The Horry County Higher Education Commission (HCHEC) recently awarded its Leadership Scholarship and Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship to 12 area high school seniors who plan to enroll at Coastal Carolina University for the 2009-2010 academic year.

Each of the scholarship awards -- eight leadership and four visual and performing arts -- provides $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.

HCHEC Leadership Scholarships were awarded to:

Lauren Hensley -- an intended biology major, graduating from Myrtle Beach High School

Jennifer Floyd -- an undeclared major, graduating from Aynor High School

LeAnna Stanley -- an intended middle level education major, graduating from Conway High School

Rebecca Thigpen -- an intended psychology major, graduating from Conway High School

Pooja Patel -- an intended biology major, graduating from North Myrtle Beach High School

Joshua Jones -- an intended computer science major, graduating from Green Sea-Floyds High School

Julianna Johnson -- an undeclared major, graduating from Conway High School

Sydni Donellan -- an intended middle level education major, graduating from Carolina Forest High School

HCHEC Visual and Performing Arts Scholarships were awarded to:

Lindsey Rogers -- music major, graduating from St. James High School

Kevin Farewell -- music major, graduating from Green Sea-Floyds High School

Justin Masters -- music major, graduating from St. James High School

Jessica Farris -- art studio major, graduating from Loris High School

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 a minimum 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 minimum 2.5 high school grade point average and an audition or portfolio review.

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