2015 Ken Bower Scholarship Recipients Announced

Five Teacher Cadets awarded from across the state

GREENVILLE, SC – The Ken Bower Teacher Cadet Scholarship, named in memory of Dr. Ken Bower, an architect of the original Teacher Cadet course and curriculum, is awarded each year to senior Teacher Cadets who intend to become a classroom teacher in one of South Carolina’s many public schools.

“The recipients of the Ken Bower Teacher Cadet Scholarship are among South Carolina’s most stellar students who have recognized and embraced their passion for teaching and working with children,“ notes Marcella Wine-Snyder, Program Director for the Teacher Cadet Program. “It will indeed be an honor to welcome these exemplary students to the teaching profession after their program of study is completed at one of the teacher education institutions in South Carolina.”

Teacher Cadet instructors receive notification of the call for applications early each calendar year and all senior Teacher Cadets are eligible to apply. Thanks to the generosity of silent auction “shoppers” at two CERRA conferences and other donors who support the Teacher Cadet program, 2015 recipients will receive a one-time award of $1,000. The award is mailed directly to the recipient’s college before August 1st and is applied to his or her account. Awards are determined based on the merits of scholarship, teacher recommendations, and a written essay. The Ken Bower Teacher Cadet Scholarship is not “needs-based” and does not rely on the financial information of the Teacher Cadet’s family. Teaching Fellows may also be recipients of the Ken Bower Scholarship.

Rebekah Addison is a recent graduate of Rock Hill High School where she was a Teacher Cadet under the guidance of Carol Weaver. She was an honors and AP student and took dual credit classes at USC-Lancaster and York Tech. Rebekah was an active member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club and an active participant in Young Life. She was also selected to participate in Palmetto Girls State and was a Junior Marshall. Rebekah played Varsity softball for five years and played JV and Varsity volleyball. She will be attending Coker College majoring in Physical Education.

Samantha Ellison will be graduating from Palmetto High School in Williamston, South Carolina. She plans to attend Anderson University, where she will major in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood add-on. Samantha has a passion for helping others and has been extremely involved with various organizations and teams during her high school career. She has had the privilege of being Student Body President and Spanish National Honor Society President, as well as being a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society, and The Chill Student Ministry. Samantha also played on the Varsity volleyball and golf teams throughout high school and plans to continue her golf career in college.

Meredith Griffin resides in Lexington, SC with her parents and family. A 2015 graduate of River Bluff High School, Meredith participated in Chamber Choir, SC All-State Chorus, and served as dance captain for “Southern Charm” show choir. Meredith belongs to the “Be a Fan Club” to educate students about the abilities and value of students with special needs. Her Teacher Cadet experience was one of the highlights of her high school experience. She plans to study Elementary Education at Columbia International University.

Haley Keaton-Wilbanks, from Walhalla High School, plans to attend Clemson University and major in Elementary Education. Haley is a member of the Beta Club and the National Honor Society. She has won numerous awards for dance. Haley has served as the Creative Director of the Future Educators Association and taught dance. She was also a Teacher Cadet and works part-time as a classroom assistant at a pre-school. She currently resides in Mountain Rest, South Carolina with her parents, Harvey and Patricia Keaton.

Cameron Mintz completed her Teacher Cadet Program at Broome High School with Mrs. Pam Flynn as her instructor. She was in the Top Ten of her graduating class and was also dually enrolled at Spartanburg Community College. She was active in the Interact Club (Vice President), Beta Club, and a member of the Spanish National Honor Society. In addition to serving in several community and church youth activities, Cameron works at St. Paul’s Methodist Preschool. She will attend Winthrop University in the fall where she will seek dual certification in Early Childhood and Elementary Education.

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