S.C. teen wins $5,000 scholarship

Claire McKenzie of Andrews, S.C., is the recipient of the 2024 R.D. Bennett Community Service Scholarship presented by The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, the trade association for South Carolina’s independent, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.  The $5,000 college scholarship is presented to a S.C. high school student who completes a community service project that best exemplifies the cooperative principle of “concern for community.”

McKenzie, 17, was among a group of high school students from across the state who completed projects this summer.  A panel of judges selected her project, “Essential Supplies for Foster Children,” as the winner in the competition.  McKenzie raised more than $1,500 to provide 100 essential item bags and 109 restaurant gift cards for children placed in foster care in Williamsburg County. The essential item bags contain items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant, etc., and are handed out to children who may be waiting for a host family.

“The most rewarding thing about this project was witnessing the generosity of others,” said McKenzie. “There were so many people, companies and groups that donated to help make this project a success for the foster children of Williamsburg County.”

“This was a fantastic idea that will impact so many children and families,” said one of the judges. “You exemplified commitment and motivation in completing your project. Great job!”

McKenzie completed her project after attending the electric co-ops’ annual Washington Youth Tour program—which sends rising high school seniors to Washington, D.C., for a week each summer.  McKenzie was one of two local students chosen by Santee Electric Cooperative to attend the trip with a total of 57 students from across South Carolina.

McKenzie is a senior at Williamsburg Academy in Kingstree.

The R.D. Bennett Community Service Scholarship is named for Robert D. Bennett, the first general manager and executive vice president of The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina.  Bennett, who led the state association from 1950 until his retirement in 1980, strongly believed that electric cooperatives should support their local communities—providing a better quality of life for their members.  His spirit of community service is reflected in this scholarship opportunity.