Aynor Middle School - Calvin Cash - 8th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Hilda Winburn.

Calvin Cash is a fifteen-year-old student in Special Education at Aynor Middle School. He has a condition known as Cabezas Syndrome, a rare X-linked disorder characterized by mental retardation, muscle wasting, small stature among other problems. Calvin’s disorder will always be with him and set limits to what he is capable of accomplishing. However, there is no limit to the joy and love that he is capable of giving to people he encounters everyday for the rest of his life.

Black Water Middle - Laura Ashley Stalvey - 8th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Karen McCune.

Laura Ashley Stalvey is a sweet, loving student who works hard at school and sings in the choir. She is always present at school with a positive attitude despite the fact that her stepfather is gravely ill. She spends as much time with him as she can and tries hard to be a good daughter and good student. This is why we nominate her to be our REEL Kid.

Conway Middle School - Adrian Knox - 6th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Emmalee Wells.

Forestbrook Middle School - Jada McDowell - 8th grade
She was nominated by her school counselor, Coleen Costar.

Jada McDowell spent her elementary and middle school years moving between SC, NC and Louisiana. Her most recent move to Myrtle Beach in October of this school year was the result of the death of her father. Jada’s entire life changed in a matter of two weeks. Now, four months later, Jada is an A/B student and was just accepted to the Governor’s School for the Arts. Jada is a smart, sweet, talented, resilient young woman whose eyes sparkle and whose laughter is contagious!

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

Brittney Kuehling was born 10 weeks premature, weighing 3 pounds, 1 ounce. She is asthmatic and has mild cerebral palsy. Doctors advised her mother she would never walk without surgery. Deciding against surgery, her mother sent her to therapy. Brittney has taken hormone shots. Her estimated height will not exceed 4 feet 7 inches. After her birth, her parents divorced and her mother has been her sole provider. Her instruction began at the age of 18 months when a teacher was provided. It bothers Brittney about her height but she never complains. She gets along well with her peers, is well adjusted and is always willing and eager to help in class.

Loris Middle School - Nick McDowell - 8th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Lindy Williams.

Nick's mother recently passed away and he has continued to press on and excel academically. He has a consistent positive attitude and practices skills to manage his emotions in a healthy way. He has matured into a student who works hard on a daily basis, turns in his homework, completes his assignments, and does his personal best on a consistent basis.

Myrtle Beach Middle - Josh Brown - 8th grade
He was nominated by his assistant principal, Dena Chatfield Bowers.

Josh Brown has made huge strides academically and emotionally during his middle school years. Academically, he has gone from small group classes to regular classes and from failing to passing. Josh emotionally has learned and utilizes stress relieving techniques, coping skills, and positive interactions. We are all proud of Josh and continue to be proud through his 8th grade years as he learns more academically and continues to grow emotionally.

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

Sylviarose Morgan was born in North Carolina and the second of seven children. She suffered a severe head injury when she was a toddler. She has moved back and forth between states and many schools. She was held back one grade due to missed school days. Since she has moved to Horry County to live with her grandparents, her life has become more stable and she is doing very well. She maintains an A-B average, has never had a disciplinary incident, and is in Junior Beta Club. She says she has learned to be considerate of others and persevere in spite of adversity. She considers herself to be ambitious by continuing to improve her grades and get perfect attendance so that she may become a nurse.

Ocean Bay Middle - Josh Ray - 8th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Jae Anderson.

Josh Ray’s father, Darryl Ray, was killed in a tragic automobile accident in June, 2005. Josh and his family were in the car together when the accident happened. This year, Josh's mother, Kim, suffered a severe stroke and had to be hospitalized for several weeks; she just recently came home. He is an amazing young man who has been a “rock” through all the difficult times that he has endured during his young life. He is an excellent student and athlete, but more importantly, he is a young man who possesses strong leadership skills and character. I have the honor of teaching Joshua this year and have known his family for several years. Josh has impressed me with his leadership skills and work ethics; he does everything in and outside of the classroom with excellence. I also have the privilege teaching his younger brother Timothy who truly respects and looks up to his older brother for guidance and direction. I knew Joshua’s father, and I know without a doubt that his father would be so proud of his son’s accomplishments and leadership that he has exemplified for his family and his peers.

St. James Middle School - Celeste Campbell - 6th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Sharon Reynolds.

Whittemore Park Middle School - Joseph White - 8th grade
He was nominated by his guidance counselor, Shelley Todd.

Although Joseph White is a foster child, separated from his brothers and family, he is an excellent student, athlete, and overall leader in our school. Joseph excels academically. He enjoys social studies and thrives in that class. He also participates in band and chorus. He is an active member of the Whittemore Park Middle School football and basketball teams as well. Joseph has shown us all that a positive attitude can take you a long way to overcome obstacles.