Aynor Elementary School - Marlen Chavez - 5th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Chris Plowman. 

Marlen Chavez is a fifth grade student at Aynor Elementary who has persevered despite obstacles in her life.  When Marlen came to school as a third grader, she was about two grade levels behind.  She was insecure and had little interest in learning. Once Marlen realized that she was smart and capable of doing what everyone else her age could do, her attitude changed.  She developed a strong desire to learn. Her grades picked up tremendously. This year, as a fifth grader, Marlen still struggles academically, but she has a positive attitude and a helpful heart.  Her common sense and initiative allow her to be a productive citizen.

Burgess Elementary - Nicholas Johnson - 4th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Pam Petty.

Nicholas Johnson was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes when he was eight, and it changed his world.  Through the process of learning to live with this disease every day, Nicholas has come to accept that his every action is dependent on making wise choices.  He has not only coped, he has learned to live well and happily.  He has continued to maintain straight A’s, and he wants to use his experience to inspire others to face their obstacles with a smile and determination.

Carolina Forest Elementary- Briana Labiak - 2nd grade
She was nominated by her guidance counselor, Brenda Long. 

Brianna Labiak is an amazing child. What makes Brianna amazing is her zest for life and her determination to live it to the fullest. Right before her second birthday, Brianna was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF).  It doesn’t stop her from bouncing into school with a big smile on her face each day.  She is a very good student and an exceptional reader.  Her MAP scores of 95% in Reading brought her to the attention of the Johns Hopkins Academic Talent Search program this year, the first honor of many to follow.  Her struggles in life have made her altruistic; she’s quick to stand up for those who are bullied or to take the less fortunate under her wing.

Conway Elementary School - Javon Jones - 3rd grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Katherine Hendershot.    

In June of 2010, Javon was in a car accident which resulted in a traumatic brain injury.  The challenges that he faces is the retention of material.  He was in a general education class last year; this year he has been placed in a self-contained class where he has shown growth and improvement academically.  The smaller group setting has greatly enhanced his learning and self-confidence.  Although reading is his greatest challenge, he puts forth great effort on a daily basis.  Javon’s mother is an active participant in his education and the rehabilitation from his accident.  As his teacher, I am very proud of his successes in my classroom.

Daisy Elementary School- Juliet Pridgen - 1st grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Whitney Pierce. 

Juliet Pridgen is a great choice for HTC REEL Kids because she has overcome so many obstacles over the past few years.  One obstacle that has been in her way is her mother’s passing.  She has come to school with a smile on her face through her sadness and is a great role model to her friends and classmates.  Each day she practices her life skills and never gives up, even if something is difficult.  She has a wonderful extended family that supports her and encourages her in all that she does.  She is truly an inspiration to everyone around her. 

Forestbrook Elementary School - Christina Ferraro - 5th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Cathy Green. 

Christina Ferraro entered Forestbrook Elementary in the third grade when she, her younger sister, and her mom moved to Myrtle Beach from New York after her father’s death from Lou Gehrig’s disease.  She has struggled academically but has persevered and recently made the Honor Roll for the first time.  Christina is a warm, loving, bubbly, and empathetic person.  She engages new students in conversation and loves to help her peers and her teachers.  Her teacher says, “She has had her setbacks, but she is the most POSITIVE student I have ever met.  I wish every child shared her enthusiasm for learning and for life.” 

Green Sea Floyds Elementary - Tindall Huggins - 4th grade
She was nominated by her guidance counselor, Jamie Beth Clark. 

When Tindall was four months old, her mother took her to her grandmother and left her.  She saw Tindall off and on for a number of years but, now Tindall hasn’t seen her for years.  Tindall has been raised by her grandmother and father.  Tindall is a bubbly, outgoing fourth grader, who is a strong leader and role model to her peers.  Tindal was an all “A” honor roll student in the third grade and continues to excel in fourth grade.  She is in the GSFE chorus, a member of the Tech Team, and on student council.  Tindall is the type of child that wants to help those that are struggling in school.  She is an inspiration.

Homewood Elementary School - Regan Richardson- 5th grade
She was nominated by her school nurse and mother, Ginger Peloquin.    

Regan Richardson was born with a chromosome abnormality that has led to a host of medical problems such as asthma, right upper lung anomaly, immune deficiency, early scoliosis, reflux, deaf in right ear, hearing impaired in left ear, sub mucosal cleft, developmental delay and seizures.  Regan is a fighter, loves school and absolutely has the best teacher, Stacey Humienny, and continues to learn.  Regan can communicate fairly well and sometimes needs prompting to answer difficult questions.  She is the most loving, caring, social, and motivated child and does not let her “disabilities” interfere with her “ABILITIES”. Through a vigorous schedule of occupational, speech and physical therapy since birth, Regan has beat most odds and is an amazing individual that touches so many lives with her sweet spirit.

