NOVEMBER 28, 2009 CONWAY, SC - The Horry County Higher Education Commission (HCHEC) has established a new scholarship program for local high school students who plan to attend Coastal Carolina University.

The HCHEC Academic Excellence Scholarship is the newest program that rewards the top graduate from each eligible Horry County high school who chooses to enroll at CCU the fall semester following graduation. This award may be received in addition to other HCHEC scholarships.

The HCHEC also provides scholarship support to recent Horry County graduates through the Leadership, Visual and Performing Arts, and the International Awareness scholarships. The deadline to apply for the these scholarships for the 2010-2011 academic year is March 1, 2010.  

Recipients of 2009-2010 HCHEC Academic Excellence Scholarships are:

Sydni Donellan – graduate of Carolina Forest High School majoring in middle level education
 
Kevin Kern – graduate Conway High School majoring in applied physics
 
Taylor LaPierre – graduate of Green-Sea Floyds High School majoring in biology
 
Pooja Patel – graduate of North Myrtle Beach High School majoring in biology
 
Michael Primrose – graduate of Aynor High School with an undeclared major
 
Casey Stevens – graduate of Loris High School with an undeclared major
 
Alfred Tomlinson – graduate of Loris High School majoring in exercise and sport science
 
Angela Webb – graduate of Myrtle Beach High School majoring in music
 
Hannah Widdifield – graduate of St. James High School majoring in English

The Horry County Higher Education Commission was formed in 1959 by the South Carolina General Assembly to oversee the use of county tax millage for Coastal Carolina. Today, there are 16 members of the commission who are appointed by the Governor of South Carolina and recommended by the Horry County Legislative Delegation to represent Horry County.

For additional information about the HCHEC scholarships, contact Coastal Carolina University’s Scholarship Office at 843-349-2308 or scholar@coastal.e