May 21, 2025

South Carolina State Fair Awards $530,000 in Scholarships

News Summary

The South Carolina State Fair has awarded $530,000 in scholarships to 53 high school seniors through its Ride of Your Life Scholarship program. Each recipient receives $10,000 aimed at supporting their higher education endeavors. Funding for this year’s increase in scholarships was bolstered by contributions from Circle K and EMC Tickets. The program has awarded nearly $6 million over its 27-year history, helping students showcase their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and communication skills.

Columbia, South Carolina – The South Carolina State Fair has announced the winners of its 2025 Ride of Your Life Scholarship program, distributing a total of $530,000 in scholarships to 53 high school seniors throughout the state. This year’s awards have increased from 50 to 53, thanks to a generous contribution of $37,000 from Circle K and EMC Tickets.

Each scholarship recipient will receive $10,000, disbursed in annual installments of $2,500. The funds support students pursuing higher education at any public or private college, university, or technical college in South Carolina. The scholarship program operates as a self-sustaining 501(c)3 nonprofit initiative and is designed to invest in the next generation of leaders, innovators, and community builders.

Program Highlights and Objectives

The Ride of Your Life Scholarship program has been instrumental in providing financial assistance to South Carolina students for 27 years, with nearly $6 million awarded in scholarships overall. The program seeks to provide support to those who demonstrate academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, financial need, and strong communication skills as judged through the application process.

As part of the application, students were required to write an essay on the topic, “What does harvesting happiness mean to you, and how do you cultivate it in your life?” The evaluation process for these essays was meticulous, focusing on academic performance, extracurricular contributions, and the overall quality of the application.

Notable Recipients

Among the students receiving scholarships this year are Mya Chapman from Saluda High School, Elizabeth Justesen from Greenwood High School, Faith Kennedy from Greenwood Christian School, and Ziya Watt from Abbeville High School. Each of these students has demonstrated notable accomplishments and aspirations that align with the scholarship’s mission.

Feedback and Future Outlook

The program’s general manager expressed that reading the applicants’ essays is akin to walking through the fairgrounds, filled with inspiring stories and aspirations. The program emphasizes that happiness can be simple by demonstrating kindness and overcoming life’s challenges. It seeks to instill a sense of hope and motivation in these young individuals as they embark on their educational journeys.

Community Support and Engagement

The increase in scholarships awarded this year signifies the growing community support for the initiative, particularly from local businesses like Circle K, which also designated one scholarship specifically for a Circle K employee or their dependent. Such partnerships enhance the program’s reach and impact, mirroring the community’s dedication to fostering educational opportunities for its youth.

Conclusion

The Ride of Your Life Scholarship program remains a vital resource for high school seniors in South Carolina, paving the way for capable individuals to further their education and contribute to society. As the program continues to evolve and adapt through the support of businesses, community members, and generous donations, it lays the groundwork for many future leaders and changemakers in the state.

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Additional Resources

Author: HERE Greenwood

The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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