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HTC REEL Kids 2011

Watch the HTC REEL Kids Awards on HTC Channel 4 at 10 a.m., 6 p.m., & 10 p.m.
daily through the end of September.

On Thursday, May 26, forty-eight Horry County Schools' students were honored during the 11th Annual HTC REEL Kids luncheon at the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes. These forty-eight students have proven themselves through scholastic, athletic and community achievements in the face of obstacles or extenuating circumstances and have been recognized by their schools as winners of the HTC REEL Kids (Recognizing
Extraordinary Examples of Leadership) award. 

An awards luncheon was held at the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach on May 26th, to honor each student.  HTC invited Scott MacIntyre, the first blind finalist on American Idol (Season 2009), to be the special guest speaker this year.  Visually impaired since birth, he started playing the piano at age three, began classical lessons at six, and subsequently learned to play organ, guitar, bass, and drums.  MacIntyre’s contagious spirit of optimism and heartfelt stories take his audiences on an emotional journey of love and yearning, hardship and hope, from someone who deeply understands the challenges of overcoming enormous adversity.  Having always forged ahead when the world said to give up, Scott MacIntyre continues to be an inspiration to all who hear his music and story.

Scott MacIntyre

All HTC REEL Kids received a copy of Scott MacIntyre’s latest CD, “Heartstrings,” at the REEL Kids luncheon.  Prior to the special guest presentation and performance by Scott MacIntyre, HTC awarded medals to each winner for their accomplishments. The Meagan Conner Award and Taylor McKinney Award for Courage winners were also announced.

Read Scott MacIntyre's Bio >>

See the listings & photos of all the 2011 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.

2011 Meagan Conner Award Winner - Robert Church

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 Kelly Murphy, a graduating senior from the Academy for Arts, Science & Technology.

2011 Wireless Alliance Scholarship Winner - Kelly Murphy

Since 2001, HTC has confirmed a local connection to the community by hosting 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 Mike Hagg, HTC Chief Executive Officer.  “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. 

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.