Aynor Middle School - Amber Lane - 7th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Marie Peeples.

Amber Lane was born with her insides on the outside of her body leaving her with medical complications that she must deal with for the rest of her life. In addition, at the age of six, Amber suffered a stroke that left her with severe neurological problems on her right side. She also spent a year at McLeod Regional Medical Center learning how to do things with her left side and learning how to walk again. As if this was not enough, Amber lived in an abusive home and has spent many years going from foster home to foster home. She now lives in a loving and caring foster home and is doing well.

Black Water Middle - Logan Maynard - 7th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Kim Mendez.

Despite Logan Maynard’s disability, he has accomplished many things since being in middle school. He has a wonderful sense of humor and strives to please. He’s a great inspiration for students and staff.

Conway Middle School - Anthony Chestnut - 6th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, David Deberry.

In spite of the devastating loss of his granny this year, Anthony Chestnut, walks around with a very friendly disposition at school. He also volunteered to watch his uncle this summer who suffered from a heart attack so his aunt could go to work. Anthony loves to help people in need.

Forestbrook Middle School - Savannah Thompson - 6th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Erica Williams.

Although Savannah Thompson has some physical and academic challenges, her beautiful and cheery spirit lifts us all everyday. She tries very hard at learning even when the work is difficult. Savannah brightens up the class with her enthusiasm, friendliness, positive attitude and politeness.

Green Sea Floyds Middle - Xuxa Cribbs - 8th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Cherry Willoughby.

Xuxa Cribbs was born with a hernia. Doctors operated to repair the hernia when she was two months old and five days later her intestines ruptured. She spent forty-eight days at MUSC and had four major operations before she was six months old.

Loris Middle School - Joseph Wade Thomas - 8th grade
He was nominated by his art teacher, Bruce Maggi.

Wade Thomas is an excellent example of a student who has overcome challenges within his family as well as personal difficulties to become a student. He shows great promise as an artist and is a fantastic reader.

Myrtle Beach Middle - Madison Joyce - 8th grade
He was nominated by his guidance counselor, Raychelle Lohman.

Madison Joyce deals with his disability head on and accepts challenges with a smile on his face. He has also survived extenuating circumstances with the sudden death of his father in May of 2004. Madison stays focused on his academic subject areas and excels in those areas.

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

At the young age of thirteen, Mollie Holmes lost both of her parents in period of six months. Just before the holiday season, she was forced to clean out and help sell the only home she knew and move to live with her grandmother in another state. The move and the circumstances rattled Mollie but never destroyed her spirit.

Ocean Bay Middle - Yohan Lee - 8th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Connie Huddle.

Born in Korea in 1994, Yohan Lee and his family moved to the US in 1999. He didn’t learn to speak English until 2002 when he was in 2nd grade. Even as an ESOL speaker, he has excelled academically, athletically as well as musically.

St. James Middle School - Nicholas MacBay - 8th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Kim Noto. .

Nicholas MacBay has overcome many obstacles including physical conditions, surgeries, and his mother’s illness. Yet Nicholas puts forth tremendous effort into every aspect of his classroom performance. He is truly a gentleman and is always willing to help others.

Whittemore Park Middle School - Michelle Deberry - 8th grade
She was nominated by her guidance counselor, Becky Wallace.

Michelle Deberry has overcome finding out that she was adopted and at first this was difficult for her. She has also had some health issues with her legs growing faster than the rest of her body causing muscle spasms. We are proud to nominate Michelle because of her outstanding leadership at our school.