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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 the quintessence of excellence, and we look forward to welcoming these aspiring future teachers to South Carolina's cadre of exemplary classroom teachers,” notes Marcella Wine-Snyder, Program Director for the Teacher Cadet Program. “For over thirty years now, South Carolina’s Teacher Cadet Program has sought to grow its own stellar teachers by establishing a pipeline of well-qualified potential educators comprised of the state's best and brightest students. For some time now, education policy analysts and demographers have alluded to impending teacher shortages at an alarming rate, and homegrown teacher recruitment strategies and efforts like the Teacher Cadet Program represent our best hope for averting a more substantial one. Without great teachers, our state's goal of providing high quality schools—for all children, in all neighborhoods--will never materialize."
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, 2019 recipients will receive a one-time award of $1,000. The award is mailed directly to the recipient's college before August 1 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.
2019 Ken Bower Scholarship Recipients
Hannah is a senior at Ashley Ridge High School where she is a member of National Honor Society, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, Ashley Ridge Dance Company, and Teacher Cadet. She enjoys volunteering in various programs within her school and in the local elementary and middle schools. Outside of school, Hannah is a competitive dancer and enjoys teaching dance classes at her local studio. Hannah will attend the College of Charleston in the fall and will be in the Teaching Fellows program, as well as double majoring in secondary education and dance. Upon graduation, she hopes to return to her community and teach high school social studies.
Hannah Bridges is a senior at West Florence High School. She has participated in many activities including National Honors Society, Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Marching Band. She is very involved in her local church through the youth group and children’s ministry and has served on several international and national mission trips. She plans to attend Lander University as a Teaching Fellow and be a part of the honors college.
Sarah is a senior at Mauldin High School and will be attending Francis Marion University where she plans to study Elementary Education to become a teacher. She is a Teacher Cadet as well as a Teaching Fellow. Sarah was involved in many organizations, including Beta Club, National Honor Society, Educator’s Rising, Honors Chorus, Girl Scouts, and French National Honor Society. She lettered in swimming for five years and was MVP during her senior year. Sarah has always had a passion for teaching children and is looking forward to her career in the school system.
Emily Graham and is a senior at Marion High School. In the fall, she will be attending the University of South Carolina to major in Early Childhood Education. She has always carried a passion for the education system, however, she realized she wanted to become a teacher after participating in the Teacher Cadet program. She is excited to obtain her degree and be able to have a classroom of her own!
Drew is a senior at Palmetto High School in Williamston, SC. He is captain of the Varsity Soccer team and has played basketball, ran cross country, played men’s volleyball, and ran track during his four years in high school. The valedictorian of his class, he is involved in multiple honor societies and clubs at PHS. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time outdoors, and serves as a camp counselor during the summer. Through this experience, along with volunteering with the children’s ministry at Hope Fellowship Church, Drew has found a passion for investing in the lives of kids. He plans to attend Anderson University in the fall to major in Elementary Education.
Lauren is a senior at Hannah-Pamplico High School. She plans to attend Francis Marion University in the fall where she will be a Teaching Fellow. Her plans are to major in Elementary Education. Throughout high school, Lauren has been very involved in her school as a member of Student Council, National Honor Society, HOSA, and the Varsity Tennis team. She has held many leadership positions in these organizations, including National Honor Society President, Student Body Vice President, and HOSA Vice President. She served as a delegate to Palmetto Girls State and is a graduate of the Junior Leadership Florence County program. By becoming a teacher, Lauren’s goal is to inspire children and impact generations to come. Throughout her years of volunteer work and during her semester as a Teacher Cadet, Lauren feels the call to teach and help her students find meaning in their own education and future.