In its second round of funding, the Greater Greer Education Foundation, in partnership with the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce, awarded $1,000 scholarships to 12 area students in a ceremony Thursday at Greer City Hall.
The scholarships are made possible by donations from individuals and Foundation sponsors.
Skip Davenport, chairman of the Foundation, welcomed the students, parents, teachers and counselors to the event. He thanked the Foundation' sponsors for the eonations that make the scholarshps possible.
David Dolge, chairman of the Foundations Grants and Scholarship Committee, congratulated the students on their success and wished them success in their chosen careers. He also added, "it is a pleasure for me to pass out this money today. It's the best part of my job!"
The 2018 scholarship recipients:
Sheila Rose Moore, who will study Radiology at Greenville Technical College. She is a senior at Greer Middle College Charter High School.
Sheila is described by the school’s dean of students as a “conscientious, determined young lady who has excelled academically.” She is described as always having a smile on her face and a willing attitude in all that she does.
Maclean Gabriel Vogel, who will study Automotive at Greenville Technical College. Maclean is a senior at Greer Middle College Charter High School.
He is described as a young man of many talents. He is a Boy Scout with a First Class rank. He plays guitar and for a senior project, he learned how to sew! He made a suit that he wore to Prom.
Kyle Allen-Richard Seidl, who will study Welding at Greenville Tech. Kyle is a senior at Riverside High School.
He is described as an outstanding your man, hard working and determined. He has been at the Bonds Center for the past two years in the welding program and plans to continue his training at Greenville Tech.
Juan Peralta-Moore, who will study Computer Programming at Greenville Tech. He is a senior at Riverside High School.
A school counselor at Riverside, who has been very impressed with Juan, says he is an “outstanding young man!” The counselor said he transferred to Riverside at the beginning of the 11th grade, struggled a little at first, but soon found his niche.
Christopher Westley Ray, who will study Automotive Technology at Greenville Tech. Christopher is a senior at Blue Ridge High School.
A school counselor said Chris suffered a knee injury and over the last year and a half had to endure multiple surgeries, all the while, successfully completing his coursework. “I believe his passion along with his work ethic will take him very far in his career endeavors,” she said.
Alexis Kathleen Center, who will study Culinary Arts at Greenville Tech. Alexis is a senior at Blue Ridge High School.
Her counselor says her demeanor and leadership skills enable those around her, which creates a great learning environment. “Her openness to feedback means she’s always growing as a learner, and impressive strength that will continue to serve her well.”
Nafarius ‘Chazaree’ Agnew who will study Welding at Spartanburg Community College. Nafarius is a senior at Greer High School.
Nafarius is described by a school counselor as “one of the most respectful and genuine young men we have had the pleasure of working with at Greer High and the Bonds Career Center.” She said he wasn’t always sure about college or what he wanted to do, but that the welding program at Bonds changed everything and his motivation to do well increased tremendously. “He has a plan, and it will start at Spartanburg Community College.”
Morgan Rutherford, who will study Culinary Arts at Greenville Tech. Morgan is a senior at Greer High School.
“Morgan has been one of our favorite and most challenging students, a school counselor said. She wasn’t always a fan of high school and at one time enrolled in an online high school. But the counselor said she came right back to Greer High and was accepted in the Bonds Center’s Culinary Arts program, which she truly loved -- “especially when they baked bread!”
Augustin Betancourt Romero, who will study Horticulture at Spartanburg Community College. Augustin is a senior at James F. Byrnes High School.
Augustin will be the first in his family to attend college. A school counselor said it is a dream of Austin’s because he wants to break the pattern of having less than a high school degree. The counselor added, “He has worked hard in high school to help prepare himself for college, and he is very deserving of this opportunity.”
Zion Anthony Miller, who will study Mechatronics at Greenville Tech. Zion is a senior at James F. Byrnes High School.
A counselor describes him as a hard worker who shows a commitment to his future. “Zion is able to balance his school requirements with his personal and extra-curricular obligations.” He is also described as a “kind and soft-spoken student.”
Jacob Walker, who will study Automotive Technology at Greenville Tech. Walker is a senior at Bonds Career Center.
A school counselor says Jacob is a trustworthy, dependable, hardworking young man with a bright future ahead of him.” Jacob has qualified for dual credit through Greenville Tech for the Auto Tech class for his junior and senior years. “He is very deserving of this scholarship.”
Nolan Gibson, who will study Welding at Greenville Tech. Gibson is a senior at Bonds Career Center.
Nolan is described as “such an asset to the Bonds Welding Program.”
He earned AWS certification during his junior and senior years in the program. He has competed locally and nationally in welding competitions and placed in each event. “He is a very hardworking and dedicated young man.”