Academy for Arts, Science & Technology - Ashley Caspento - 12th grade
She was nominated by her guidance counselor, Lisa Aglietti.

Ashley Caspento’s junior year was difficult as she lost two women who were very close to her; her mother died very unexpectedly and a few weeks later her grandmother died after a long illness. Ashley missed several weeks of school due to this dual tragedy in her life but when she came back to school, she wasted no time making up missed work and absences.

Academy for Technology & Academics - Jaywine McCray - 11th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Sandra James.

At the age of eight, Jaywine McCray began learning to cook, clean and take care of himself and his ill mother suffering from sickle cell anemia. His mother knew that she needed to prepare her son for the future and taught him the importance of education. After his mother passed away, Jaywine moved in with his grandparents. His grandmother continued to push him to excel in school. Unfortunately, his grandmother passed away in April 2006. Jaywine understands the importance of the lessons his mother and grandmother taught him, and is determined to fulfill their dream of seeing him graduate from high school.

Aynor High School - Josh Blackburn - 12th grade
He was nominated by his coach, Ken Fox.

Josh Blackburn lost his Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Grandfather in an automobile crash. Through this unimaginable tragedy Josh has chosen to honor his family by working hard in and out of school. He has experienced the greatest of loss, yet maintains the ability to be one of the most giving people.

Carolina Forest High - August Guyton - 9th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Holly Sasser.

In November of 2007, August Guyton’s great-grandmother passed away. Her tender heart reflected in her blue eyes and made all feel her great loss. August has definitely inherited her great-grandmother’s determination and desire to strive to meet great goals.

Conway High School - Stucora Brown - 12th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Lynne Koon.

When Stucora Brown began at Conway High in 2004, she was enrolled in self-contained classes. Not pleased with her special classification, she requested placement in a regular classroom setting. She was assigned to a resource program with an opportunity to work toward a high school state diploma.

Green Sea Floyds High - Jose Jaimes - 12th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Robin Donaldson.

Because Jose Jaimes was born in Mexico, when his family moved to the United States, he had to learn to speak the English language. His mother and father do not speak English, and he helps them by translating for them. Despite having to overcome a language barrier, he is dedicated to furthering his education and consistently makes good grades.

Loris High School - Shari Wright - 12th grade
She was nominated by her coach, Jack Monday.

Shari Wright is a student who excels in scholastic, athletic and community achievements. She maintained her grades and commitment to excellence through the long illness of her father. He passed away in April of 2006.

Myrtle Beach High - Narzhani Crumbie - 12th grade
She was nominated by her guidance counselor, Teresa Lynch.

Narzhani Crumbie’s mother made the decision to bring her family here in 2003 from Jamaica. In five short years, Narzhani distinguished herself as a scholar athlete and her family a contributing member of the community. Last year, Narzhani’s track career came to a halt when she was diagnosed with a heart condition. And this past winter, her mom and four sisters were in a serious car accident and she lost two precious sisters. Through it all, the family has drawn closer to each other and to their faith.

North Myrtle Beach High - Brittani Tilghman - 11th grade
She was nominated by her guidance counselor, Beth Brown.

Brittani Tilghman has had to handle many adult situations as a teenager. She has had to deal with a parent in prison, living with family members who are struggling financially and therefore having to work herself, discipline issues and grades. Her anger has gotten her into lots of trouble. Now she’s a peacemaker between friends and makes good grades.

Socastee High School - Jaime Miller - 12th grade
She was nominated by her guidance counselor, Eva Gaddy.

In 2003, Jaime had been suffering from fatigue. It was so difficult for her to attend school that she was put on homebound. After visits to various doctors, blood transfusions and bone marrow test, she was diagnosed with severe Aplastic Anemia. She was placed on several medications and on the road to recovery when in 2005, she suffered a relapse. Jaime missed over two months of school. Jamie is not off of all medications and the doctors consider her to be in remission.