By: Kerry Driggers
When Kenneth Shuler graduated from high school, he didn’t know what he wanted to do, but he knew he wanted a job that worked with people. He became a Master Barber in 1959 and opened his first school in 1968. If you’ve ever had a conversation with Kenneth Shuler, you quickly learn that he cares deeply for people and his community. He defines his success by helping those around him be successful. The sign of a great leader.
In 1971, Ken became a charter member of the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo. Since then, he and his wife, Angie, have expanded the Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology to seven locations across the state of South Carolina. They have been generous throughout the years with their gifts to the Optimist Club, enabling them to reach their fundraising goals and serve the youth in the Irmo community. The club fundraises in two ways: the Christmas Tree Lot on St. Andrews at McGregor Presbyterian Church and an annual golf outing at Golden Hills. Through their fundraising efforts, the Optimist Club has helped thousands of local children over the last 54 years with reading programs, drug and alcohol education, community building, and food insecurity, thanks to members like Kenneth Shuler.
The Kenneth Shuler Difference Maker Scholarship was established in 2024 to support local students who are zoned for Lexington/Richland School District 5 schools pursuing vocational or technical training at an accredited trade school to advance their skills in a skilled trade or technical field. Students who reside in the Lexington/Richland School District 5 and are homeschooled or attend a charter school are also eligible to apply.
On May 30th, local students Carmine Keene and Aaron Teraoka were each awarded a $1500 scholarship. Carmine is a 2024 graduate of Spring Hill High School and plans to attend Midlands Technical College to become a Master Electrician. Aaron is a 2025 graduate of Dutch Fork High School and plans to attend MTC to learn Welding.
Photo credit: Hannah Brewer
Recipients and Scholarship Committee (L-R): Wanda Austin, Aaron Teraoka, Carmine Keene, Kerry Driggers, Bill Ackerman, and David Kafitz
