2 Sumter area high school students to compete for $5K scholarship

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Two Sumter-area high school students are competing with students from across South Carolina for a chance at a $5,000 college scholarship in a competition sponsored by the state's electric cooperatives.

Both were chosen by Black River Electric Cooperative to participate in a virtual experience earlier this summer. Mary Ellis Luebbert of Wilson Hall was originally selected for a trip to Washington, D.C., in June, and Josh Sharpe of Laurence Manning Academy was selected for the state trip to Columbia in July.

During these trips, the students would connect with other young men and women to learn about electric cooperatives and state and federal government issues. The COVID-19 outbreak forced the cancellation of both in-person events. However, the students were able to connect virtually June 19-26. Both students have already been honored on the local level with scholarships from Black River.

During the experience, the students heard from state leaders including Gov. Henry McMaster, U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott, state Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman and other state leaders. The students also learned how they could compete for the $5,000 college scholarship by working in teams to create an audio podcast that explains how the COVID-19 crisis has affected their lives.

The winning group of student podcast producers will be chosen by a panel of journalists, including Craig Melvin of NBC's TODAY show, Kenneth Moton from ABC's World News Now and Cindi Scoppe and Avery Wilks from The Post and Courier newspaper. Each participant in the winning group will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship.

The winner announcement will take place during a live WebEx event on Friday, July 31, at 10 a.m.

Those interested can join the live event at https://bit.ly/3f2IyFB.