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

Beth Porter has had a difficult time the past two years. During her junior year, she faced several physical and emotional issues that made it all but impossible for her to lead a normal life. Her illness and depression caused her to change from a happy, well adjusted teenager who excelled in school and in sports to one who could not even get out of bed most days. Beth returned to school her senior year and is now better and stronger than ever.

Academy for Technology & Academics - Ashlyn Holter - 12th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Meri Smith.

Ashlyn Holter's mother left her small family of four when she was eight months old. With an agreement between her father and mother, Ashlyn was in custody of her mother and her brother was under her father's custody. Soon after a horrible act of irresponsibility and a battle in court, her father received custody of Ashlyn. For years, Ashlyn blamed herself for her mother leaving, and during middle school she went through depression. After multiple moves from place to place, Ashlyn and her family moved to Conway August 21, 2006.

Ashlyn is the winner of a $1,500 Wireless Alliance Scholarship.

Aynor High School - Edward Teal - 12th grade
He was nominated by his ROTC teacher, Sgt. William Rouse.

Edward Teal is a new student at Aynor High School with cerebral palsy and has quickly adjusted to his new school. As a member of the JROTC, he has disregarded his physical disability and competed with his fellow Cadets. He motivates his fellow Cadets by participating during the physical fitness program each week and doesn't separate himself from the group and that is why he has been promoted to Cadet Captain Headquarters Company Commander this school year.

Edward is the winner of the 2009 Taylor McKinney Award for Courage.

Carolina Forest High - Andrew Herring - 12th grade
He was nominated by his teacher and coach, Drew Hummel.

Throughout Andrew's high school career, he has struggled with his father's ongoing illnesses. While dealing with his father's failing health, Andrew threw his energy into football and academics. In Andrew's junior year, his father died unexpectedly. Although the loss of his father has been tremendous, he maintained his focus on football and school, even in his grief.

Conway High School - Kevin Lewis - 12th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Kyle Cavallini.

Kevin Lewis is a 17-year-old young man that has Down Syndrome, but he comes to school with a great attitude every day and never complains about anything at all. Kevin is very well known around the school by staff and students and has many jobs around the school and in the community. He loves Conway High and puts his heart in everything he does for the good of the school.

Green Sea Floyds High - Tamika Jarrett - 12th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Amy Elliott.

Tamika Jarrett recently lost both of her parents. As devastating as these losses are, she still actively participates in many clubs and after school activities. Tamika is very outgoing and fun-loving.

Loris High School - Xavier Bromell - 11th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Danny McPherson.

Like many other young adults, Xavier Bromell's unfortunate circumstances stem from his home-not his doing, not anyone's fault necessarily, fate. Xavier's mother has lupus and six years ago, the chronic disease attacked his mother leaving her incapacitated and requiring that she and her two children move in with Xavier's grandmother. With no father present in the home and a mother who has been challenged to provide for her two children, Xavier has used these challenges as catalysts for leadership. He's overcome every obstacle.

Xavier is the winner of the 2009 Meagan Conner Award, REEL Kids' highest honor.

Myrtle Beach High - Brandon Salters - 12th grade
He was nominated by his guidance counselor, Colleen Barker.

Brandon Salters, also known as B. Salt, is being raised in an extended family unit where his aunt Barbara Jean serves as captain. His grandmother, who was a part of the unit, passed away a few years ago, leaving the Salter's family devastated. Aunt Barbara has continued to hold things together and each family member has taken on new responsibilities.

North Myrtle Beach High - Stephen Butler - 10th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Cathy Threatt.

Stephen Butler's father had a very rare type of cancer and battled it for over 15 years until last summer when he passed away. Despite this great loss, Stephen shows up to school and works hard. He is very involved in his church and is constantly seeking to make the world a better place. Stephen misses his father but has come to realize that his dad is in a better place; a place where he will no longer suffer.

Socastee High School - Allysa Alexander - 11th grade
She was nominated by her guidance counselor, Fran Keller.

Alyssa Alexander lost her mother in January 2008 to cancer. In August of that same year, her father was killed in a motorcycle accident. After attending Coastal Christian Academy her whole life, she started at Socastee High School that same month and she has been under the care of her brother who moved here to serve as guardian. She misses her parents terribly, but continues to press forward doing what has to be done.