Aiken Honors Veterans with Scholarships to Support Their Education

Aiken Celebrates Local Heroes with Generous Scholarships

In a heartwarming event held on November 13, the Gifting Tree Foundation showered support on local military veterans, awarding scholarships to five deserving students from the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA). The atmosphere was filled with joy and appreciation as the foundation recognized these heroes for their service and dedication.

Five Veterans, Five Bright Futures

The scholarship recipients included Michael Foster, Samantha Burns, Shania Underwood, Nathan Harp, and Julian Nelson. Surrounded by esteemed guests such as Aiken County Council Vice Chairman Andrew Siders and S.C. Sen. Tom Young, the veterans were honored during a special breakfast presentation known as the Heroes Breakfast.

A Strong Community Support

Director of the USCA Veteran and Military Student Success Center, Robert Murphy, shared that the school is proud to serve a dynamic student body that includes 195 veterans and over 513 military-connected individuals. “It’s amazing to see just how many incredible veterans we have right here at USCA, who are not just great patriots but also outstanding students,” he noted.

To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants needed to be honorably discharged veterans who could significantly benefit from the financial assistance. Attributes like good grades and demonstrated leadership were pivotal in the selection process. “With each recipient having their unique story of sacrifice, it’s an honor to support them,” expressed Lyddie Hansen, chair of the Gifting Tree’s scholarship committee.

Meet the Scholarship Recipients

Let’s get to know these remarkable veterans! Samantha Burns, a former Army sergeant, is a senior pursuing a degree in applied mathematics. She expressed immense gratitude and aims to further her education with a graduate program in statistics. “I wouldn’t be here without the discipline I learned in the Army,” she said.

Michael Foster, a Navy veteran and now a sophomore studying environmental earth systems, feels incredibly lucky. “This $2,000 scholarship makes a big difference in my life as a student living on a tight budget,” he shared.

Next up, we have Shania Underwood, an Army specialist pursuing a degree in nursing with a psychology minor. “The Gifting Tree is doing amazing things, and it means so much to us,” she said, beaming with appreciation.

Nathan Harp, an Army staff sergeant with nearly 12 years of service, is focused on becoming a certified public accountant. “It’s truly an honor to be selected for this scholarship; it shows that others believe in us,” he enthusiastically commented.

Lastly, Julian Nelson, who served as an Army corporal and now studies mechanical engineering, aims to work on robotics and technology to help veterans with disabilities. “The support is incredible, especially as college costs continue to rise. Knowing there are people committed to helping us is reassuring,” he reflected.

Powerful Words from a Keynote Speaker

The event featured a stirring address from Sen. Tom Young, who emphasized the profound impact of veterans on American freedom. “The freedoms we enjoy today are thanks in large part to the sacrifices made by our veterans. Supporting them with educational opportunities is one of the best ways we can show our gratitude,” he said.

The Heart Behind the Foundation

The Gifting Tree Foundation, established by the late Don Cheeks and his wife, Annie, is committed to extending a helping hand to those in need. The nonprofit has contributed over $350,000 to various charities since its inception in 2019, highlighting its commitment to community support.

All in all, the awards ceremony was a celebration filled with hope and promise as the Gifting Tree Foundation continues its mission to uplift and empower local heroes. Let’s cheer on our veterans as they pursue their dreams, navigating the path of education and beyond!