South Carolina Foster Parent Association : Striving for Excellence Award

This is a new initiative of the South Carolina Foster Parent Association. We will be recognizing a different college student each month. Recipients of this award will receive a special gift.

If you are interested in nominating an outstanding student, please e-mail information about nominee and a picture to Lisa Franklin

September 2010 ~ James Williams James Williams attends USC-L where he studies pre-law. He graduated from high school a year early, and he was the only student to graduate with an Honors diploma from Lancaster High School in the class of 2010. He was awarded multiple academic scholarships for his hard work and exemplary academic record. This is James’ actual first semester as a college student; however, he is already classified as a sophomore because he took several college courses while he was still in high school and he attended school all summer. James endeavors to become a lawyer, and he is studying pre-law/criminology with a minor in social work. He has been accepted to USC in Columbia for the spring semester, and he plans to move on campus in January.

May 2010 ~ Tanasha Miles Tanasha Miles is an outstanding young lady with an infectious smile who uplifts everyone around her. She is a very talented singer and she is a member of the Benedict College Concert Choir which is a nationally acclaimed award winning choir. Tanasha's choir was honored with the top award at the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation's Annual Black College Choir Competition last Fall. Tanasha loves to sing and to "counsel" other youth who are struggling with life issues. She is a sophomore at Benedict College where she is working on a degree in computer engineering. Tanasha (left)

April 2010 ~ Megan Bayne Megan Bayne graduated from Emerald High School in January 2010. With the credits she achieved through Piedmont Tech while in high school, she was able to finish her freshman year at Lander University in April, 2010. While taking classes at Piedmont Tech, she also worked with the Athletic Trainer for the football team at Emerald High School. Megan is majoring in Athletic Training and is thinking about minoring in Equestrian Therapy. She will also continue working with the football team at Emerald High School while at Lander. She loves the outdoors and has a passion for English and Music. Megan plans to continue at Lander three more years and then go to USC to work on her masters.

March 2010 ~ Faith Slater Faith Slater is a rising junior at Winthrop University where she is pursuing a degree in Exercise Science. Upon graduating and later attending medical school she hopes to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Faith is from Sumter, South Carolina. She is the vice-president of the state wide youth advisory board GOALL. She also serves as a Winthrop Ambassador at her school. Faith is a diligent student who is determined not to give up and achieve all of the goals that she has set for herself.

February 2010 ~ Tiffanie Iyesha Marshall Congratulations to Tiffanie Iyesha Marshall, February's recipient of the "Striving for Excellence" Award. Tiffanie is a student at Greenville Technical College in Greenville, South Carolina. Tiffanie's major is Nursing and she is enrolled in the two year program at GTC. She plans to aim higher and become a Certified Midwife (Her Biggest Dream). She has a twin sister, Stephanie. She loves her family, which is quite large. She is grateful for all that God has allowed her to accomplish in her life and knows that he is still behind every step she takes.

January 2010 ~ Ke'Onta Grant Ke'Onta Grant is a senior at Claflin University. Ke'Onta entered foster care for the last time at the age of 9. Her early life was filled with trauma and neglect and caring for her younger siblings. In high school, Ke'Onta decided that she would go to college and make something of her life. She became very focused on her future. She applied to and was accepted to Claflin University. Ke'Onta has always been responsible for everything she needs to do to stay in school - communicating with her caseworker, filling out her FAFSA forms, and maintaining a strong grade point average. She was a Peer Counselor her first three years of school and belongs to the Student Government Association and the Business Club. As a senior, Ke'Onta is a Resident Assistant in her dorm. She has become a mature, responsible young woman. She volunteers for HALOS during her holiday breaks. She is very appreciative of the help she receives from HALOS and other organizations recognizes that she is responsible for her own outcome.

December 2009 ~ Mutia Graham Mutia Graham is our December recipient of the "Striving for Excellence" Award. Mutia is from Sumter, South Carolina, and is a freshman at Coastal Carolina University. She is majoring in Theatre and minoring in Music. Mutia is a member of the Coastal Carolina Marching Band, is involved with the Columbia Urban League and participates in various volunteer activities. She is also the first to receive a car through the "On the Road Again" Program. Mutia is certainly a role model for other youth. Thank you, Mutia, for all your hard work!

November 2009 ~ Kadarron Anderson Kadarron Anderson is a junior at Furman University, majoring in Business Administration. He received a full athletic scholarship in 2007, is currently the starting linebacker for Furman University, and is leading the conference in tackles. Kadarron grew up at Connie Maxwell Children’s Home and continues to keep in touch with those who were part of his life. He has been a mentor to other children at Connie Maxwell Children’s Home who are facing challenges in their lives. He was also a recipient of the SCFPA Scholarship Award in 2007. He is definitely a shining star. Thanks, Kadarron, for continuing to strive for excellence.

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