We are pleased to announce that 26 deserving high school seniors have been awarded $1,500 scholarships from the GCS Foundation. Funds for the scholarships are raised each fall through a golf tournament. Due to COVID-19, we were unable to host the golf tournament in 2020. We reached out to the community, and received generous support for the scholarship program from businesses and individuals. In addition, Michelin donated a set of tires, which was raffled to raise additional funds. We are extremely grateful to our community and our employees for their support of this important annual program.
Carter Alan Myers, Berea High School
Through career classes at both Enoree Career Center and Berea High School, Carter Myers has studied the basics of carpentry, masonry, electrical, and plumbing. He is excited to study business at Clemson University so that he can apply these skills in his own business and by building his own home. Carter is a member of the Berea High football and baseball teams, and is the student representative on the School Improvement Council. He is the son of Brana Myers, Director of Enoree Career Center.
Alyssa Massey, Blue Ridge High School
Understanding autism and other cognitive disorders is fascinating to Alyssa Massey as she has a brother with autism. She is eager to begin her own research into these medical conditions when she begins her studies in the Honors College at the University of South Carolina. She is a member of FBLA, National Honor Society, Beta Club, track and field, and Student Council. Allysa is the daughter of Brandi and Adam Massey. Brandi is Title I ELA Academic Specialist, and Adam is Assistant Principal at Mauldin High.
Abram Jamison - Blue Ridge High School
Abram Jamison has chosen to pursue a business degree at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. His long-term goals are to become financially independent while advising individuals with their investments. Abram is active in Beta Club and National Honor Society, holds a part-time job, and serves as a summer camp counselor. Abram is the son of Telford and Bianca Jamison. Bianca is an assistant principal at Hillcrest High School.
Ialiyah Taylor, Carolina High and Academy
Ialiyah's experiences early on taught her that you can't skip steps in your journey. Through hard work and perseverance, she was able to get on track for graduation with the help of her high school teachers. She is taking college-level courses at Greenville Technical College and plans to major in graphic design after graduation. Her teachers describe her as a driven goal-oriented student. Ialiyah will be the first in her family to attend college. She is the daughter of Nancy M. Taylor.
Christina Williams, Carolina High and Academy
Christina has set her sights to become a neonatal nurse. She has grown up in a family of nurses, including her mother, where she has witnessed how much nurses care for others. She has been a part of the Health Science Magnet program as well a member of the basketball and track teams. Her outstanding character became obvious during the COVID lockdown, keeping in constant contact with her teammates and checking on their well-being. Christina is the daughter of Annie Brooks.
Tyler Bentley, Eastside High School
Architecture has become a passion for Tyler Bentley because he creates through sketches and drawing while applying solutions to environmental issues. Through the Fine Arts Center Architecture program, he discovered that he wants to become a landscape architect. His teachers describe his eagerness to participate in sustainability projects and desire to impact communities with his green designs. He plans to major in architecture at Clemson University. Tyler is the son of Ashley Stewart, assistant principal at Mauldin Middle School.
Jason (Drew) Laye, Jr., Eastside High School
Drew wants to study how agriculture and business can work together to make sure crops, forests, and other natural resources can be sustained for generations. He's seen firsthand, through a job at a local orchard, the issues that small farmers face. As president of DECA, he's overseen events that have earned $3,000 and brought in more than 2,500 pounds of food. Drew will attend Clemson University in the fall. He is the son of Andy and Clare Laye. Andy is an assistant principal at Travelers Rest High, and Clare is a teacher at East North Street Academy.
James Parker, Greenville High School
James Parker became interested in the construction business when he helped build homes for disadvantaged people. This experience has led him to choose a major in Construction Science and Management. He has taken challenging Honors and Advanced Placement classes as well as dual enrollment courses. He is an accomplished shot put and discus thrower and serves on Student Council. James is the son of Sydney Parker, Innovation Lab Manager at Augusta Circle Elementary School.
