2/15/07

Seniors at Scott’s Branch prepare to be freshmen again
By Brian Jarvis

BRIAN JARVIS/Manning Times
Shane Walker and Cynthia Pershia were pleased to learn they each received a full scholarship to the University of South Carolina.

For participants at Scott’s Branch High School’s annual Financial Aid night, the message was clear: Higher education is within reach, especially for a handful of seniors who were among the top 15% of their graduating class and received full scholarships to the University of South Carolina at Sumter.

“Every year of college under your belt raises the amount of money you’ll earn in your lifetime,” said USC-Sumter coordinator Sue Sims. “You have to look at it as an investment because that’s what it is.”

Filling out financial aid forms can be a never-ending headache, however, and intimidating to those who have never seen them before. Oftentimes students view scholarships with skepticism, wondering whether full scholarships are indeed full or require work-study jobs on campus as well as outside funding for room and board.

“That’s why we do this every year,” said guidance counselor Diana Georgia, who coordinated the event. “The program gives both parents and students an opportunity to get involved in with financial aid. There’s a lot of information, so we have an expert come and explain the whole process.”