Kingston Elementary School - Taylor Long - 5th Grade
She was nominated by her school counselor, Hanna Smith. 

On March 26, 2011, Taylor Long’s life was changed after she was taken into emergency protective custody by the department of social services and placed with her aunt and uncle. Since this incident and life changing experience, Taylor continues to have a positive attitude, peer relationships, and excellent grades while she remains in the care of her aunt and uncle.  Taylor does not keep in contact with her mother anymore; however, Taylor says that she feels safe and loved in her new home. She wants other children to know that living without electricity and water “is hard” and that these students should report this to their school counselor.  She says that “the longer you go living in unfit living situations, the more dangerous it becomes for the student’s health.”  Due to her courage, perseverance, and will to achieve, I nominate Taylor Long as she is a true reflection of an HTC REEL Kid.  

Lakewood Elementary School - Payton Emily - 5th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Claire Turbeville. 

Being legally blind has not kept Payton Emily from being able to keep up and perform on grade level with her peers.  If anything, it has challenged her to the task of learning to read and write Braille, travel independently, and use adaptive devices and assistive technology in her daily schoolwork and life.  All these additional skills to learn make for a busy school day, but Payton has overcome the hectic pace by not being afraid to try new things that will help keep her on track. Payton is a strong willed individual that will not be held back by her visual impairment.

Loris Elementary School - Anniebelle Creech - 5th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Ashley Arthur. 

Anniebelle Creech was placed into a therapeutic foster home through the South Carolina Youth Advocate Program.  In the Advocate Program, Anniebelle continues to flourish.  She is polite and always well-mannered.  Her interest in sports has led her to play softball, and she has an interest in basketball.  Anniebelle is a very hard worker and is always eager to learn.  She participates in class activities and is an asset to daily discussions.  Her sense of humor, organization and academic work are her strengths. As a result, she has recently been identified as Gifted and Talented.

Midland Elementary - Isaac Howell - 5th grade
He was nominated by his guidance counselor, Tonya Page.    

Isaac Howell was born in Blagoveshchensk, an industrial city in the Russian Far East.  When he was nine-months-old, suffering from rickets and malnourishment, he and his two older sisters were placed into orphanages. Three years later, Isaac and both sisters were adopted and left Russia with their new mother and father. Isaac was a smart, quick to learn child, but social issues and behavior problems made it very hard to him to adapt well in class.  His parents took him to a behavioral pediatrician at MUSC, a specialist in foreign adopted children, who diagnosed him with Sensory Integration Disorder and ADHD.  At the end of that school term, his parents decided to move him to Midland Elementary to give him a fresh start.  At Midland, Isaac quickly began to adjust.  Isaac has become a successful student and an asset to his school.  Isaac is always willing to help others, he likes to share his knowledge of history, and has a “can- do” attitude.  He is a great example of a child who has overcome obstacles in his life and has found success.

Myrtle Beach Elementary - Iyana Young - 3rd grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Kelly Preciado. 
 
Iyana is a stellar student.  She takes classes that are for high achievers in both math and language arts and excels in both.  She is a loving and cooperative friend to all her classmates.  She has grown and learned to overcome a personal tragedy in her life as her father passed away suddenly in the summer before second grade.  She had to leave her family and friends behind in Texas and moved to Myrtle Beach to be with her family here.  She misses her father tremendously, but is so strong and courageous and is successfully in all she does.

Myrtle Beach Intermediate - Lance Jones - 5th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Ashley Collins.

Lance Jones has overcome many obstacles in his life.  He lives with his grandparents now because of issues with his biological mother. His grandparents have helped him learn and relearn basic skills, emotionally, socially, and personally.  He has learned to accept and give love. In the meantime, Lance has qualified to be in the Gifted and Talented program in school. This is an area where he thrives academically and socially. Few know of the obstacles he has overcome, but he is an inspiration to those of us who are aware.

Myrtle Beach Primary - Jeremiah Hinson - 1st grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Whitney Gibson.

Jeremiah Hinson’s family experienced a home fire when he was four.  This resulted in the family relocating to North Carolina.  In kindergarten, Jeremiah had difficulty adjusting to school and classroom procedures.  This adversely affected his academic gains.  Last spring, he transferred to Myrtle Beach Primary where a positive behavior system was implemented.  He responded favorably to these interventions and is experiencing a good beginning to his first grade year.

North Myrtle Beach Elementary - Kari Neldon - 2nd grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Sharmel Myers.

Kari Neldon is a very bright, caring and courageous little girl. She lost her mother to cancer as a toddler, so she went to live with her grandmother. Subsequently, her grandmother passed away due to an illness as well. At that point, Kari’s cousin and her husband decided to raise Kari as their own. The wonderful couple is currently in the process of adopting her. Kari was hospitalized in October last year due to pneumonia. She had to fight hard to make up for the time she missed. Through it all, Kari has not given up and remains a fun loving and optimistic child. Kari is a true testament to the resilience of a child.

