Aynor Middle School - Maribel Cohete - 7th grade
She was nominated by her guidance counselor, Margie Gordyk.

Maribel Cohete is a 13 year old foreign student with the determination of a turtle and the smile of an angel. This time of her life should be spent enjoying the adolescent years, but Maribel is busy accompanying her mom to doctor's appointments and teacher conferences for her younger sister. She is the only one in her family that speaks English, so she has to interpret for her parents to help make some very important decisions. In spite of all these adult responsibilities, Maribel continues to do well in school.

Black Water Middle - Calvin "CJ" Webster - 6th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Roxanne Harper.

Calvin Webster, also known as CJ, has shown such a mature attitude and dedication to his life and academics while dealing with the recent death of his dad and also while caring for his mother who is sick with cancer. Some days CJ stays by his mom's side, to reassure himself that she's alright. CJ continues to smile and have a fun, loving personality...even though he's dealing with so much.

Conway Middle School - Delanse Smith - 7th grade
He was nominated by his guidance counselor, Charlene Lennon.

Last year, during the school year, Delanse Smith's father was tragically killed. In spite of that horrible event he continued to maintain excellent grades and attendance in his classes while also avoiding any discipline problems. He continued to participate in his various athletic programs, and did not allow the loss of his father to stop his drive for success.

Forestbrook Middle School - Kody Ruff - 7th grade
He was nominated by his career development facilitator, Eileen Patoney.

Kody Ruff has a father, who is a convicted felon and has served prison time, but you will not hear him share this with anyone, instead Kody shares the great things happening in his life. Why do great things happen in Kody's life? Because Kody makes them happen. He is a resilient REEL Kid with a "can do" attitude!

Green Sea Floyds Middle - Clayton "Kyle" Bell - 8th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Cherry Willoughby.

Kyle Bell has faced many rough times in his life. His dad was involved in a near fatal motorcycle accident in 2000 and his Mom died in an automobile accident last March. Kyle misses his Mom very much and his siblings think he is an amazing person who will do great things. His family knows he will contribute to society and loves him very much.

Loris Middle School - Zachary Collins - 7th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Sharon Wallace.

When Zack Collins first came to Loris Middle as a 6th grader, he was fearful of many things. He would only eat pizza and often have tantrums and felt out of control. Today, Zack is confident and has made tremendous advances both socially and academically. He has overcome many fears and participates in Drama, eats a wide variety of foods, and is a blessing to all who know him.

Myrtle Beach Middle - Navruza Fedomatova - 8th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Diane Wildman.

Navruza Fedomatova moved from the country of Uzbekistan to Myrtle Beach in 2004. Her native language is Tajik and she did not speak English upon her arrival. There were no other children from Uzbekistan when Navruza moved here and she was a bit isolated because of the language barrier. At first it was very hard to speak English, make friends, and understand a new culture. She has surpassed many of those barriers and has done extremely well in numerous areas.

North Myrtle Beach Middle - Lucas "Luke" Starace - 8th grade
He was nominated by his guidance counselor, Beth Hill.

Luke Starace was born with a condition that led to heart problems. When Luke was in the 6th grade a medical procedure was done at MUSC Children's Hospital. His condition was found to be of a more serious nature than originally anticipated. Several months later an internal cardio defibrillator was placed in his chest. After two surgeries, numerous doctors' appointments and many trips to MUSC, Luke has kept his cheerful nature and remains positive.

Ocean Bay Middle - Kayla Conner - 8th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Tonyia Sharp.

Growing up with several learning disabilities, Kayla Conner has always had to go the extra mile to just keep up with her peers. With hearing impairment and severe auditory processing challenges, she has had to use a special apparatus in the classroom since third grade. Last year, she began to venture out without depending on her apparatus and has been able to move to full independence this year. This was a major accomplishment for her. And, if these challenges weren't enough, she also struggles with dysgraphia and dyslexia. Through her struggles and her extra work, she has gained an incredible work ethic that has brought her to be able to perform with her peers even now in honors level courses.

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

As a student with special needs, Kayla Hillman has shown her ability to rise above her circumstances to show her uniqueness and individuality. In the past, Kayla has struggled with academics and behavior. She was troubled and often found herself in confrontations with her peers. This year, Kayla goes above and beyond in each of her classes, comes prepared for class and helps her classmates and teachers whenever needed.

Whittemore Park Middle School - Krystal James - 6th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Michelle Lilleck.

Krystal James has overcome medical issues her whole life. She has petit mal generalized complex seizures, memory issues, dyslexia and other various medical conditions. Despite all that she deals with on a daily basis, Krystal excels in her classes. She has to work harder than any other student and she does it everyday to be successful.