Rotary clubs award scholarships

Both the Manning and Summerton Rotary Clubs have awarded scholarships to deserving, college-bound high school seniors.

The Summerton Rotary Club awarded $1,000 grants to Briana Bennett of Scott’s Branch High School and Kathryn Masincupp of Clarendon Hall.
Bennett is the daughter of Davie and Sebrena Wells of Summerton. Bennett intends to attend South Carolina State University and study biology education.

“Even though Clarendon County is a great place to live, I think there should be more events for our youth,” she noted in her application. “I think there should be more organizations to help our citizens find jobs, go back to school and live productive lives.”

Masincupp is the daughter of Chip and Elaine Masincupp of Summerton. She plans to attend the University of South Carolina-Sumter to complete a pre-pharmacy program.

“I hope we can attract more industry that will offer good paying jobs and benefits to their employees,” Masincupp wrote in her application.

The Manning Rotary Club presented a $1,000 scholarship to Eliza Mitchell of Manning High School and to Kristen Hubbard of Laurence Manning Academy.

Additionally the Manning Club presented a $500 scholarship to Vareignia Burgess and Kristen Briggs of the F.E. DuBose Career Center.

Mitchell is the daughter Robert and Rose Cousar of Manning. Mitchell plans to attend South Carolina State University and study math education.

Ever the optimist, Mitchell said on her application: “Clarendon County is a beautiful county and there is not much improvement I would make. However, more activities for youth would be an asset.”

Hubbard is the daughter of Jack and Nancy Hubbard of Manning. She plans to attend the University of South Carolina and study biology with a future goal of medical school.

Hubbard said that she would like to see “more emphasis on attracting young, highly-trained professionals back to our county.”

Burgess is the daughter of James and Eleicher Burgess of Alcolu. She plans to attending the Art Institute of Charleston and studying graphic design.

As a vocational education student, Burgess said she was interested in seeing “more diverse vocational courses offered in a broader range of studies.”

Lastly, Briggs is the daughter of Moses and Eileen Briggs of Summerton. She will continue her education at Central Carolina Technical College to pursue a career in nursing.

“I would suggest more businesses to create jobs to keep the economy flowing in our county. That would allow us to do more for our citizens,” she wrote.

Literacy and education is a major focus of Rotary Clubs across the county.

The Rotary Scholarship program seeks to promote higher education for selected high school students who reside in Clarendon County.

Awards are based on a combination of academic achievement, financial need, leadership, student activities and community involvement.

Applications for Rotary Scholarship are delivered to high school guidance counselors each April. Decisions about awards are made by the local clubs scholarship committee and approved by the membership at large.