Two awarded Susan Johnson Memorial scholarships
The Susan Johnson Memorial Fund Committee has announced that Payton McKenzie Bryant and Savanna Kathryn Odom have each been awarded the 2021 Susan Johnson Memorial Scholarship Grant in the amount of $4,000. This non-repayable grant is awarded annually to a graduate or former graduate of Darlington High School (formerly St. John’s High), or a graduate or former graduate from the Darlington Area Attendance Zone of Mayo High School for Math, Science, and Technology, Trinity-Byrnes Collegiate School who intends to pursue further education or training leading to a career in health care. Factors considered in the selection of the annual recipient of this award include academic standing, need, extracurricular activities, character, and recommendations from the principal and/or faculty of the schools mentioned. Payton Bryant lives with parents Mr. and Mrs. Doug Bryant and will graduate from Mayo High School for Math Science and Technology in the School Class of 2021. Payton is active in the community by volunteering on Wednesday night at Central Baptist Church in Awanas, a children ministry, of the church. She is also a member of The Move Competition Dance Team and plans to continue with dance at the college level. Her academic accomplishments include National Honor Society, National Beta Club, and Mayo Ambassador. She has participated at the State Beta Convention in the Living Literature and Group Talent. She plans to attend Clemson University to earn a degree in biological sciences and upon completion of a degree, she plans to attend a medical school to become a pediatric physician. Payton states, “Ever since I was a kid I have had a strong desire to help people and that’s why, when trying to choose a career path, health care always stood out to me. I want to make a difference in these kids’ lives as well as in their family lives.” Savannah Odom lives with her stepfather and mother Mr. and Mrs. Parrish Lambert and is completing her sophomore year at the University of South Carolina. Savannah is involved in several extracurricular activities at USC. One event a fundraiser called Dance Marathon raised $500,000 for Prisma Health Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. She is a member of Phi Mu Lambda Theta. Theta is a Panhellenic Sorority that gives her opportunities to give back to the community. Savannah plans to pursue a career in pharmaceutical sciences. She has an older brother that is special needs, on medications, and throughout her life she has helped him. “I was fascinated by all his different medications and knew this was a profession I would love.” The Susan Johnson Memorial Fund was established in l968 in memory of 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. Johnson was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Richard (Dot) Johnson. This scholarship fund is administered by a committee operating under the supervision of the Session of the Darlington Presbyterian Church.
