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

Cheyene has persevered despite many obstacles in her life. Her father died six years ago from a rare genetic form of cancer and her mother is a diabetic. Cheyene is an only child and on several occasions, comes to her mothers rescue when her sugar is dangerously high or low. She also responded quickly and appropriately to her mother's diabetic seizures. Cheyene is a good student and a wonderful person.

Burgess Elementary - Alex Gail - 5th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Ashley Casey.

Alex Gail lives with his father who has been ill, and has dealt with his grandmother's death over the past year. Last year, he demonstrated explosive angry behavior in the face of his obstacles; however this year he has learned to use his angry energy effectively. He has had his share of hardship, but has continued to show effort and improvement through that hardship.

Carolina Forest Elementary- Nicholas "Nick" Nye - 5th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Patrick Burnett.

At the age of four, Nick Nye was diagnosed with a unilateral hearing loss. This progressive condition has resulted in severe to profound hearing loss in his right ear. Despite Nick's disability, he maintains a very active academic and social schedule. Through enthusiasm, hard work and determination, Nick excels in school and is inspiring to his classmates and teachers.

Conway Elementary School - MiCheya Gore - 3rd grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Angela Himmelhaver.

In addition to being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, three years ago Micheya Gore's mother was in a near fatal automobile accident with an 18-wheeler and remained in the hospital with serious injuries. Although Micheya had to live with her grandparents for several months; and worried about her mother, she aided in easing her brother's concerns and continued to function in school. Upon returning home, she became her mother's right hand and in many ways helped to attend to her younger brother.

Daisy Elementary School- Nathaniel Long - 1st grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Sharmel Myers.

After losing his Dad in a car accident in September 2006, Nathaniel Long has continued to have a positive attitude. He always does his best and at such a young age, he demonstrates good morals and compassion that will hopefully lead him through life.

Forestbrook Elementary School - Carlie Christenson - 5th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Sean Barry.

Carlie Christenson's father was killed in a car accident on Christmas Day when she was in 2nd grade. She went through heart-wrenching grief while participating in the school's "Good Grief" program. Carlie is going on with her life although she misses her father very much.

Green Sea Floyds Elementary - Jimie Jones - 5th grade
He was nominated by his guidance counselor, Dr. John Chanaca.

Jimie Jones is a wonderful example of a positive healthy attitude in the face of a life threatening illness. Jimie was hospitalized twice last year with severe breathing problems. The whole school community was concerned for his life as he struggled back to health to rejoin his class at the end of the year.

Homewood Elementary School - Tanner Blanton - 4th grade
He was nominated by his counselor, Cookie McMillan.

Tanner Blanton was born with Sturge-Weber Syndrome, a disorder that is characterized by a congenital facial birthmark and neurological abnormalities. He also has some physical and emotional obstacles due to this. Although he still has a long way to go to accomplish his goals, Tanner has overcome some of these obstacles and his hard work is paying off in making so much progress in the classroom and in life. Once you get to know him, you're able to look passed his birthmark and see him for the special, loving child, he is.

Kingston Elementary School - Brittany Staub - 5th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Briggs Jordan.

Even though Brittany Staub's father passed away last year, she puts forth 100% in all her activities. She is a hard worker in class and always wants to help others. Brittany is filled with spunk and courage.

Lakewood Elementary School - Cody McAvoy - 5th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Tammy Autrey.

Cody McAvoy has made amazing progress during the past three years. Although he has a pervasive developmental disorder, he has matured and grown in his self-confidence, which in turn, has aided in his academic success. He uses such good "voice" that he captivates others with his oral reading and story telling. We are so proud of the effort and perseverance that Cody has demonstrated during his elementary school years.

Loris Elementary School - Phillip Martin - 1st grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Tara Hannan.

When Phillip Martin was 17 months old, his mother died suddenly. He and his sister went to live with their grandparents. Then when Phillip was four years old, his grandfather died. He continues to live with his grandmother and older sister, and has worked hard to cope and adjust well to these changes. His determination to grow and be successful is an inspiration.

Midland Elementary - T.G. Boling - 1st grade
He was nominated by his assistant principal, Anna Howell.

T.G. Boling lost his mother, grandmother, grandfather, and great grandmother in a car accident a few years ago. Despite that situation, he works hard, is an excellent leader, and has a positive attitude each and every day.

Myrtle Beach Elementary - Andrew Smith - 2nd grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Natalie DuRant.

Although Andrew Smith was born with Auditory Neuropathy, he never uses his hearing loss as an excuse or crutch. He is an incredible child who will try and do anything expected of him and his resourcefulness has made him an independent child who has adapted by reading lips, observing others and using strategies to communicate, learn, and function within society.

