FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                      Contact: Meredith Dantzler
May 22, 2024                                                                                                      864-209-9045

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2024 Ken Bower Scholarship Recipients Announced
Three Teacher Cadets awarded from across the state
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.
 
“On behalf of the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, & Advancement (CERRA), I would like to congratulate the 2024 Ken Bower Teacher Cadet Scholarship recipients. We are beyond excited that you have chosen to join this rewarding profession. We feel confident that these recipients will excel in their education prep program and that the experiences gained through Teacher Cadet have prepared them for this exciting journey. Teacher Cadet is a longstanding program that allows high school juniors and seniors to gain authentic classroom experiences and to gain foundational knowledge about the teaching profession. We truly look forward to welcoming these students into their very own classrooms in the next four years. We wish each of you the best of luck as you begin this new chapter in your life.”
 
Teacher Cadet instructors receive notification of the call for applications early each calendar year and all senior Teacher Cadets are eligible to apply. This scholarship was funded thanks to the generosity of the South Carolina Teacher Forum Conference members who participated in the silent auction at their November Conference. The award is mailed directly to the recipient's college before August 1st and is applied to their account. Scholarships are awarded based on the merits of academic performance, school and community activities, teacher recommendations, and writing ability. 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.
 
2024 Ken Bower Scholarship Recipients
 
Campbell McCall Bodie is graduating from Chapin High School where she was an academic and athletic leader. As captain of the swim team, Campbell especially enjoyed when her team achieved 5A State Runner-up and Region Champions. For Teacher Cadet, Campbell led co-educational Middle School gym class for three months. In the summers, Campbell swims competitively and coaches, and lifeguards for Murraywood Swim & Racquet Club. She is also involved with Masterclass Orchestra and is a member of Beta Club and National Honor Society. In her free time, Campbell enjoys going to the beach, spending time with family and friends, going to amusement parks, and skydiving. Campbell will be attending the University of South Carolina as a Teaching Fellow where she will be majoring in Physical Education in hopes of becoming a PE teacher.
 
 
Makayla Thobe graduated from Powdersville High School.  She was part
of the Powdersville Varsity Soccer and Cross Country teams. Makayla also participated in junior varsity basketball and volleyball, and was also involved in the National Honors Society, Beta Club, and Student Council.  She will be attending Clemson University, pursuing a degree in elementary education.
 
 
Garyn Still (not pictured) is graduating from Barnwell High School and will be attending
​Lander University.

Written by Jen Powell 

The Teaching DreamTeachers are role models who touch the lives of every student in their classrooms. Many kids and young people share the dream of one day becoming a teacher, and that can often be traced back to an educator or school counselor who encouraged them.

Such was the case with Genetta Vinson.  "I initially wanted to be a teacher when I was in grade school and high school. I had my heart set on being a teacher," she shared. "I felt like my school counselor saw an untapped potential. They saw more in me than I had, even though I felt like I had it together. It was a boost in my confidence based on what my school counselor was pouring into me."

However, she didn't get much encouragement from family or some of her high school teachers. Instead, they recommended she look into a career in technology.  "I actually ended up going into engineering and computer science. I did that for a while, but my passion was still teaching and education," Genetta said.

Though she followed a path inconsistent with her dream, she found ways to stay engaged with teaching. "Most of the time, I found ways to do so through volunteer work," she said. "Being a Girl Scout leader or tutoring after school and working with different youth organizations just so I could have that touch point with kids."
Even so, she spent several years in a career that wasn't what she wanted in her heart.

Genetta's Breakthrough Moment and Introduction to CERRA