Aynor Elementary School - Samantha Dorris - 5th Grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Beverly Dorman. 

Burgess Elementary - Shyheim Franklin - 5th grade
He was nominated by his guidance counselor, Brianne Miller.

Although Shyheim Franklin struggles with reading, he always tries his hardest and complains very little. He has shown real leadership and growth this year.

Carolina Forest Elementary- Nathan Gordon - 5th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Tim Peterman.

Nathan Gordon has shown determination and perseverance in improving his academic performance despite personal challenges and obstacles. Although he is a student who often appears shy and quiet, he is always eager and willing to help others in need.

Conway Elementary School - Terry Hill - 4th grade
He was nominated by his guidance counselor, DeAnna Schular.

Terry Hill began his first years at Conway Elementary with difficulties learning and understanding reading, writing and math. Although it hasn’t always been easy, Terry continues to put forth the extra effort necessary to succeed. He is proof that no matter what may happen in life, he will overcome it.

Daisy Elementary School- Julia Moll - 4th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Michelle Bodine.

In spite of being involved in an automobile accident which resulted in a traumatic brain injury, Julia Moll, is an inspiration to others. She has a positive attitude and shows perseverance in all areas even when something is hard for her.

Forestbrook Elementary School - Ashlee Quick - 5th grade
She was nominated by her guidance counselor, Linda Puckett.

After the unexpected death of Ashlee Quick’s father when she was almost eight, Ashlee continued to persevere in school even on days when she was especially sad. She is very sensitive to the feelings and needs of others, volunteering to share her experiences with others in the school’s “Good Grief” group.

Green Sea Floyds Elementary - Ryan Richardson - 3rd grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Frankie Gasque, and guidance counselor, Dr. John Chanaca.

Although both of Ryan Richardson’s parents were killed by a drunk driver last November, he’s not bitter. He has chosen to rise above it all and be a great role model for his peers.

Homewood Elementary School - Macks Dean - 4th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Shawna Levermore.

Macks Dean has had to deal with traumatic losses in his life this school year. However, he returned to school with a smile, working harder than ever. The fourth grade team is extremely proud of his accomplishments this school year.

Kingston Elementary School - Harley Floyd - 5th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Geri Drag.

Harley and her family have had many transitions. She works very hard to do her personal best. She has moved to a new school, a new home and overcome many family and school problems.

Lakewood Elementary School - Jeffery Clark - 5th grade
He was nominated by his principal, Tom Rex.

Jeffery has encountered great adversity in his life and has managed to overcome things that would have discouraged even the strongest at heart. He has an optimistic outlook on life and is an inspiration to everyone.

Loris Elementary School - Braishon Davis - 3rd grade
He was nominated by Vicki Wright, the family school coordinator.

Since Child Development, Braishon Davis has persevered through many obstacles. His mother died when he was in child development and then in first grade, he lost his home in a fire. Through these obstacles and others, he continues to work hard in school.

Midland Elementary - Christian Bell - 5th grade
He was nominated by his assistant principal, Anna Howell.

Christian Bell never focuses on the loss his family has suffered, but instead celebrates the joys that his family brings him. Whenever others could have reacted to his situation with sadness and anger, Christian has done just the opposite.

Myrtle Beach Elementary - Nakiya Johnson-Geathers - 2nd grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Wendy Wallen.

Nakiya Geathers has overcome many obstacles in her young life. She has sickle cell anemia which sometimes puts her out of school for days and sometimes weeks at a time. Even though she has severe pains, she participates in all activities.

Myrtle Beach Intermediate - Taylor "TJ" Roth - 4th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Clint Schiplinski.

Taylor Roth persevered through the death of a parent. She has become a positive role model for her peers and her sense of caring remains constant for her friends and family even in the face of such a tragedy.

Myrtle Beach Primary - Alyssa Degregorio - 1st grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Carey M-Schild.

Although Alyssa Degregorio has a developmentally delayed sister, she is so caring and supportive of her. She always has her sister’s best interests at heart. Alyssa is proud to say Gabriella is her sister.

North Myrtle Beach Elementary - Sal Drake - 3rd grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Tracy Bellamy.

Sal Drake is a student with Down’s syndrome who takes so much pride in his school work. Sal’s personality is a ray of sunshine for everyone he comes into contact with and there’s never a dull moment around him. There are a lot of lessons to be learned from Sal.

North Myrtle Beach Intermediate - Gabriella Halahingano - 5th grade
She was nominated by guidance counselor, Gretta Gore.

Even after suffering an insurmountable tragedy in her personal life, Gabriella Halahingano, is a hero and a role model to everyone. She never complains about anything even though it is understood that she is dealing with a deep loss in her life. I am deeply touched by her generous spirit, strength and determination to be the best she can at all times.

North Myrtle Beach Primary - Deandre Dockery - 1st grade
He was nominated by his guidance counselor, Julie Crisp.

Deandre Dockery has shown courage and perseverance through difficult family adversity. He has demonstrated a man sized amount of loyalty, strength and a tremendous love for his brothers and sisters, often taking on the role of a caretaker.

Ocean Bay Elementary - Ethan Meenan - 2nd grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Amanda Heroux.

Ethan Meenan currently lives with his aunt and uncle because his mother is in the Navy. Even though he doesn’t get to see his mother very often, he always keeps a positive attitude. He is always willing to help others without being asked or instructed to do so.

Palmetto Bays Elementary - Hiver Espinosa - 5th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Debbie Wolfe.

When Hiver Espinosa came to Palmetto Bays in the first grade, he could not speak, write or understand the English language. With a learning disability and a language barrier, Hiver persevered and has overcome these obstacles in 5th grade with much determination. As a leader, he has been an interpreter for new students and their parents and translates written messages and/or phone conversations, from Spanish to English for our staff.

Pee Dee Elementary School - Alayna Mincey - 3rd grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Tracy Johnson.

Even though Alayna Mincey has had to deal with several health issues, she is an honor roll student. She has asthma and amblyopia. For several years, she had to patch her eyes and use drops to correct her vision. She worked extremely hard in numeracy and wanted extra work to practice on the weekend.

Seaside Elementary School - Todd Boyles - 5th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Bess Hadden.

Out of the nine years I have teaching, Todd Boyles may very well be the hardest working student I have taught. Things don’t come easily for him, so he has to work at things to get them. Todd’s prayer is that “his brain will one day work like everyone else’s”.

Socastee Elementary School - Samantha Ikner - 4th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Claudine Sheu.

Since the age of two, Samantha Ikner has lived with grandma. She did not see mom much but missed her. She has overcome being separated from her mother in an outstanding way. Even though her grandma is terminally ill, Samantha has the most positive attitude toward life, school and her circumstances.

South Conway Elementary - Don Langston - 4th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Glenda Scherer.

Don Langston was born with a cleft palate. He had surgery and many years of speech therapy which continues still today. Don is an amazing young man.

St. James Elementary School - Christina Calder - 5th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Susan Bucholtz.

Christina Calder has come very far with challenges in school. She is an ambassador for our school and exerts great effort toward academic achievement.

Waccamaw Elementary School - DJ Davis - 4th grade
He was nominated by his guidance counselor, Mandy Crosland.

Despite a lengthy separation from his mother, DJ continues to persevere. He has faced some tough circumstances but makes lemonade out of lemons. This quality will carry him far in life.