The Horry County Higher Education Commission (HCHEC) recently awarded its annual scholarships to 10 Horry County high school seniors who have been accepted at Coastal Carolina University for the 2020-2021 academic year. These recipients join a growing body of local students who receive scholarship funding from the Horry County Higher Education Commission.

Each of the scholarship awards provide $2,500 per academic year for up to four years to qualified Horry County students who show exemplary academic work, leadership, and community service; demonstrate artistic talent; and persevere through hardship and/or adversity.

HCHEC Leadership Scholarships were awarded to:

• Cooper Berry – an intended accounting major from Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach High School

• Mallorie Brown – an intended biology major from Aynor, Aynor High School

• India Robledo – an intended psychology major from North Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach High School

• Benjamin Shirley – an intended intelligence and national security studies major from Little River, North Myrtle Beach High School

HCHEC Hardship and Adversity Scholarships were awarded to:

• Tiffany Fink – an intended marine science major from Loris, Green Sea-Floyds High School

• Brandon Myers – an intended intelligence and national security studies major from Conway, Carolina Forest High School

• Keiyara Vanhook – an intended communication major from Myrtle Beach, HCS Early College High School

• Kayden Ray – an intended early childhood education major from Aynor, Aynor High School

HCHEC Visual and Performing Arts Scholarships were awarded to:

• Madison Elwell – an intended graphic design major from Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach High School

• Veronica Varn – an intended art studio major from Murrells Inlet, St. James High School

The HCHEC Leadership Scholarships are designed to promote service and citizenship and to recognize students for their leadership, volunteerism, and academic excellence. To qualify, applicants must have earned a minimum 2.5 high school grade point average through their junior year and have an established record of exemplary community service.

The HCHEC Hardship and Adversity Scholarships are designed to assist Horry County seniors who plan to attend Coastal Carolina University who have persevered through hardship and/or adversity. This scholarship also requires a minimum 2.5 high school grade point average and demonstration of having endured a hardship and/or adversity.

The HCHEC Visual and Performing Arts Scholarships are designed to assist exceptionally talented Horry County seniors who plan to major in music, musical theatre, art studio, or dramatic arts. This scholarship also requires a minimum 2.5 high school grade point average and an audition or portfolio review.