Meet Your 2026 Rice Planters

Addy Busch is a sophomore who is actively involved in both academics and athletics. She plays varsity softball and volleyball, competes on a travel volleyball team, and is also a member of her school’s cheer squad. Addy is a member of the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and participates in her local church youth group. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her sister, reading, and playing sports. As a first-year Rice Planter, Addy is excited to serve and looks forward to making a positive impact in the community.

Ann Howell is a sophomore who is actively involved in both leadership and extracurricular activities at her school. She serves as Sergeant-at-Arms for the student council and is a member of the National Honor Society. Ann is also involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as a missionary and participates in her local church youth group. She is active in multiple sports, including tennis, basketball, and cheer, and is also a member of the school chorus. In her free time, Ann enjoys spending time with friends, playing tennis, and needlepoint. As a first-year Rice Planter, she is eager to serve her community and contribute to the success of the Rice Festival.

Betts White is a sophomore and a Walterboro native who is actively engaged in both academics and the arts. An honors student, she is currently taking dual enrollment classes. Betts has a strong passion for theatre and participates in various community plays throughout the Lowcountry area. She also plays tennis and enjoys staying active. In her free time, Betts enjoys spending time with friends, reading, and learning to play the piano. As a first-year Rice Planter, she is excited for the opportunity to serve her community and be part of the Rice Festival.

Colton Polly is a ninth-grade student with a strong interest in his community and future career in the medical field. He enjoys photography and spending time exploring local favorites such as the farmers market and downtown shops. Colton volunteers at the Colleton County Memorial Library and is a member of the Civil Air Patrol. He has an interest in pursuing a degree in medical sciences. As a first-year Rice Planter, Colton is excited to help with the Rice Festival, one of the community’s largest events, and looks forward to making a positive impact.

Cooper White is a sophomore and Walterboro native who is actively involved in both academics and extracurricular activities. An honors student taking dual enrollment classes, she also participates in student council and serves as Secretary of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Cooper enjoys staying active through sports, including tennis, cheer, and basketball. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, playing doubles tennis with friends, shopping, and spending time growing in her faith. She also enjoys meeting new people and building connections within her community. As a first-year Rice Planter, Cooper is excited to be part of the Rice Festival and contribute to the work that makes it such a special community event.

Graycen Bryan is a sophomore and Walterboro native who is actively involved in both academics and school leadership. She serves as class president for her grade and is the social media manager for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Graycen is enrolled in dual credit courses and maintains a 5.0 GPA. She is also a member of the varsity cheer and soccer teams, where she enjoys staying active and showing school spirit. In her free time, Graycen enjoys spending time with friends and family, going out to dinner, shopping, and watching movies. She has an interest in pursuing a career in the medical field. As a first-year Rice Planter, Graycen is excited to give back to her community and be part of the Rice Festival, an event she looks forward to each year.

Heidi Bishop is a sophomore who is actively involved in both academics and extracurricular activities. She is a member of the National Honor Society and is currently taking dual enrollment classes. Heidi participates in varsity soccer and cheer and enjoys staying active through her involvement in athletics. She also volunteers at athletic events and church functions within the community. Inspired by her parents, who work in nursing and fire rescue, Heidi plans to pursue a career in nursing. As a first-year Rice Planter, she looks forward to serving her community and being part of the Rice Festival.

Kinslee Benton is a ninth-grade student who enjoys staying active in her community and growing in her faith. She plays softball and has volunteered with the Jerusalem Project. Kinslee enjoys spending time worshipping, volunteering, and hanging out with friends. As a first-year Rice Planter, she is excited for the opportunity to serve her community and be part of the Rice Festival.

Matthew Smith is an eleventh-grade student who is actively involved in both school and athletics. As a second-year Rice Planter, he enjoys staying engaged and helping out within his school community. Matthew spends much of his time around athletics, particularly basketball, where he assists with filming, audio, and game operations. He has a strong interest in technology, sports, and teamwork, and enjoys spending time with friends and family. Matthew plans to pursue a career that incorporates his interests in technology, leadership, and collaboration. He takes pride in representing his school, giving back to the community, and continuing to grow as a student leader.

Owen Broach is an eighth-grade student and second-year Rice Planter who enjoys staying active and involved in his community. He enjoys sports, fishing, tubing, and sporting clays and is known for his outgoing personality and willingness to help others. Owen enjoys being around people, never meets a stranger, and values making connections within his community. As a returning Rice Planter, he looks forward to continuing to serve and be part of the Rice Festival.

Tylor Riesner is an eleventh-grade student and a first-year Rice Planter who recently moved to Walterboro from Maryland. He places a strong emphasis on education and has found that the move has helped him grow both academically and personally. Tylor is actively involved in athletics and enjoys playing football, basketball, and baseball. He plans to pursue a degree in sports medicine. As a Rice Planter, Tylor looks forward to the opportunity to serve his community, build friendships, and be part of the Rice Festival.