Academy for Arts, Science & Technology - Megan Wesel - 11th grade
She was nominated by her guidance counselor, Tonya Pickett.

Megan Wesel is an awesome student. She has spent many years having to be responsible for herself. In spite of the fact that she has had to deal with numerous family issues, she has managed to set high academic standards for herself and has worked very hard to achieve these standards. She is a wonderful young lady with a wonderful story to tell in hopes that she may encourage someone else.

Academy for Technology & Academics - Brittany Williams - 12th grade
She was nominated by her English teacher, Nancy Hopkins. 

Brittany Williams is graduating from high school this year, which is quite a reason to celebrate, considering her horrible beginning in life. Brittany’s birth mother was under the influence of crack and alcohol while pregnant which led to Brittany’s premature birth and a plethora of problems during her developmental years. Brittany has overcome many physical challenges in her lifetime, and her main issues today are asthma and fainting spells. Thanks to her paternal grandparents who adopted her, she has lived in a loving environment where she has become the delightful young lady that she is today.  As a culinary art major at ATA, Brittany is a role model for her classmates and leads by example in a quiet, unassuming manner. Her senior research project was on cancer fighting foods, and she created a cookbook to help those who are battling cancer, including her mom and culinary teacher.

Aynor High School - Markquez Jamison - 12th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Peggy McGill. 

Markquez Jamison has been identified as Trainable Mentally Handicapped.  He is capable of helping me in my classroom by leading the students to lunch or helping to make sure everyone is safe during our community based instruction trips.  He stands in line at Hardee’s and doesn’t let anyone else out of the door until the teacher has checked to see that the traffic is safe for the class to walk to the bus.  He can assist younger male students in the bathroom without the teacher’s assistance.  He is always willing to help even though he is disabled.

Carolina Forest High - Shakiel White - 10th grade
He was nominated by his guidance counselor, Pam Bosselait. 

Shakiel White is a survivor!  He has been in the Foster program for most of his life and has many different schools over the years.  We at Carolina Forest are very pleased that he landed here!  He is a good student, strong in math, a fine athlete who participates in football and shines in track; especially in the 400 relay and high jump.  Shakiel lost one of his current foster parents earlier this year, and I find it remarkable that he keeps striving in the wake of so much loss.

Shakiel is the winner of the 2012 Meagan Conner Award, REEL Kids' highest honor.

Conway High School - Robert Nelson - 12th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Michelle Richardson. 

Robert Nelson was nominated by several teachers for his steadfast, unmovable attitude toward life in spite of the many challenges and obstacles most would consider insurmountable obstacles. In spite of all odds, he is matriculating in an honors curriculum.  He has received a scholarship to Newberry College.  He defies all negative stereotypes of youth and embodies all the characteristics of someone bound for success.  He enjoys playing football and basketball at Conway High School.   Despite his many bumpy obstacles, he has continued to excel in life.   He will continue to be a leader to his peers, help out in the community and further in education and sports career.  His long-term goal is to get his Master’s in Business Management.

Early College High - Nicola Mari - 12th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Tammi Lee.

Nick Mari has overcome the loss of both parents to excell both academically and athletically. After the deportation of his Italian father and the death of his mother, Nick and his older brother were adopted by their grandparents. Nick has used his focus and drive to earn a 3.8 high school GPA and a college GPA of 2.97. He has helped Loris High win State Championships in both Football and Wrestling. He also runs track, assists in the wieght room and is involved in many extracurricular activities that are of great benefit to the community. Nick plans on attending Coastal Carolina University and majoring in Secondary Education.

Green Sea Floyds High - Hope Phillips - 12th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Robin Donaldson. 

Hope Phillips lost her mother at a young age; then her dad was in accident and disabled for life. As a result, Hope has had to grow up early.  Through everything, she has been a dedicated student. She is always on the honor roll, maintains high values, and is willing to help in any way possible.  She is determined to attend college even though her financial situation is limited.  Hope will be the first in her family to attend.

Loris High School - Ginette Morgan - 12th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Denese Tyler. 

Myrtle Beach High - Pascual Juan - 10th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Peggy Ryals. 

When Pascual Juan was five-years-old, his family moved to the United States.  His parents instilled great values in him, and he has worked hard to make them proud.  From a young boy who came to this country speaking no English to a young man certified Gifted and Talented, Pascual excels in a number of areas. Pascual is a member of the Myrtle Beach High School JROTC and an athlete all while maintaining excellent grades.

Pascual is the winner of the 2012 Taylor McKinney Award for Courage.

North Myrtle Beach High - Taquan Dewitt - 9th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Rachel Addis.

Taquan Dewitt is an overcomer.  His placement changed from self-contained to a regular education classroom.  This is an enormous accomplishment which takes being focused and a lot of perseverance during a time period when it was not cool to be smart.  All of his teachers beam with excitement when his name is mentioned.  Taquan said that he gains encouragement from those family members who are incarcerated to keep his head up and not make the same mistakes they made. 

Socastee High School - Weston Brewer - 10th grade
He was nominated by his guidance counselor, Fran Keller.

Despite a traumatic brain injury as the result of an accidental shooting, Weston Brewer is successful academically and has set goals for himself-doubling up on his classes to catch up with the class of 2013.  He has progressed from “best hope is a permanent vegetative state” in December of 2007 to a determined young man on track to fulfilling his dreams of attending college and becoming a sports agent.

Weston is the winner of the 2012 Taylor McKinney Award for Courage.