LMA student wins 2018 Journalism Contest scholarship, chooses Clemson University

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MANNING - A former Clarendon County high school student has won a four-year scholarship as part of a contest.

Dawson Hatfield, who recently graduated from Laurence Manning Academy, won the 2018 Journalism Contest sponsored by the Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.

Hatfield won a four-year scholarship to the state-supported college or university of his choice and plans to attend Clemson University.

A panel of professional journalists chose his article as the best among entries submitted by students from throughout South Carolina.

Students explored the theme "Inclusion Drives Innovation," conveying the importance of different perspectives in workforce success and how inclusion of the skills and talents of individuals with disabilities strengthens the business community. Hatfield's article focused on a young man with a challenging disability who achieved his dream job as a motor sports engineer through drive and determination.

A member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club at Laurence Manning Academy, Hatfield was selected for Palmetto Boys State in 2017. He has played baseball, basketball and football for the school and has been a SCISA all-region and all-state selection in baseball. He is active in the youth group of First United Methodist Church.

He is the son of Barry and Anita Hatfield of Manning.