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An awards luncheon was held at the Holiday Inn West-On the Waterway in Myrtle Beach on May 27th, to honor each student.  HTC invited, Patrick Henry Hughes and his father, Patrick John Hughes, to be the special guest speakers this year.  Patrick Henry Hughes was born with an extremely rare genetic disorder: arms that could not straighten, legs that would never be able to walk, and most devastating of all, permanent blindness. He had been born with no eyes. “Why my son, Lord,” his father, Patrick John, asked. Yet his parents wouldn’t give up on their hopes for their child, determined that he grow up to be all that he could. Then one day, the extraordinary happened. Nine-month-old Patrick Henry began to play the piano. Soon, his exceptional musical talent emerged. And in those moments, Patrick John realized why Patrick Henry had been chosen as his son. With unwavering optimism, humor, and courage, Patrick Henry has made “I am potential” his mantra throughout his life and defied his disabilities at every turn.

Patrick Henry Hughes w/his father, Patrick John Hughes

In his first book, I Am Potential, Patrick Henry and his father share their incredible journey. Simply and candidly written, this book is not only the story of Patrick Henry’s remarkable life, but of the bond between father and son. It is also a guide for those who seek to live their own life more meaningfully each day - demonstrating how with faith, perseverance, and unconditional love, almost anything is possible to achieve.

Read Patrick Henry's Bio >>

Following Patrick Henry’s presentation, HTC awarded medals to each winner for their accomplishments. The Meagan Conner Award and Taylor McKinney Award for Courage winners were announced at the end of the ceremony.

See the listings & photos of all the 2010 HTC REEL Kids by clicking on the links below:

Meagan Conner Award During the first season of HTC REEL Kids, Meagan Conner, Loris High School's REEL Kid, was battling cancer. It was a battle she lost just four months after the REEL Kids luncheon. Her story touched everyone that year and we continue to pay tribute to her life by honoring one REEL Kid each year with this award. A special committee selects one outstanding REEL Kid who made a lasting impression at the time of the interview, a REEL Kid who displays strong character, determination and perseverance. The objective of the Meagan Conner award is not to choose a student based on the severity of the obstacle, but rather the strength of their character, the degree of their determination, and the duration of their perseverance.

2010 Meagan Conner Award Winner - Ethan Grainger

Wireless Alliance Scholarship Once again, the owners of an outside company, Wireless Alliance, continued their support of our REEL Kids program – so much, that they again presented a check to be awarded to one senior REEL Kid based on perceived need for monetary assistance for higher education. The $2,000 scholarship was awarded to Nichole Accordini, a graduating senior from the Academy for Arts, Science & Technology. The theme for the 2010 REEL Kids luncheon was “Potential”. All HTC REEL Kids received a copy of Patrick Henry’s book, “I Am Potential, Eight Lessons on Living, Loving and Reaching Your Dreams” at the REEL Kids luncheon.

2010 Wireless Alliance Scholarship Winner - Nichole Accordini

Since 2001, HTC has hosted the HTC REEL Kids program to honor students who may otherwise be overlooked. These students are worthy of recognition for their outstanding leadership qualities that have helped them through special circumstances. All schools in Horry County, grades primary through 12th, were encouraged to participate by nominating an extraordinary student, and for the tenth year, all Horry County Schools are represented.

"When we receive the nominations from the schools and read about the trials these young people have endured, we are humbled,” said Nicole Hyman, senior marketing coordinator for HTC. “These REEL Kids have struggled through physical disabilities, learning disabilities, and loss of loved ones, disease, emotional problems, abuse, abandonment and so much more. The most remarkable fact is that the REEL Kids have overcome what some would have seen as stumbling blocks.”

The HTC REEL Kids program began in the fall of 2000 and was created to recognize one student per school who has overcome a significant obstacle in their life. Guidance counselors were asked to nominate these students and one child from each school in Horry County was awarded the HTC REEL Kids award. The nomination form also asked the counselor to describe how the nominee has proven him/herself through scholastic, athletic and community achievements in the face of obstacles or extenuating circumstances. The guidance counselor and principal signed off on the information provided, and the parent/guardian gave permission for all personal and academic information to be released publicly by HTC in its efforts to recognize and describe award winners for this honor.

As part of becoming an HTC REEL Kid, each child along with his/her teacher, principal or guidance counselor was interviewed for an HTC REEL Kids segmentthat airs each week during the local talk show, RiverTalk.  Each child’s inspiring story of overcoming adversity was shared during the interview. 

“The REEL Kids program is one of the many highlights of the year for us at HTC. We are amazed at the amount of maturity these children possess and can see how tough times have made them stronger. During the interviews, the REEL Kids give advice to those who are going through difficult situations and urge others above all to never give up,” said Hyman.

HTC is proud to help share these inspirational stories with the community. For more information concerning the HTC REEL Kids Awards, please contact Nicole Hyman, HTC Senior Marketing Coordinator, at 369-8498 or 902-3838.