The Horry County Higher Education Commission (HCHEC) has awarded scholarships to 10 area high school graduates who enrolled at Coastal Carolina University for the 2008-2009 academic year. Recipients were recently recognized at an HCHEC meeting held on campus.

Each of the scholarship awards -- eight leadership and two visual and performing arts -- provide $2,500 per academic year for up to four years to qualified Horry County students who show exemplary academic work, leadership and community service or demonstrated artistic talent.

Recipients of the HCHEC Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship were Stephen Dinda and Michael Lott. Both recipients are Carolina Forest High School graduates and are majoring in music at Coastal Carolina University.

HCHEC Leadership Scholarships were awarded to:

Jasmine Daly - a North Myrtle Beach High School graduate majoring in chemistry

Samuel Haga - a Myrtle Beach High School graduate, undeclared

Jessica Herman - a Myrtle Beach High School graduate majoring in management

Jason Jensen - a Carolina Forest High School graduate majoring in physical education

Kelsey Long - a Carolina Forest High School graduate majoring in marketing

Daniel Rabon - an Aynor High School graduate majoring in accounting

Angel Roesch - a North Myrtle Beach High School graduate majoring in early childhood education

Ashlee Fullwood - a Socastee High School graduate majoring in elementary education

The Horry County Higher Education Commission Leadership Scholarships are designed to promote service and citizenship and to recognize students for their leadership, volunteerism and academic excellence. To qualify, applicants must have earned at least a 2.5 high school grade point average through their junior year and have an established record of exemplary community service.

The Horry County Higher Education Commission Visual and Performing Arts Scholarships are designed to assist exceptionally talented Horry County seniors who plan to major in music, musical theatre, art studio or dramatic arts. This scholarship also requires a 2.5 high school grade point average and an audition or portfolio review.

For additional information about the HCHEC scholarships, contact the Scholarship Office at Coastal Carolina University at 843-349-2308.