Mary Barton Bell, Greenville High School
As a future teacher, Mary Barton realized the impact a teacher can make when she participated in the Teacher Cadet program. She is ready to show students that school is a place of new opportunities and lasting relationships. She plans to major in Education at Elon University. Mary Barton volunteers with Big Brother Big Sister, Young Life, and tutors special education students. She also helped lead Spirit Week, raising over $300,000 for the Center for Developmental Services. Mary Barton is the daughter of Augusta Circle Elementary Teacher Nicole Bell.
Ellason Brannon, Greer High School
As yearbook editor, Ella Kate discovered her interests in graphics, digital media, and publishing. It also led her to choose a Graphics Communications major with a Marketing minor at Clemson University. Ella Kate was named Miss Greer High School, where she developed a community outreach program providing Blessings Boxes. She is a member of the Ronald McDonald House Charities Teen Leadership Board, the cheerleading squad, and the tennis team. Ella Kate is the daughter of Kenna Brannon, Instructional Coach at Skyland Elementary School.
Lillian Hannon, Greer High School
Her experience in a special needs program at Greer High led Lillian to dream of becoming a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician through her studies at the University of Georgia. She said even on the worst days, students found a way to make her smile. She is a member of the Rotary Top Ten and has earned membership in National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Junior Leadership Greer. She is a member of the soccer and volleyball teams, Student Government, and Spanish Club. Lillian is the daughter of Chad and Inez Hannon. Inez is the soccer coach at Greer High School.
Jacob Calvert, Hillcrest High School
Jacob Calvert is active in the Hillcrest High National Honor Society and Beta Club. He participated in the 2020 Boys' State, plays Varsity basketball, and served as a Teacher Cadet. Jacob is described as a natural-born leader, which will serve him well in his chosen career in finance. He plans to attend Anderson University with the goal of returning to the Fountain Inn community to serve others. Jacob is the son of John and Kristi Calvert. Kristi is a teacher at Rudolph Gordon School.
Karessa Hill, Hillcrest High School
With a goal of becoming a Marine Corps officer, Karessa will attend The Citadel to earn a degree in exercise science. Her lifelong plan is to become an athletic trainer or physical therapist. Her veteran mother has instilled the principles of Duty, Honor, and Country in her. She is an outstanding athlete on the Varsity Basketball team and has earned an All-Region award. Karessa is the daughter of Karena Hill, Media Specialist at J. L. Mann High.
Sarah G. Buford, J. L. Mann High Academy
Sarah has immersed herself at J.L. Mann as a member of the volleyball and track and field teams. She is active in National Honor Society, Youth in Government, and serves as president of the Connections Club. She discovered her passion for writing as Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook. She plans to major in Marketing at Clemson University. Sarah is the daughter of Jodie Buford, an ESOL teacher at East North Street Academy.
Lily M. Meisten, J. L. Mann High Academy
Lily Meisten became interested in cancer research after losing her grandmother to lung cancer. She partnered with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to raise money to support a local cancer survivor. Throughout high school, she has maintained a high GPA while taking Honors and AP classes. She plays on a national-level traveling soccer team and volunteers as a soccer coach for students with disabilities. Lily will major in Biological Sciences at Winthrop University. She is the daughter of Beck Academy Principal Jennifer Meisten.
Sara Nicole Paddenburg, Mauldin High School
Mauldin High senior Sara Paddenburg demonstrates outstanding character, academic skills, and involvement in school and community. She volunteers at the Messiah Food Pantry and Greer Relief, and is a member of FFA, Marching Band, and Beta Club. Sara's passions include the study of agriculture and feeding the hungry. She has been accepted into Clemson University's College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences. Sara is the daughter of Joseph Paddenburg, who teaches at Southside High School.
Aubrey Rose Lewis, Mauldin High School
Aubrey Lewis has a caring heart, and it is evident in her daily life. She teaches 3rd graders at church, coaches a swim team, and volunteers through Beta Club, Club Interact, and HOSA. She is on the tennis team and plays the flute in the marching band. Her desire is to become a Nurse Practitioner and would like to practice in South Carolina upon her graduation from either Clemson University or the University of South Carolina. Aubrey is the daughter of Kelly Lewis.
