Thursday, February 25, 2010
SC State University hosted the 2010 Scholarship Gala and Tribute on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010 at 7 p.m. in the Smith-Hammond-Middleton (SHM) Memorial Center.
The Scholarship Gala and Tribute is a South Carolina State University Foundation event and an annual opportunity to honor students who have distinguished themselves by demonstrating an uncompromising commitment to the tenets of service, integrity and excellence. As the Foundation’s major fundraising event of the year, Gala proceeds are donated to the University to provide scholarship assistance to deserving students.
Due to the continuous support from corporate sponsors, friends and alumni, SC State University celebrated the academic achievements of seven deserving students, deemed as “shining stars.”
Deshena J. Agurs, junior, elementary education major
Ebonie M. Fuller, sophomore, biology and spanish major
Jeremiah D. George, sophomore, computer science major
Beverly D. Hawkins, junior, marketing major
Traci D. Jones, junior, elementary education major
Jonathan D. Parker, sophomore, accounting major
Sharneise S. Simmons, junior, nursing major
These scholarship recipients were thrilled about this prestigious award. “I felt honored to be selected out of hundreds of scholarship recipients,” said Ebonie Fuller. “I consider this a true privilege and I value this experience.”
Beverly Hawkins was equally ecstatic. “I am amazed,” said Hawkins. “I think that it is a great accomplishment and I am honored to be one of the seven students selected,” said Hawkins.
While the seven “rising stars” were the highlight of Saturday’s Scholarship Gala and Tribute, other entities such as the theme and entertainment were added incentives. Saturday’s theme was “A Night Among the Stars at the Cotton Club.” The acronym S.T.A.R.S. means Scholarships to Assist and Reward Students. Throughout the program, the Cotton Club era was exemplified through dress, song and dance.
Also, performing this year was national R&B and gospel recording artist, Regina Belle. She sang some of her chart-topping hits such as “Make It Like It Was” and “If I Could.”
Congratulations once again to SC State University’s seven “rising stars” who continue to build upon the institution’s 114-year legacy of excellence.