He is an active member of the National Honor Society and serves as Vice President of The Beta Club. Khasean has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and commitment to his studies, earning him a place on the South Carolina Academic All-American team, All Region honors, and the title of Region VII-A Offensive Lineman of the Year.  On the football field, he plays an integral role as a two-way player, leading both the offensive and defensive lines for the Branchville Yellow Jackets. 


The Orangeburg County Community of Character is proud to recognize Khasean Saldano, son of Mr. and Mrs. Corey and Balicia Haigler, for his outstanding character and achievements.

Eligibility Criteria

  •  Football player excels in athletic performance.
  • Student athlete demonstrates excellence in sportsmanship, respect, and outstanding character on and off the field   (examples include academic competence/achievement; leadership, loyalty, courage, etc.). 
  • Student demonstrates a strong commitment to community/others (examples include volunteer service, generosity/kindness, initiative, … inspiring/motivating others, etc.)
  • Full time student football player attending an Orangeburg County high school.
  • Nominations may be submitted by an Orangeburg County resident or the athlete’s Coach. Please note: Any recipient must have the endorsement of their coach. 

NOMINATE AN ATHLETE FOR THIS AWARD

DOWNLOAD FORM

Nominations for the 2025 award must be received by the deadline, November 4, 2025.

THE Willie Jeffries Character Award WINNERS

2024 Willie Jeffries Character Award Recipient

2024 Willie Jeffries Character Award Recipient

2024 Willie Jeffries Character Award Recipient

Khasean Saldano

Branchville High School

2023 Willie Jeffries Character Award Recipient

2024 Willie Jeffries Character Award Recipient

2024 Willie Jeffries Character Award Recipient

Taylen Clinkscales

Edisto High School

2022 Willie Jeffries Character Award Recipient

2024 Willie Jeffries Character Award Recipient

2022 Willie Jeffries Character Award Recipient

Navian Hilliard

Lake Marion High School

2021 Willie Jeffries Character Award Recipient

2022 Willie Jeffries Character Award Recipient

Seth Robinson 

Orangeburg Preparatory Schools

2020 Willie Jeffries Character Award Recipient

Karrlen D. Waymyers 

Hunter-Kinard-Tyler High School

2019 Willie Jeffries Character Award Recipient

Bailey Files accepting the 2019 Willie Jeffries Character Award

Bailey Files

Edisto High School


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  • Character Care Closet
  • Willie Jeffries Award
  • "The Austin" Award
  • Character Affirmation
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  • Chronicles of Character
  • In the News
  • Photo & Media Gallery
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Orangeburg County Community of Character

Orangeburg County Community of Character | (803) 534-6821 | P.O. Box 593 | Orangeburg, SC 29116

Copyright © 2024 Orangeburg County Community of Character - All Rights Reserved. 

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