O'Malley McGee, Riverside High School
Among O'Malley McGee's many strengths is her ability to manage her time and commitment between academics, tennis, and dog showing. She has been involved in Junior Leadership Greer, the Environmental Club, and service learning. O'Malley plans to study Environmental Conservation and Wildlife Biology at Auburn University, with the ultimate goal of becoming an environmental lawyer. O'Malley is the daughter of Meredith McGee, a teacher at Riverside High School.
Caitlyn Armstrong, Riverside High School
Caitlyn Armstrong wants to become a physical or occupational therapist based on her own personal experience with physical therapy, and the circumstances her grandmother faced after an amputation. To get there, she wants to become a nurse. She has earned the Student of Integrity Award and has been active in Leadership Greer and Palmetto Girls State. Caitlyn is the daughter of Robert and Cindy Armstrong. Cindy teaches at Riverside High School.
William Mosher, Southside High School
Will Mosher enjoys getting the right answer to a problem, not for a grade, but for the knowledge that he understands and can solve a problem correctly. In the Southside IB program, his group studied how to make biodiesel from hydroponically grown canola plants. His interest in robotics, CAD software, and mills and lathes will serve him well as he begins his studies in mechanical engineering. Will is the son of Paul and Valerie Mosher. Valerie is the STEM Specialist at Roper Mountain Science Center.
Calvin Brinkman, Travelers Rest High School
Calvin Brinkman pushes himself day after day to the best of his ability. He is a natural-born leader in the classroom and on the track, encouraging others with a contagious desire to never give up. Calvin has served in Beta Club, National Honor Society, and Future Business Leaders of America. He will major in either mechanical or software engineering at Mississippi State University with the goal of working in the virtual reality industry. Calvin is the son of Dan and Teri Brinkman. Teri is Executive Director of Communications and Engagement.
Rionnelee Peace, Travelers Rest High School
Rionnelee Peace has a dream to become a Forensic Psychologist with the FBI. She will pursue a degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice, then higher degrees in Psychology, followed by serving her community as a law enforcement officer. Rionnelee has taken numerous AP, dual credit and Honors courses while being active in basketball, track, swim, and golf. She is senior vice-president on Student Council and co-editor of the yearbook. Rionnelee is the daughter of Jessica Yale, a special education teacher at Travelers Rest High School.
Colin McMillen, Wade Hampton High School
Colin McMillen was never satisfied with the answer "I don't know" when he asked questions about difficult math and science concepts. He plans to study mechanical engineering at Boston University and pursue a career in problem-solving so he can leave a lasting positive impact on the world. His teachers describe him as thoughtful, creative, and nimble in leadership. Colin is the equipment manager and band captain at Wade Hampton High. He is the son of Ryan McMillen.
Aaron Forster, Wade Hampton High School
Aaron Forster discovered his love of music as a young child. He was able to delve into further study through the Fine Arts Center's voice program. His plan is to study Vocal Performance at Furman University. He is not daunted by challenges, but embraces them. He is a bright, engaging, and driven student with excellent communication and leadership skills. Aaron is the son of Scott and Melissa Forster. Scott is a math teacher at Blue Ridge Middle School.
Zachary Gossett, Woodmont High School
Zachary Gossett grew up in a single-parent household and says his mother's strength helped mold him into who he is today. He has been active in Scouts and marching band, Beta Club, National Honor Society, and served as a volunteer for the Harvest Hope Food Bank. He has been accepted into Lander University, where he will take a dual-degree program with Clemson University in Computer Information Systems. Zachary is the son of Lindsay Kay Bissette, Attendance Clerk at Woodmont High School.
Kendra Wallace, Woodmont High School
Kendra Wallace is the president of the MPACT Club (Woodmont's inclusion club for students with disabilities) and an officer in the school's math honor society. She is also the only female member of the school's football team. Her desire is to own a bakery, which she plans to use as a platform to inform the community about special needs and the homeless. Kendra will study Hospitality Management and Pastry Arts at the University of South Carolina. Kendra is the daughter of Jeff and Colleen Wallace. Colleen is a special education teacher at Woodmont High School.