Aynor Elementary School - Michael Graham - 5th Grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Cindy Sarvis.

In the spring of 2009, while attending Aynor Elementary in Child Development, Michael Graham was diagnosed with Leukemia. For nearly a year now, Michael has battled the illness. Through rigorous treatments, treatment side effects and rejections, weeks away from home, and long hours on the road traveling to doctors, Michael is model student. He is loved by his peers, teachers, and his community. Despite everything Michael has been through, he is always positive and easy going.

Burgess Elementary - Robbie Blevins - 5th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Krissy Larson.

Robbie Blevins has some challenges in the learning environment. However, since the beginning of the year, Robbie has become a leader in his ELA group, has become more responsible for completing his work, and is relying less and less on outside help. He is excelling in math and his reading skills continue to improve. He has made good friends and is excelling in sports in school.

Carolina Forest Elementary- Kiersin Gossett - 5th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Heather Barnes.

Kierstin exemplifies how hard work, dedication, and commitment to herself and others can bring great rewards. She has been faced with extremely personal and challenging obstacles in her life, coupled with the loss of her grandfather, with whom she was very close. Kierstin and her siblings are being raised by her Aunt. Despite Kierstin’s challenges, she has accepted the challenge to identify, recognize and work toward positive change rather than use the obstacle she faces as excuses to fail in attitude, academics, and personal relationships.

Conway Elementary School - Carlecia Massey - 2nd grade
She was nominated by her guidance counselor, Deanna Schuler.

Carlecia Massey is a beautiful young lady with a warm smile. Her sweet spirit and love of reading makes her a joy to have in the classroom. Her early experience in a horrible house fire has left her with a love for life. Carlecia excels academically and often expresses her love of school. “I can’t wait to get to school everyday,” says Carlecia. She is a true inspiration and HTC REEL Kid.

Daisy Elementary School- Ruby Wilson - 4th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Bobbie Ingle.

Ruby Wilson is a great 4th grade student. Both of her parents are deceased (father when she was 1-year-old and mother last year) and she now lives with her sister. She has a wonderful attitude about life. She always tries her best in school and is a friend and helper to all. She never uses her loses as a crutch or an excuse. She is an example to other students.

Forestbrook Elementary School - Carson Elvis - 5th grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Leeann Young.

Carson Elvis is indeed an extraordinary example of leadership, perseverance, and achievement while maintaining a perky and exuberant personality. Carson has struggled for several years with a phobia that has sometimes made it difficult for her to want to be in school, but with the support of her parents and her school family has made great progress in managing these fears. Carson's determination has resulted in her being an honor roll student, an award winning dancer, and a friend to many. She constantly amazes others with the ability to balance the many areas of her busy life resulting in much success!

Green Sea Floyds Elementary - Gracie Cribbs - 5th grade
She was nominated by her guidance counselor, Dr. John Chanaca.

Gracie Cribbs is a 5th grade student who has experienced abuse, family separation, foster care and is currently living with her grandmother and 4 children. She is a wonderful example of resilience and perseverance. At home, she helps and acts as a big sister. At school, she continues to be a super student, involved in many school activities, excelling in everything she attempts. Her positive healthy attitude and tremendous work ethic deserves the HTC REEL Kid Award for GSFE.

Homewood Elementary School - Brachus Baldridge - 3rd grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Heather VanDuesen.

At one time, Brachus Baldridge experienced problems with self-control. He has worked very hard on his self-discipline as well as his academics. He has improved tremendously in both areas. In spite of the fact that he is experiencing family problems, he continues to work on his behavior and academics by using problem solving skills and making good choices daily.

Kingston Elementary School - Jenna Adkins - 5th grade
She was nominated by her guidance counselor, Hanna Singleton.

Lakewood Elementary School - Lance Malone - 5th grade
He was nominated by his guidance counselor, Regina O’Toole.

Lance has had Epilepsy since November of his Kindergarten year. He is now on medication to help control his condition. He has struggled academically all through school and is currently in resource class for academic help for a portion of his day. However, this year as a 5th grader, he has taken the initiative to go to his resource class before school starts every morning to do review work with a math program so that he can do his best in the classroom. His classroom teacher is extremely pleased with his progress and willingness to strive to do his best.

Loris Elementary School - Bailey Parsons - 5th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Ashley Arthur.

Bailey Parsons has a very positive outlook on all aspects of life although he is also dealing with Juvenile or Type 1 Diabetes. He has taken a personal interest in another student in first grade that is much younger than him. This student is also dealing with the same disease as Bailey. He is an excellent mentor and sets such a good example by being compliant with his diet and life habits. He is one who always follows school and classroom procedures. He is an honor roll student. He never takes advantage of his situation and is always eager to return to class after visiting the health room.

Midland Elementary - Carter Suggs - 1st grade
He was nominated by his Asst. Principal, Anna Howell.

Carter Suggs is an extraordinary little six-year-old boy with a gigantic heart. As a young child, he was diagnosed with progressive congenital scoliosis and is currently making preparations for his 9th surgery. Although, it’s never easy, nothing slows him down. He continues to exert his independence and does almost all the things his friends and classmates do, including playing t-ball for the past three years. He has learned to be accepting of other students' help and at the same time teach them that he's just one of the crowd.

Myrtle Beach Elementary - Alaysia Soles - 3rd grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Jennifer Floyd.

Alaysia Soles constantly proves she is a fighter and a hard worker. She has a disease called sickle cell anemia, which often causes her to have severe pains in her body, especially her legs. If this happened to another student, he/she would complain and probably want to go home. Not Alaysia! She doesn't even tell you she is hurting because she wants to be at school learning. Through this extenuating circumstance, Alaysia has consistently proven to be an exemplary role model to her peers and a determined student academically.

