Johnson Memorial Scholarship winners announced
The Susan Johnson Memorial Fund Committee has announced that Laurel Ann Dennis and Kinsley Glenn Chestnut have been awarded the 2017 Susan Johnson Memorial Scholarship Grants in the amount of $4,000 each. This non-repayable grant is awarded to a graduate or former graduate of Darlington High School (formerly St. John’s High), the Darlington area attendance zone of Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology or Trinity-Byrnes Collegiate School who plans to pursue further education or training leading to a career in healthcare. Factors considered in the selection of the annual recipient of this award include academic standing, extra-curricular activities, character and recommendations from the principal and/or faculty of the schools mentioned.
Laurel Ann Dennis is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Pete Dennis and is graduating from Mayo. Laurel is active in the community, participating in Earth Day, fundraisers for the Lord Cares, praise band and Bioblitz participant through Pee Dee Land Trust. She is a member of the National Honors Society, Vice President 2017, a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, attended Palmetto Girls State and served as a Junior Marshall at Mayo for the Class of 2016.
Laurel plans to attend the University of South Carolina, pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Nursing and later plans to continue her education by pursuing a Masters of Science in Nursing to become a Nurse Practitioner.
She said there are several reasons why she wants to enter the healthcare field.
“I have a passion for helping others,” Laurel said. “I also found that I really enjoy human biology and anatomy, which is why I have chosen a career in the medical field. I am excited to learn more about the human body.”
Kinsley Glenn Chestnut is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Chestnut and is graduating from Darlington High School. Kinsley is active in the community as a volunteer with Kids Closet and Special Olympics, attended Palmetto Girls State, is a member of the Key Club and Anchor Club where she served as Chaplain and Director. She is an active member of the Darlington Presbyterian Church and participated in Son Servant mission work. Kinsley is a member of the National Honors Society and took college courses during the summers at Florence-Darlington Technical College.
She plans to attend the University of South Carolina or Clemson University, pursuing a Biology degree and later plans to continue her education by applying to a medical school to become an anesthesiologist. She said that “one of the biggest obstacles I’ve had in my life was when my father was diagnosed with liver failure.” Kinsley said that during this experience, “I was able to talk with them (doctors and nurses) about classes they took and what they majored in. This was a wonderful opportunity that gave me insight into the profession I hope one day to be part of.”
The Susan Johnson Memorial Fund was established in 1968 in memory of Miss Susan Johnson, who at the time of her death was an outstanding senior at St. John’s High School and was active in her church and community. Miss Susan Johnson was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Richard (Dot) Johnson.
This fund is administered by a committee operating under the supervision of the Session of the Darlington Presbyterian Church.