North Myrtle Beach Intermediate - Justin Ritter - 5th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Ashley Case.

Justin Ritter has faced and continues to face many obstacles within his personal life.  During the opening of this school year, he lost his grandpa and less than five weeks later his grandma died of cancer too.  They were both role models and treasured family members to him.  He has not skipped a beat in the classroom.  He has completed all make-up work, homework assignments and remains attentive and is a leader in his classroom daily.  Justin has faced many other obstacles including the drug addiction of a parent which could be a huge barrier to his education, but he continues to strive toward success. He is a positive role model for his class and always re-directs students who need a little push to strive for their personal best.  According to his teacher, Ms. Case, Justin only turns in the highest quality work and gives 100% every single day!

North Myrtle Beach Primary - Wyatt Lewis - 1st grade
He was nominated by his guidance counselor, Jill Chandler.

From a young age, Wyatt has dealt with his mother’s cancer and eventual death.  Through all of these trials, Wyatt has continued to work hard on his school work, is a model student using lifeskills on a daily basis, and is a friend to all.

Ocean Bay Elementary - Travis Rivera - 5th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Chelle Debruhl.

Travis Rivera is a great role model for leadership.  He is working hard to fulfill a promise made to his mother before she passed away.  Education was very important to her, and she worked hard staying in close contact to make sure her children succeeded.  Sometimes he has obstacles and sometimes he struggles, but he asks questions and seeks help. With the help of his father, who is also very committed to Travis’ success, he is making all A’s and B’s at school.  He participates in the CCU mentoring program and enjoys the activities they provide.  It is still very hard for him because he was very close to his mom, but she has left a legacy of hard work and determination to succeed for Travis that I know he will keep alive for a long time to come. 

Palmetto Bays Elementary - Ashlee Benedetti - 5th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Faith Lapham.

Ashlee Benedetti has been through so much in her young life and always strives to do her personal best at school, with friends, and at home.  Ashlee went into foster care at birth as a crack baby.  Her foster parents took care of her until her third birthday, when they adopted her and made her a permanent part of their family. Her father has since passed after a long battle with cancer, but through it all, she has remained on the A honor roll and continues to be a star student and role model for her peers.  She was accepted to be a student ambassador with People to People.  She has a chance to go to Paris and England in July 2012.  Ashlee has never let anything get in her way.

Pee Dee Elementary School - Conner Chaplin - 4th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Michelle Harris.

Conner Chaplin was diagnosed with diabetes in July 2010.  He grasped his illness within months of his diagnosis. He never feels like a victim and has adopted the “it is what it is” mentality.  Conner takes responsibility for knowing how to take care of his illness.  Throughout this, he remains a leader, is a positive role model to his peers and excels in Gifted and Talented programs at Pee Dee Elementary.

Seaside Elementary School - Ethan McAdams - 5th grade
He was nominated by his school counselor, Nicole Blum.

Ethan McAdams is an exceptional young man and tremendously well-rounded.  At a young age, he lost his mother to breast cancer.  He is fortunate to be blessed with a loving father and step-mother.  Ethan is an A/B honor student, and an outstanding social studies student.  He represents his class on the school Student Council and is a member of the Safety Patrol at Seaside.  As his former fourth grade teacher, I can honestly say that Ethan is a genuinely caring person and a fantastic leader.

Socastee Elementary School - Kaydense Evens - 3rd grade
She was nominated by her guidance counselor, Linda Parnell.

Kaydense Evans is a leader through her extenuating circumstances. She has shown perseverance and responsibility over the past five years dealing with her diabetes. She has overcome this medical obstacle with courage and grace. She never complains about missing out on special school snacks, and she always has her sugar-free jello and is happy. She is a fantastic student and shares so much love.

South Conway Elementary - Kristen Hargat - 5th grade
She was nominated by her guidance counselor, Bernetta Sanders.

In spite of her mother being sick for several years and her passing last year, Kristen Hargat always comes in daily with a welcoming smile. She is outgoing, caring, smart, and has a great sense of humor. She always is willing to give and do her best at any task that is provided. She is consistently on the Honor Roll despite the challenges and changes in her life through the loss of her beloved mother.  She is a shining example of a person choosing their own path and rising above their circumstances to become the best that they can be.

St. James Elementary School - Trista Tripp - 3rd grade
She was nominated by her school counselor, Cassandra Beale.

Trista Tripp’s father has been away since October, but she continues to excel in the classroom.  She made all A’s first and second quarter and qualified for Gifted and Talented.  She is kind, helpful to others and strives to always do her personal best. 

Waccamaw Elementary School - Madison Mixon - 5th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Kristen McElroy.

Madison Mixon was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and currently has a brain tumor.  She has a positive outlook on life.  She is an honor roll student who serves the community through K-kids club at school and through service at her church.  Madison wears leg braces and plays softball despite any physical limitations.