The Horry County Higher Education Commission (HCHEC) has awarded scholarships to seven area high school graduates who will attend Coastal Carolina University.

Each of the scholarship awards – five 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.

Winning the visual and performing arts scholarship were Desiree Grey, a Socastee High School graduate who will be pursuing a major in music, and Brandon Wright, a Conway High School graduate who will be pursuing a major in art.

Leadership scholarships were awarded to:

Brandi Johnson – an Aynor High School graduate who was president of the National Beta Club, and a member of the 2003 Girls State SAT Team-Lower State Champions. Her community service included volunteering for such community programs as Samaritan’s Purse and Hearts for Cystic Fibrosis.

Jenna Sanders – a Myrtle Beach High School graduate who was a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the Key Club (junior representative), and volunteered for the American Legion Auxiliary Home/Shut-in program and Education Week.

Katie Hinson – a Myrtle Beach High School graduate who was a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Her community service included volunteering for Literacy Testing, Education Week and the Disadvantaged Youth Program.

Todd Keith Massey – a Loris High School graduate who was a member of the French Club and marching band. His community service included extensive hours with the Horry County Fire Rescue Station 17, and he was an Explorer member for four years.

Rachael Coyne – a North Myrtle Beach High School graduate who was a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. Her community service includes volunteering at North Myrtle Beach Department of Public Safety Explorer Post 885 and 886, cleaning up city property and planting trees for Arbor Day, and making Christmas cards for nursing home residents.

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 community service.

The Horry County Higher Education Commission Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship is designed to assist exceptionally talented Horry County seniors who plan to major in art, music, musical theater or dramatic arts. This scholarship also requires a 2.5 high school grade point average, among other criteria.

For additional information about the HCHEC scholarships, contact the Office of Financial Aid at Coastal Carolina University at 349-2313 or 349-2308.