Myrtle Beach Intermediate - Bibisoro Fedomatova - 5th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Kira Cheripka.

Bibisoro Fedomatova moved from Uzbekistan when she was in second grade. Her primary language spoken at that time was Tajek. Bibisoro's father attended school where he was taught English and he has spent a lot of time teaching her. In school, Bibisoro received extra support from both her English as a Second Language teacher and regular education teacher. She is both academically and socially successful.

Myrtle Beach Primary - Cooper Berry - 1st grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Stacie Pfeiffer.

Cooper Berry, who is wheelchair bound, does not let anything stand in his way. He participates in all the daily activities at school without hesitation. Others gravitate towards him during work and play. While involved in activities in the classroom, Cooper will make the necessary accommodations to participate.

North Myrtle Beach Elementary - Josh Brown - 3rd grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Karen Campbell, and one-on-one teacher, Audrey Petterson.

Josh Brown has a heart of gold and everyone who encounters Josh loves him instantly. Josh's autism never slows him down. He continues to make huge strides in his academics. His determination and perseverance are an inspiration to us all.

North Myrtle Beach Intermediate - Ja'Quan Bain - 4th grade
He was nominated by his guidance counselor, Gretta Gore, and one-on-one teacher, Cisco Gordyk.

Ja'Quan Bain is a very bright young fellow who has had some very challenging life experiences which have negatively affected his behavior. At times these experiences appeared to have taken a toll on him and he felt that others had given up on him and as a result he didn't always have the confidence he needed in himself. This often times led to very disruptive behavior in class. But with diligence from his teachers, he has accomplished so much academically and socially this year.

North Myrtle Beach Primary - Brandon Pittman - 2nd grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Naomi Crean.

Brandon Pittman is a cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia when he was 2 years, 9months and 7days old. In May 2008, he finished 3 years of treatments. He has been in remission since April 5th, 2005.

Ocean Bay Elementary - Olivia King - 3rd grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Janet Calder.

Olivia King uses a cochlear implant to allow her to hear the world around her. Over the summer, she received her second implant and is learning to assimilate the sounds. She does this with wit, humor, and knowledge of her personal best.

Palmetto Bays Elementary - Zachary Whitton - 2nd grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Debbie Wolfe.

Zachary Whitton is an autistic student who is mainstreamed into the regular classroom. He has not only had to overcome developmental and academic delays, but now he is coping with the death of his mother. With all of these challenges in his life, Zachary continues to be a positive and happy student.

Pee Dee Elementary School - Jose Martin Barojas - 5th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Carol Sambroak.

Martin Barojas is the second of three children born in Mexico who immigrated after starting kindergarten. His parents are non-English speaking; however, he has learned to read, write and communicate in English at a level comparable to his peers. He voluntarily stayed after school in an effort to improve his reading level, and works diligently to advance himself in all academic areas.

Seaside Elementary School - Conor Sloan - 5th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Bric Hatfield.

The obstacles that Conor Sloan has faced in the past year have been immensely stressful. He doesn't dwell on the fact that people sympathize with the loss of his father and how difficult it is on him. Recently, he wrote a personal narrative about his father being his hero and role model. Conor has a very upbeat attitude and stays focused on the task.

Socastee Elementary School - Richelle Alexander - 4th grade
She was nominated by her guidance counselor, Linda Parnell.

Richelle Alexander's mother was treated for cancer for several years and passed away January 21, 2008. Six months later, her Dad was killed in a motorcycle accident. During her mother's long illness, she was able to continue her schoolwork with a positive attitude.

South Conway Elementary - Allison Watts - 4th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Jennifer Mills.

Allison Watts overcame injuries that she sustained in an automobile accident to become an outstanding student. Whenever she faces challenges or difficulties, she rises to the occasion. Not only does she learn to do what is challenging to her in school, she also learns to do it well.

St. James Elementary School - Matt Snell - 5th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Susan Bucholtz.

Matt Snell lives with his grandparents who have nurtured him to become who he is today. Although his mother passed away two years ago, he has become a role model for all of his classroom peers.

Waccamaw Elementary School - Brandon Knott - 3rd grade
He was nominated by his guidance counselor, Mandy Crosland.

At the beginning of the school year, Brandon Knott was not doing his assignments and often found himself in big trouble for his behavior. After working with the guidance counselor, teacher and his mother, he has really turned himself around. He is now organized with his work, and completes his assignments. Brandon also encourages the other students; he sees how his behavior change has made him a better student and now shares his positive attitude with others.