Students Who Make a Difference

Upstate Parent’s Students Who Make a Difference come from nominations received from teachers and administrators of schools across the Upstate. Their reach goes beyond academics. These young people display caring, compassion, a spirit of service and passion about a variety of causes and endeavors. They are leaders, doers and the helping hands of those around them. 

This month, we are highlighting two outstanding fifth grade students, and we will continue to showcase more throughout the year. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for them. 

Landon Witherspoon - Anderson Mill Elementary

Landon Witherspoon is known for his kindness, but his mother said he is also the “bright crayon in the box.” 

Landon’s mother, Tina Witherspoon, said his mind is always in motion, and he always wants to learn new things. He lives in Moore and is part of a big, blended family that includes Tina, Landon’s stepfather Gavin Tanner, and a total of six children. Landon lost his biological father in 2020. 

“Even with everything we've been through and he's been through losing his dad at such a young age, he's just doing great,” Tina said. 

At school, Landon is always helpful, frequently stopping by the school office to ask where and how he can serve. He said he loves both math and art. Sketching is his current favorite art form, and he will pursue it further as part of Art Visions, a gifted and talented program in Spartanburg School District 6. 

Balancing courage, compassion and care for others with his academic strengths has Landon already thinking about a STEM career. 

“I want to do engineering or I want to be a doctor,” he said. 

Emma Harker - Buena Vista Elementary

Emma Harker serves on the Student Council at Buena Vista Elementary and is known as a role model for other students, especially through the care and concern she shows when someone needs a little extra help with school work or language needs. 

Emma serves at her church in several programs, often with younger children. At school she is producer for BVTV, the school’s TV station, and is a book buddy for a first grader.

“I just like helping others. I think it's fun. It also just makes me feel good to help others,” Emma said. “Every Friday, I go to a first grade class and I have this little book buddy that I read to and I talk with, and then sometimes she reads to me.”

Emma is the daughter of Brett and Tiffany Harker. The family lives in Greer.  Tiffany said her daughter “has always had a help-first mentality,” whether with her younger brother Hudson, her parents, her church or school.

As for the future, Emma plans to put her favorite forms of service all together in her career.

“I might either want to be a teacher or a speech pathologist,” she said. “They both get to help with kids and I really like doing that.”