Aynor Middle School - Tina Searcy - 8th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Sara Boone. 

Tina continues to amaze with her spirit and the standard to which she holds herself.  She is kind to everyone, respectful at all times to adults and peers alike, and maintains a joyful spirit about her.  The loss of a parent is an event that sends many people spiraling downward, even as adults.  Tina, as a thirteen-year-old, has shown the ability to take a horrible life experience at a young age and make it part of her life without making it an excuse for anything.  She and her mother continue to face struggles and challenges in the wake of her father’s death, but Tina lives her days without making excuses and without giving in to hurdles.  She continues to march forward, a light to those around her, doing what is right instead of what is easy.

Black Water Middle - Tramel Moten - 8th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Jason Weese.

Tramel Moten lost his mother two years ago.  He has lived with his aunt since that time.  Tramel also has some physical and academic challenges to overcome.  Despite all of this, he has worked hard to improve his grades.  He plays football, wrestles and maintains an extremely pleasant and courteous attitude.  He is a wonderful example of a leader.

Conway Middle School - Madison Moen - 8th grade
She was nominated by her guidance counselor, Charlene Lennon. 

Madison Moen is a courageous young lady, in spite of her personal family struggles. Her mother died suddenly. She has shown strength, determination and perseverance as she dealt with the obstacles that plagued her family and home life.  At school, she appeared to be happy, always sporting a big smile and having a positive attitude. I would have never known she was coping with difficulties such as her mom’s alcoholism and that placed a real strain on the household.  Even though life at home was not what she desired, she continued to thrive academically.  With the help and support of her father, she attended school daily and maintained A’s and B’s in all classes. She is an example of a REEL Kid as she continues to rise above her circumstances.

Forestbrook Middle School - Vincent Coccagna - 8th grade
He was nominated by his career development facilitator, Eileen Patoney. 

Every visitor to Forestbrook Middle School is warmly welcomed by Vincent Coccagna. He takes pride in being a Career Ambassador, welcoming FMS Partners in Education on Career Day. Vincent makes those around him feel special, when it is Vincent who is truly special. As an infant, his future was bleak and terminal. With love and support of his adoptive parents, Vincent thrives in school and on the field. He is an active member of the Miracle League Reds team. He excels in both baseball and soccer. Vincent is also on the FMS Special Olympics team. Respected by his peers, he was elected to represent his class on student council.

Green Sea Floyds Middle - Oscar ArisVega - 8th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Cherry Willoughby. 

Oscar AriasVega is an extremely hard-working young man. While spending many of his weekends working on his family’s farm, Oscar maintains exemplary grades in school. He is always attentive, eager to learn and able to work independently or in a group setting. He is a leader and is very positive about school.  Oscar thinks outside the box and makes connections from the material he is learning to real life situations. Oscar has overcome a language barrier, but you would never know it.  His communication skills are excellent and, from his behavior, it is obvious that he understands the value of an education. He is always a leader in his classes and is willing to share his ideas without being embarrassed. Oscar is both an asset to our school and an excellent model for his peers.

Loris Middle School - Na'Dir Spencer - 7th grade
He was nominated by his guidance counselor, Pat Hatcher. 

Na’Dir Spencer puts the extra in extraordinary! He is a soft spoken, kind young man.  His smile lights a room upon his entrance. Na’Dir has such a positive attitude about life.  Last year, he left school and had to endure what no child should have to face.  His mother was the victim of domestic violence.  Even though his heart was broken, he returned to school three days later with that wonderful smile and great attitude.  He is a model student and never gets into trouble. Na’Dir has a win, win attitude that he makes those around him want to be just like him.  You can’t always control circumstances, but you can control how you let circumstances affect you.  Na’Dir is a born leader, and LMS is proud of him.

Myrtle Beach Middle - Hannah Durham - 7th grade
She was nominated by her careers teacher, Adrienne Pearson.

Hannah's family moved from Illinois to Myrtle Beach to start over and start a new life.  The family was referred to a homeless shelter called Myrtle Beach Haven. Hannah explained, “Without living at Myrtle Beach Haven, I know I would not have been as successful in school.” She and her mom now live in an apartment. Hannah’s mom is also sick, so she feels compelled to take care of her and her mentally impaired brother, who is 22. Hannah’s brother is now employed, and her mother is beginning chef’s training through Street Reach.

North Myrtle Beach Middle - Caitlynn Jarvis - 8th grade
She was nominated by her guidance counselor, Beth Hill.

Caitlynn Jarvis was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was nine-years-old and in fourth grade. Management of the condition can be overwhelming, requiring constant monitoring, adjusting and adapting especially when the diagnosis is new.  Caitlynn is fully in control of her care at school and has conscientiously assumed this responsibility. She serves as a mentor for other students with diabetes and offers assistance and encouragement whenever possible. Often she is approached by non-diabetic students with questions about the condition and the care involved. In spite of the demands imposed by this chronic condition, Caitlynn remains a happy and engaged young person, maintaining a good academic standing, participating in extracurricular activities and juggling a busy social life.

Ocean Bay Middle - Cooper Hedges - 8th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Abby Mourning.

Cooper Hedges is not a typical student at Ocean Bay Middle.  Diagnosed with Autism as a toddler, he had to be taught how to speak, play, interact with others, and basically function in everyday life.  He began an intensive therapy program of 40 hours a week by the age of four. Social skills are very difficult for people with Autism; they have a difficult time “reading” people’s faces, responding to and interpreting social cues, and carrying on conversations; they often prefer to be alone and by themselves.  However, Cooper has overcome this obstacle and has shown great empathy over the last few years towards his classmates.

St. James Middle School - Karen Carter - 7th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Lauren Cestare.

Karen Carter experienced many worries and concerns about coming to school. Through anxious times and tears, she made the best of each day even on the days when it seemed to be overwhelming.  This year in seventh grade, Karen has really blossomed and has become a more responsible, outgoing young lady with a positive attitude towards school.  She is always upbeat, wearing a big smile, and is a great friend to others.  She is working hard on her schoolwork and is participating in our after school tutoring program.  Karen has also improved tremendously in her communication skills with adults, her confidence level, as well in her social interactions with her peers.  Karen is not selfish with her new found confidence, as she easily remembers how she felt when she was left out and makes sure that others feel welcome and part of her crowd. 

Whittemore Park Middle School - Ethan Johnson - 8th grade
He was nominated by his teacher and mother, Denise Johnson.

Although Ethan Johnson was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at nine years of age, he is an excellent student, athlete, and overall leader in our school. Some of the complications of his disease are autoimmune deficiency and arthritis. Ethan excels academically despite missing several days of school due to his illness. He enjoys social studies and thrives in that class. He enjoys hunting and fishing and dreams of majoring in culinary arts and becoming a chef one day. He loves sports, but had to give it up due to his health. Ethan has shown us all that a positive attitude can take you a long way in overcoming obstacles.