The recent annual YEP celebration, held earlier this month at the Greater St. Stephen AME Church in Georgetown, was a heartwarming event where seniors were honored with thoughtful gifts and awards, including certificates and monetary scholarships.
The involvement of YEP students added an extra layer of warmth to the occasion, as they took on important roles such as welcoming guests, leading the opening prayer, and sharing key highlights of the program.
Notably, Andrews High School alumni Mi’Kel Collins and Jairon Cumbee delivered inspiring talks that reflected on the profound impact YEP has had on their lives.
The event was further enriched by the presence of Dr. Bethany Giles, the Superintendent of the Georgetown County School District, who served as the keynote speaker, encouraging everyone to cherish the moments of growth and celebration within the community.
Scholarship recipients include the following:
J’Marion Dickerson from Georgetown High School, received the Sista 2 Sista Scholarship, which includes an HP laptop and a $500 award.
Waccamaw High School’s Megan Buffkin received The TS Leadership Empowerment Award, named after founder Teon Singletary and developed to recognize the excellence of high school leaders. This award includes a cash award and leadership package valued at $1000. Megan also received the Tim and Joan Meacham Scholarship of $1000.00 as well as the Sista Sista Scholarship of $500.
Adiah McMeo, of Georgetown High School, received a Tim and Joan Meacham Scholarship Award ($1,000), for first-generation college-bound students. Adiah also received the TS Leadership Empowerment Award, which includes a cash award and leadership packet valued at $1000.
D’Essence Graham of Carvers Bay Early College & Career High School received a $500 Sista Sista Scholarship Award along with an HP laptop.
Kiryren Armstrong of Carvers Bay Early College & Career High School received a $500 Sista Sista Scholarship Award along with an HP laptop. Kiryen also received a Tim and Joan Meacham Scholarship Award ($1,000).
Rebekah Taft of Georgetown High School received a $500 Sista Sista Scholarship Award along with an HP laptop. Rebekah also received a Tim and Joan Meacham Scholarship Award ($1,000).
These scholars, along with the following students, also received a $100 YEP scholarship: Janiya Daniels (GHS), Aryona Holmes (GHS), Cenai Homes (CBH), Christina Keith (GBH), Elyse Lewis (GHS), Talaisha Holmes (GHS).
Helping Hands 2025 YEP graduates: Kiryen Armstrong, Ayanua Brown, Megan Elisabeth Buffkin, Janiya Daniels, J’Marion Dickerson, Maya Giles, Mia Giles, D’Essence Graham, Deaudric Grant, Destiney Grayson, Aryona Holmes, CeNai Holmes, Talaisha Holmes, Christina Keith, Amarianna King, Elyse Lewis, Marquis McCollough, Adiah Lynn McMeo, Allyssa Sumpter, Rebekah Taft, Sha’Caira Williams, Shyteria Wilson
