Pictured: Zachary Johnson meeting with donor John M. Draughn of the John M. Draughn and Trena B. Draughn Scholarship Fund
We are excited to announce 11 students will gain the opportunity to attend college this fall, thanks in part to the scholarship programs created by generous donors in Horry and Georgetown counties and stewarded and managed by WCF. The Foundation has been awarding scholarships for nearly 20 years since our founding in 1999. This year’s scholarship awards total $110,127 for both undergraduate and graduate pursuits.
This dollar amount is almost double last year’s total for scholarships, and far exceeds 2016’s total. WCF’s Board and scholarship donors recognized and are meeting the need for greater impact through increased scholarship amounts and the creation of more renewable scholarship opportunities.
Additional highlights this year include both Boone Scholarship recipients receiving $20,000 awards, three of the Jones Scholarship recipients receiving full tuition and fees, and one Jones Scholarship recipient receiving half-tuition and fees.
Scholarship awards come from six funds at the Foundation: Allan Blum Memorial Scholarship, Boone Foundation Scholarship for Music and Law, John M. Draughn and Trena B. Draughn Scholarship, Sharon Malone Habitat for Humanity Scholarship, Sue’s Hope Scholarship Fund and Thomas W. Jones Memorial Scholarship.
Some recipients are rising freshmen, but many are upperclassmen, and two are enrolled in graduate and doctorate programs. With applicants’ ambitions ranging from Conductor to Radiologist to Engineer, the hardworking 2018 scholarship winners, determined by the WCF Scholarship Committee, are sure to go far.
Congratulations to these outstanding scholarship recipients! Donors interested in setting up a scholarship fund with Waccamaw Community Foundation may reach out to Karen Minogue, Director of Development, at karenm@mywcf.org or (843) 357-4483. Rising high school seniors interested in applying for scholarships should check back on this website in January 2019 for further information.
Meet this year’s students
Sharon Malone Scholarship for Habitat for Humanity
Ephiphany Holmes – A rising senior at Winthrop University, Ephiphany received an award from the Sharon Malone Habitat for Humanity Scholarship. Ephiphany is majoring in psychology and double minoring in French and women’s and gender studies. She has recently presented undergraduate research at the 6th annual Southeastern Psychological Association Conference. She is an avid reader and loves to spend time with family and friends. Ephiphany plans on furthering her education, getting her master’s in school psychology and becoming a public school psychologist.
Jaylen Johnson – A recent graduate of Myrtle Beach Christian Academy School, Jaylen received the Sharon Malone Habitat for Humanity Scholarship. He was a scholar athlete in high school, playing football and baseball, and also worked in the restaurant industry. During the past four years, he’s managed to maintain a solid GPA, excel in athletics and work part-time, all while facing and overcoming great family challenges. As an incoming freshman at Coastal Carolina University, Jaylen plans to pursue a degree in physical therapy.
Allan Blum Memorial Scholarship
Claire Hamilton – Claire is a recent graduate of Conway High School and recipient of the Alan Blum Memorial Scholarship. This fall, Claire will begin her freshman year at Clemson University where she plans to major in engineering. At Conway High School, Claire was involved in many organizations such as National Honor Society, Anchor Club, and acapella choir and played tennis for six years at the varsity level. She also attended Palmetto Girls State, a leadership and citizenship training program in 2017. She loves to volunteer at her church and spend time with family and friends.
Sue’s Hope Scholarship Fund
Amanda Allen – Amanda is a recent graduate at North Myrtle Beach Christian School. This fall, with the help of the Sue’s Hope Scholarship Fund, Amanda will begin her freshman year at Jacksonville State University, where she plans to major in clinical health and wellness with a minor in biology. At North Myrtle Beach Christian School, Amanda was involved in the National Beta Club, the Little River Rotary Club, and student government. She also played volleyball at the junior varsity and varsity level along with basketball and softball at the junior varsity level. She enjoys spending most of her time at the beach or being with friends. Amanda plans to further her education at The Medical University of South Carolina where she plans study Radiology.
