Coastal Carolina University student Elena S. Draiss, a senior accounting major from Myrtle Beach, has been awarded a $2,000 South Carolina Tax Council scholarship for 2017.

Draiss plans to graduate in December 2016 and continue into CCU's Master of Accountancy program with a concentration in taxation.

"My university provides many opportunities to develop skills needed to succeed in the workplace," said Draiss. "Last spring semester, I participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to gain hands-on experience and to learn more about tax preparation. I am deeply honored and grateful to be selected as the recipient of the South Carolina Tax Council Scholarship, which will allow me to focus more on studying and less on worrying about the financial aspect of my education."

The council awards scholarships annually to students majoring in accounting or taxation at a South Carolina college or university. The applicant must have at least a 3.0 grade point average.

The South Carolina Tax Council was founded in 1976 as a nonprofit association. Membership is open to tax preparers with offices located in South Carolina.