Myrtle Beach Intermediate - Yancy Bryant - 5th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Angela Nuzzo.

Yancy Bryant is a hardworking, polite, and respectful young man. Despite the recent tragic loss of his mother, he has continued to put his academics and his friendships first and returned to school with his head held high ready to face any challenges that arise. He is a role model to others and always puts forth his best effort. It is an honor to be able to teach him. He truly deserves this recognition.

Myrtle Beach Primary - Lily Coghlan-Barth - 1st grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Nori Ginder.

North Myrtle Beach Elementary - TJ Albury - 3rd grade
He was nominated by his guidance counselor, Renee Long, and his school nurse, June Cane.

TJ comes in three times each day to the health room for a medical procedure and wears bilateral hearing aides. TJ never uses his medical issues as an excuse and he never seeks sorrow or pity. TJ is a joy to see each day!  He grabs life by the horns and runs with it. He is very active in sports, especially baseball. School staff wishes that other students who are fortunate not to have health concerns would take TJ's lead and follow. TJ is an exemplary student and is the epitome of integrity!

North Myrtle Beach Intermediate - Gabe Batten - 5th grade
He was nominated by his guidance counselor, Gretta Gore.

Gabe Batten was born with severe bilateral club feet which made it nearly impossible for him to walk, run and play like other little children. It was only through a series of surgeries, casts, physical therapy and much determination that Gabe is able to enjoy daily activities. Because he spent so much of his developmental years with adults, he has struggled to “fit-in” socially with his peers. Accepting his physical limitation was tough, but dealing with the teasing by his peers hasn’t been easy either! Despite these obstacles, Gabe is an excellent student and one of his goals is to make the Honor Roll this year.

North Myrtle Beach Primary - Madison McCoy - 1st grade
She was nominated by her teacher, Janet Markham.

Madison McCoy is a caring student who has had to endure several difficult life circumstances. Madison lives with a single parent, her father, who often seeks the help of his parents in raising Madison. In the early part of this year, her older brother suddenly died. Madison has moments of sadness and insecurity, yet she comes in each day with a smile. She is a strong, bright little girl who has endured stressful situations at a young age. She still strives to be a leader and a role model as she is "respectful, responsible, & ready."

Ocean Bay Elementary - Baker Richardson - 5th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Kari Smith-Tayloe.

Baker Richardson has overcome learning obstacles to become a successful student; over the past two to three years, he has worked hard to become a student who repeatedly makes the A/B and all A Honor roll. He, over the past year, has learned to take responsibility for his work and his learning despite other obstacles that have become present in his life as well.

Palmetto Bays Elementary - Conchance Plummer - 4th grade
She was nominated by her assistant principal, Cindy Hughes.

After losing her mother tragically in November, 2008, Conchance's life was turned upside down. Her siblings were all split up with different homes. Her grandparents worked very hard to reunite the children into one house. Now their family is back together. Conchance has excelled both academically and socially. Her attendance has improved drastically. She loves to help others in any situation. She wants to help other children by becoming a teacher when she grows up.

Pee Dee Elementary School - Christian Topper - 5th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Denise Armour.

Christian Topper's 14 year-old brother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer this summer and his parents have needed to travel back and forth from Conway to Charleston to take his brother for medical treatments. During this time, Christian has been tolerant, flexible, and maintained an upbeat and positive attitude. Christian goes above and beyond in the classroom and is always quick to help others  and offer assistance to his teacher and younger sister. In the face of adversity, Christian has shown strength, resiliency, and character beyond his years.

Seaside Elementary School - Triston Brown - 5th grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Angie Dimuccio.

Triston Brown has shown tremendous improvement both academically and socially. Triston always gives his best effort and strives to do his work with perfection even though he faces both cognitive and medical deficits. Triston is also a wonderful friend to those around him. He is very caring and will help in any situation. He is eager to help out both peers and adults. He rarely complains and will do what is asked of him without hesitation.

Socastee Elementary School - Trayvon Greene - 5th grade
He was nominated by his guidance counselor, Linda Parnell.

Trayvon Green is an exceptional role model! He always strives to do his personal best under any circumstances. Trayvon is the kind of student every teacher dreams of having in their class. He has a strong desire to succeed in all he attempts. Trayvon is a testament to his parents' excellent parenting skills. In September, he suddenly lost his father, a devastating loss. Trayvon has, however, persevered and continues to stay true to the course his father set before him.

South Conway Elementary - Jamie Wright - 3rd grade
He was nominated by his teacher, Pat Anderson.

Eight-year-old Jamie Wright began his school experience at age three with little acceptance of what school was all about. He was confined to a wheelchair, non-verbal and would not make eye-contact with anyone. Tapping Jamie's internal motivation and perseverance, the school community and Jamie's family worked through the process of teaching Jamie to walk and to develop other life skills. Jamie now is often seen smiling and laughing with his peers and responds with pleasure to his school environment.

St. James Elementary School - Tayler Little - 5th grade
She was nominated by her school counselor, Marie Goldsborough.

Tayler Little had extensive back surgery in October of this year. She was homebound for approximately 6 weeks. Tayler worked diligently with her homebound instructor to complete all assignments and keep up with her academics. Upon return, Tayler continues to do her very best everyday in all she does. She excels in her work and is a member of National Honor Society. Tayler is a role model to all students. Her perseverance and character speak volumes.

Waccamaw Elementary School - Jaylee Friar - 5th grade
He was nominated by his guidance counselor, Mandy Crosland.

Jaylee Friar has overcome his fear of attempting new work that might be difficult for him. He is aware of his deficits and is trying to improve in all subject areas. He is very respectful not only to adults, but to his peers as well. He is kind-hearted and always thinks of others. He currently serves as a school safety patrol where he serves as a positive role model for other students.