IIABSC Foundation met recently to award the annual recipients of its newest scholarship program. Thanks to our members' contributions, they had the funds to award seven $2,000 scholarships in 2024.

Each year the Foundation awards at least five college scholarships of $1,000 each to the childen of member agency employees whose children are either entering college or already undergrads. To be eligible, applicants must be a South Carolina resident and enrolled as a full-time student in the fall. They are looking for students that are active in his or her school and community, demonstrate a solid work ethic and possess strong leadership abilities, teamwork and a desire to succeed.  Call for applications are generally in September or October each year with a January 15 deadline. 

The following are this year's winners:

Tricia Blackwood, currently attending Limestone University with a major in English Education. She is the daughter of Tammie Blackwood with Correll Insurance Group.

Alex Bowers, a college junior at USC Upstate majoring in Physical Education. He is the son of Kelli Bowers with Upchurch & Jowers Agency in Camden.

Braden Freeman, a high school senior at JL Mann High School in Greenville with plans to major in Economics and Business but is currently undecided on a college. He is the son of Jason Freeman with Freeman & Associates in Greenville.

Taylor Hendrick, a high school senior at Conway High School with plans to attend Anderson University but an undecided major. She is the daughter of Kristie Hendrick with Peoples Underwriters in Conway and Myrtle Beach.

Savannah Mellon, currently a sophomore at Converse College with a double major Biology and Psychology. She is the daughter of Steve Mellon with Mellon Insurance Solutions in York.

Katherine Taylor, a high school senior at Beaufort Academy with plans to attend Clemson majoring in International Business and Spanish. She is the daughter of Jay Taylor with the Kinghorn Insurance Agency of Beaufort.

Grace Taylor, currently a high school senior attending the Greenville Senior High Academy with plans to attend Clemson majoring in Engineering. She is the daughter of Curtis Taylor with TWIA Insurance in Greenville.

Please consider a tax-deductible donation to the Foundation to support the charitable, educational, public safety and scientific endeavors supporting the industry in our state.

Honorariums and memorial donations are a great way to honor or remember your industry colleagues. Memorial donations can be made at any time, and the families will be notified of your gift.

You can make a secure online payment using this link or mail your contribution to: IIABSC Foundation, 800 Gracern Rd, Columbia, SC  29210.