Scholarship funds at Waccamaw Community Foundation allow our donors to directly impact the lives of the young people in our region by supporting their educational goals, often putting them on a long-term path of success. Not only are we helping these bright students obtain higher education, our scholarship funds expand opportunities for generations to come.
John M. Draughn and Trena B. Draughn Scholarship
The John M. and Trena B. Draughn Scholarship Fund has awarded $45,000 to college-bound students of the Horry-Georgetown region over the past 16 years. Recently, we were able to celebrate the latest two recipients, North Myrtle Beach High School seniors Neal MacDonald and Forest Floyd.
The scholarship program was created for a senior at North Myrtle Beach High School that plans to attend either Coastal Carolina University or Horry-Georgetown Technical College in Conway to pursue a degree in a business-related field. While the scholarship is typically awarded to one student, Neal and Forest’s applications were so compelling, the Draughn’s decided to support them both.
Neal MacDonald is entering his freshman year at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, where he is majoring in Business Administration. Neal plans to transfer to Coastal Carolina University to pursue his bachelor’s degree and complete his Business Administration program. Neal is a proud Eagle Scout who has been involved in scouting since he was 7 years-old. Neal is also an excellent tennis player, serving as team captain of his school’s tennis team for the past two years. After earning his bachelor’s degree, Neal plans on opening a business of his own.
Forest Floyd is entering his freshman year at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, where he will be studying Business Management. After two years, he plans on finishing his college career at Coastal Carolina University. Floyd is an avid fisherman and loves to spend his time on the water. After earning his bachelor’s degree, Forest dreams of becoming a business owner.
Thomas W. Jones Memorial Scholarship
The Thomas W. Jones Scholarship focuses on graduating seniors or current students at the University of South Carolina’s Engineering school, with ties to Georgetown or Horry County. Congratulations to Alfred Stephenson and Beau Studley for earning this year’s award.
Alfred Stephenson is entering his sophomore year at the University of South Carolina, where he is majoring in Computer Engineering with a minor in Mathematics. Alfred is involved in the university’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Minorities in Computing (MIC), and Brothers of Nubian Descent (BOND). Alfred plays intramural basketball, sings in the choir and is a youth mentor at his church. After he receives his bachelor’s degree, Alfred plans to become Computer Systems Analyst.
Beau Studley is entering his sophomore year at the University of South Carolina, where he will continue studying Civil Engineering. Beau is a member of the Capstone Scholars Program at USC. He is also involved in several intramural sports, and the USC Study Abroad Program. Beau recently completed a service trip in Quito, Ecuador volunteering at the Center for Working Boys, an organization that enhances the lives of families through education, home building, vocational training and more. Throughout his next three years, Beau hopes to continue his focus on education and service.
Mildred E. Swatko Memorial Scholarship
The Mildred E. Swatko scholarship is awarded to a student enrolled in the Nursing or Golf Course programs at Horry-Georgetown Technical College.
Stacy Johnson is majoring in nursing at Horry-Georgetown Technical College. She is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and previously served 14 years in law enforcement in Georgia. She is a wife, mother, animal lover and enjoys spending her free time with her family at the beach or pool. Stacy plans on serving her community at an area hospital after earning her associates degree in nursing and becoming a registered nurse.
Michael Smith is in his third semester majoring in nursing at Horry-Georgetown Technical College. Michael is an active member of the Student Nurses Association and serves on the officer team as the Breakthrough to Nursing Coordinator at the Grand Strand Campus. After graduating with his Nursing degree, Michael plans to become a Trauma Certified Registered Nurse.
Lindsey Lopez is a second career student at Horry-Georgetown Technical College after being a stay-at-home mom. She is majoring in Nursing, associates degree in nursing – registered nurse, where she proudly maintains a 4.0 GPA. After graduating, she plans to continue her education with the hopes of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. Lindsey is driven to address health disparities among women of under-served populations.
Katharine Tricomi is in her final semester as a nursing student at Horry-Georgetown Technical College. She has lived in North Myrtle Beach for the past 20 years and has thoroughly enjoyed her experience. Upon graduation, Katharine hopes to move to Charlotte, North Carolina to practice nursing in a medical-surgical unit.
Katherine Lall is currently a student at Horry-Georgetown Technical College obtaining an associate degree in Nursing. She is a member of the National Student Nurses Association and recently served as the Community Health Director. After becoming an RN as well as a Nurse Practitioner, Katherine plans to continue her education.
Sue’s Hope Scholarship
The Sue’s Hope scholarship is awarded to a North Myrtle Beach High School or North Myrtle Beach Christian Academy Senior. The scholarship is aimed at students who display a sense of hope despite obstacles in their life, not necessarily restricted to top performing academic students.
This year’s recipient, Christina Georgakopoulos, is entering her freshman year as a Health Science major at Horry-Georgetown Technical College. She is a member of the National Honors Society, National Math Honors Society, and is also in the Interact Club. Christina has consistently worked two jobs since the age of 13 and loves helping her community. Christina plans to earn a nursing degree and grow in the medical field.