05/28/2026
STROM THURMOND HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2026 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: SALUTATORIAN RAINA LANIER BARRS
Johnston, SC – Strom Thurmond High School’s (STHS) graduating Class of 2026 is ready to walk across the graduation platform (weather permitting) on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to receive their high school diplomas, turn their tassels, and complete their four-year journey from student to proud alumni.
The ceremony will be streamed live and will be accessible by clicking the following link:
https://live.myvrspot.com/player2?udi=ZWRnZWZpZWxk&c=U1RIUw%3D%3D&fbclid=IwY2xjawSFX5JleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETExdnFjR3MzUm5qbFpFdFB3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsVjUKwuSzqzy-dZXPcstRzrLhCR3QG8SDwNi67sotN6_5HhlxpmttRAeSol_aem_YWdncwCa-HpoWWRTHpGR710Kt4XJ&brid=YWdncwG_6Cwdp2_UT4Sa4CRUPRMu
Today, we continue our graduation week tradition of highlighting a STHS graduate each day. Today’s “Senior Spotlight” features STHS Class of 2026 Salutatorian, Raina Lanier Barrs.
Parents: Roy and Melissa Barrs
Raina’s Accolades and Achievements: Strom Thurmond High School Class of 2026 Salutatorian, Palmetto Fellow, USC Dean's Scholars Award recipient, USC Institutional Grant, USC Stem Scholarship, AP Scholar with Distinction, recipient of the Outstanding Achievement in Science and Social Studies Awards, 2025-2026 Outstanding Scholastic Graduate Award Recipient, Health Science Completer, CPT (Certified Phlebotomy Technician), CET (Certified EKG Certification), BLS Certified, National Technical Honors Society, USC Aiken Junior Scholar, Columbia College Junior Scholar, University of South Carolina Upstate Junior Scholar, Presbyterian Fellow, Converse Junior Achievers Award, Erskine Fellow, Lander Junior Fellow, Principal's Honor Roll, Strom Thurmond High School Junior Scholar, Junior Marshall, BETA Club Vice President, HOSA member, Rebel Regiment Color Guard member, recipient of a National School Color Guard Award, Attorney for the Strom Thurmond High School Mock Trial Team, recipient of the Most Effective Attorney Award at Regional, State, and National Competitions, Three-time Mock Trial State Champion, recipient of one of the Top Ten Attorneys in the Nation Award at the National High School Mock Trial Competition of 2026, recipient of the South Carolina Bar Association High School Mock Trial Scholarship.
Raina’s College/Career Plans: Raina will attend the University of South Carolina (Columbia) and pursue a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with future plans to become a patent attorney.
Raina’s Summer Plans: I plan to spend time with my friends and family and catch up on as much sleep as possible before college.
Raina’s Memorable Moment(s) at STHS: By far the most memorable part of my high school experience was my participation in the Mock Trial program. Through the countless competition rounds, practices, bus rides, airplane trips, and restaurant outings, the members of that team have become my second family. In addition, I will never forget the Friday night football games and competition weekends spent with the Strom Thurmond Rebel Regiment.
Raina’s Advice to Rising Seniors: I advise rising seniors to persevere through any hardships they may face and to enjoy the final moments they have in high school. The end of the year will come sooner than they can imagine, and it is important to cherish the memories they create with their peers. Senior year can be incredibly stressful, but all of their hard work will be worth it in the end.
Who has inspired her? My biggest sources of inspiration have been my parents and my peers. My parents showed me what hard work looks like, and without their support, I would not be where I am today. Additionally, my friends have been there for me through every challenge I have faced, and I could not be more grateful for the smiles and laughs they have given me in times of hardship.
Contact the ECSD Public Information Office (PIO) by email at [email protected].
