By Betsy Finklea
Communities In Schools of Dillon County held their annual scholarship fundraiser on Thursday, May 14 at Abingdon Manor.
Guests enjoyed an array of delicious food before a short program. CIS Executive Director Nancy Brigman thanked everyone for coming and for their support of CIS. She said they currently provide a total of six scholarships to Dillon County students – two to Dillon High School, two to Latta High School, and two to Lake View High School – to attend Francis Marion University.
Johnnie Luehrs, chair of the CIS Board of Directors, introduced the board members. They are: Johnnie Luehrs, Chair, Martha Heyward, Vice Chair, Ina Page, Treasurer, Dr. Fred Carter, Marsden H. Cox III, Shipp Daniel, Rachel Gainey, Marie Grainger, Elaine Green, Dr. Linda Hayes, Karl McAlister, Art Shealy, and Richard Taylor. Ex Officio members are Mary Freitas, Grady Sampson, Patricia McLaurin, and Trey McLaurin.
Luehrs said all of the members are volunteers. She also pointed out that Brigman is a volunteer executive director.
Anna Benton Love, a recipient of the scholarship, talked about how the scholarship impacted her. She has completed Francis Marion University and will be teaching in the Latta Schools.
After the remarks, guests were treated to a musical performance by board member Shipp Daniel accompanied by Robin Thompson on keyboard. Daniel agreed to sing after a donor said he would increase his contribution if he did so.
In addition to providing scholarships, CIS is also involved in the First Book Initiative with McLeod Dillon and Dillon School Districts 3 and 4.
According to a brochure handed out at the event, the scholarship had its start in 2001. “In 2001, 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 work force here,” the brochure states.
“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 says.
“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.”
“Communities in Schools of Dillon County is an affiliate of the national Communities in Schools network, the nation’s leading dropout prevention organization. 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.”
“Communities in Schools believes all students need and deserve these five basic resources in order to succeed in school and in life: 1. A one on one relationship with a caring adult; 2. A safe place to learn and grow; 3. A healthy start for a healthy future; 4. A marketable skill to use upon graduation; and 5. A chance to give back to peers and community.”
Communities in Schools can be contacted at P.O. Box 332, Latta, SC 29565 or by e-mailing cisdilco@att.net.