Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce awards annual scholarships to outstanding local seniors
April 21, 2026
The Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce (MPCC) announced the recipients of its 2026 scholarship program. At the Chamber’s monthly luncheon held on Thursday, April 16, two $2,000 scholarships were awarded to Michael Ballard of Lucy Beckham High School and Chloe Stanford of Philip Simmons High School.
The scholarship program, which received over 40 applications this year, honors the memory of long-time Mount Pleasant resident Joe Brinson. A veteran of the electrical industry for over 30 years, Brinson was a champion for educational advancement and a key figure in organizations such as the Construction Education Foundation. The MPCC Foundation continues his legacy by supporting students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to community service.
“Selecting winners from such a competitive pool of over 40 applicants was a difficult task, but Michael and Chloe truly embody the spirit of this award,” said Benjamin Nesvold, MPCC President. “Their academic records are impressive, but it is their dedication to serving others and their vision for the future that makes them standout leaders in our community.”
About the Recipients:
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Michael Ballard (Lucy Beckham High School): An AP Scholar with Honors, Michael maintains a 5.131 GPA while serving in student council and as a Beckham Ambassador. A talented artist, he was commissioned for the “Art on the Half Shell” program and has contributed over 150 hours of community service. He plans to pursue a degree in Architecture or Law at Furman University.
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Chloe Stanford (Philip Simmons High School): A Dean’s List student through dual enrollment at Trident Technical College, Chloe is a member of the National Arts Honors Society and the Beta Club. Her extensive volunteer work includes the Memory Project, local animal shelters, and veterans’ food drives. She plans to study Architecture at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
The Mount Pleasant Chamber Foundation remains dedicated to fostering economic growth and educational advancement within the Lowcountry. For more information on the scholarship program or upcoming Chamber events, please visit MountPleasantChamber.org.
About MPCC: Since 1992, the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce has been bringing together business leaders from the East Cooper community for mutually beneficial purposes. The membership is a mix of professions including advertising, publishing, finance, health care, food and beverage, hotel, retail, insurance, legal, and service businesses of every description. The MPCC’s mission is to encourage business and community success East of the Cooper. MPCC was named a Noteworthy Network in the 2023 Lowcountry Diversity Leadership Awards by the Charleston Regional Business Journal and Best Activist Group or Effort three years in a row by the Moultrie News.
