Recent graduates from Chapin High School and Spring Hill High School were honored for their hard work and academics when they earned college scholarships from the Chapin Woman’s Club. The 2024 recipients are Brooke Arnold, Reagan Ashmore, Emerson Cannon, Rhea Bundrick, Destany Doby and Carrington Golson.  

The Chapin Woman’s Club used a comprehensive process when deciding which young women would receive the scholarships. A total of $20,000 was awarded to both the new graduates as well as past recipients currently working on their degrees from a South Carolina higher education institution. Factors such as GPA, SAT scores, FAFSA and recommendations from high school guidance counselors and teachers were integral when the CWC determined who would receive the financial assistance.  

The process began in January when the Chapin Woman’s Club reached out to high school guidance counselors about the program and asked for recommendations of those who would benefit most from their support. Applications were sent out in February, and the girls submitted the necessary paperwork with the club after having applied for Federal Student Aid. In March, the CWC met with all of the seniors in a large group, and conducted individual interviews in April. Lastly, the club met as a committee to decide which seniors would be awarded the scholarships and their names were announced at the schools’ awards night events where they were given honorary certificates.  

Additionally, the graduates were invited to attend a pizza and pool party hosted by the Chapin Woman’s Club in recognition of their achievements. The celebration gave them an opportunity to connect with one another, meet past scholarship recipients and begin getting to know their new mentor, a CWC member. Serving as a mentor for these graduates is an honor for the women in the club.  

Shannon Allonier, co-chair of CWC’s Scholarship Committee, praised the efforts of these young women. “I’m a retired middle school teacher, and when I first began as a mentor, I was actually mentoring some former students. There was one young lady that became a registered nurse at USC. I just love her! I mentored her for four years. I love these girls; they keep me young.”  

Providing encouragement and support to their mentees is an important role for the club members as they believe in being positive role models for the girls as they begin their new journey into higher education.  

Further information about the Chapin Woman’s Club can be found at www.chapinwomansclub.org. Community members wishing to give a donation for future graduates can do so by making a contribution to the club and specifying you would like the gift to be used toward the scholarship fund.