John M. Draughn and Trena B. Draughn Scholarship Fund
Zack Johnson – Entering his second year at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Zack is on the Dean’s List and on track to complete his associate degree before transferring to Coastal Carolina University to major in business. Zack has worked hard in the restaurant industry since he was old enough to be employed, and plans to continue to work his way up within the industry. This is Zack’s second year as a recipient of the John M. Draughn and Trena B. Draughn Scholarship.
The Boone Foundation Scholarship Fund
Erin Waldron – A recipient of the The Boone Foundation Scholarship Fund, Erin is entering her third year at the University of South Carolina School of Law. Erin is a legal research and writing tutor, a member of Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity, and Assistant Editor in Chief of the South Carolina Law Review. She is an active member of her homeowners’ association, and when she’s not studying, she enjoys riding her bicycle and playing trivia. After earning her law degree, Erin plans to pursue a judicial clerkship in South Carolina.
Nathan Tucker – Pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of South Carolina, where he studies instrumental conducting with Scott Weiss and serves as a graduate assistant in the School of Music. Nathan is a staff member with University Bands, and serves as the personnel manager of the Carolina Band, the university’s 400-member marching band. He is also an avid landscaper, loves to spend time with his wife, Kate, and two sons, Gabriel and William, and be in his backyard grilling or visiting with neighbors on his front porch. Nathan plans to become a music professor and conductor after he earns his doctorate with the support of the The Boone Foundation Scholarship Fund.
Thomas W. Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund
Joe Simpson – Entering his senior year at the University of South Carolina, Joe is majoring in mechanical engineering with support from the Thomas W. Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund. Joe is involved in the university chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, where he serves as one of the club’s executive board members. In his free time, he enjoys playing piano, camping, and playing recreational sports. After graduating with his bachelor’s degree, Joe looks forward to joining the engineering workforce.
Jacob McDaniel – A recipient of the Thomas W. Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund, is entering his senior year at University of South Carolina, where he is majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Jacob is enrolled in the university’s Army ROTC program and will be commissioned as an Army officer upon graduation. He will serve a minimum of 6 years in the South Carolina Army National Guard as he serves both his community and his country. Jacob is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting and fishing as well as spending time on the water. He is a youth leader at his church. After graduation, Jacob plans to pursue a master’s degree in engineering. Following his successful completion of graduate school, Jacob plans to enter a career in federal law enforcement.
Alfred Stephenson – A recent graduate of Georgetown High School, Alfred is beginning his freshman year at the University of South Carolina with the help of the Thomas W. Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund. From the small community of North Santee, Alfred places high value on community, family and faith. At Georgetown High, Alfred played basketball and ran track, was heavily involved with the Interact Club, and worked at a legal firm. Alfred is studying computer engineering with a minor in mathematics with the goal of graduating summa cum laude and finding work at an engineering firm.
Beau Studley – Beau is also a recent graduate of Georgetown High School and entering his freshman year at the University of South Carolina. In high school, Beau was a four-year member of the soccer team, including serving as team captain, was the captain of the Academic Team, and also involved in Spanish Club, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Art Honor Society and his church. He also has completed countless hours of community service with Toys for Tots, Habitat for Humanity, Martha’s Women’s House, and several other charitable organizations. With support from the Thomas W. Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund, Beau is studying mechanical engineering, hoping to find an opportunity to combine his artistic talents with his mathematical skills to find a satisfying and challenging career.
About Waccamaw Community Foundation
Waccamaw Community Foundation seeks to improve quality of life across Horry and Georgetown counties by offering individuals, families and organizations the opportunity to establish named charitable funds that support the community through grants and scholarships. Founded in 1999, Waccamaw Community Foundation connects people with the causes they care about, provides personalized service and helps donors leave a lasting legacy. To learn more visit waccamawcf.org or call (843) 357-4483.
Waccamaw Community Foundation is an affiliate organization of Coastal Community Foundation.