By Betsy Finklea
The Communities in Schools of Dillon County held their annual scholarship fundraiser on Thursday.
This year, instead of the usual St. Patrick’s Day gathering, a reception for the contributors and others associated with the program was held at Abingdon Manor in Latta.
Nancy G. Brigman, the executive director of Communities in Schools of Dillon County, said since 2001, CIS has given 48 scholarships to students in Dillon, Latta, and Lake View. She said scholarships are a major part of the program. CIS also offers an afterschool program and focuses on teen pregnancy prevention and bullying prevention.
The scholarship program began in 2001. According to a CIS brochure, “After serving students in Dillon County with an After-School Program, CIS understood that as these students graduated from high school they needed post-secondary education or other skills-based training to compete for jobs in today’s workforce.
In response to the need, board members voted to work and raise money for college scholarships. Having the President of Francis Marion University and graduates of this university on the CIS Board of Directors made us realize that many of these graduates returned to Dillon County and became part of the workforce here.”
“The Board of Directors voted to provide scholarships to a senior from each high school in the county – Dillon High School, Lake View High School, and Latta High School. The President of the University then agreed to match each scholarship to students who attended Francis Marion University. Initially, this match was for only three scholarships. Later, realizing the need in Dillon County for those students who attended the University, the scholarship match was increased to six scholarships each year.”
“Since then, CIS has sponsored its yearly Scholarship Fundraiser to raise money for these scholarships. In addition, if funds are available, Adult Scholarships are awarded to those adults who are still pursuing a degree,” the brochure states.
“In June of 2011, CIS partnered with Francis Marion University to establish the FRANCIS MARION UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF DILLON COUNTY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP.”
Johnnie Luehrs, the Board of Directors chairperson, read out the members of the board. They are: Vice-Chair Martha Heyward, Secretary Ina Page, Treasurer Sharon Grissett, Dr. Fred Carter, Karen Cook, Marsden H. Cox III, Shipp Daniel, Gayle Elvington, Mary Freitas, Rachel Gainey, Paul Gasque, Marie Grainger, Elaine Green, Dr. Linda Hayes, Mamie Legette, Karl McAlister, Bo McInnis, Art Shealy, Vicky Simerly, and Ricky Taylor.
Luehrs commended Nancy Brigman, who she said is not paid to serve as executive director. She thanked Trey and Patricia McLaurin and Angel Bethea for their assistance. Brigman noted that only three CIS positions are paid, and those are teachers. She said everything else is a volunteer effort. Several others were also recognized.
Two scholarship recipients, Fallon Watts and Charles Carmichael were introduced and spoke about how the scholarship impacted or will impact them. Watts is a nurse. Carmichael was slated to graduate from Francis Marion University the upcoming Saturday after the reception.
“The mission of Communities in Schools is to surround students with a community of support empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. We are committed to helping students achieve success in school and continue their education in college or other post-secondary training. As a result, our youth will be better equipped to find meaningful employment, lead productive, gratifying lives, and become contributing members of society,” according to the brochure.
“Communities in Schools of Dillon County is an affiliate of the national Communities in Schools network, the nation’s leading dropout prevention organization.”
