Finding Your Why
Incoming Freshman Challenge
The purpose of this program was to bridge the gap from High School to College. We want our recipients to know that they aren’t alone in this transition. We would like to thank everyone that donated or sponsored a student, we couldn’t have done this without you.
Below are the Recipients of the Finding Your Why: Incoming Freshman Challenge.
Andre Linton
I am Andre Linton. My parents are Michelle Bradley and Andre Linton. I am a 2021 Honor graduate from Orangeburg Wilkinson HS. I received my Completer certificate in Pre-Engineering from Orangeburg Technology Center. In the Fall, I will attend North Greenville University majoring in Cybersecurity.
Jaheem McLaurin
Jaheem McLaurin is a proud alumni at Marlboro County High School and at Northeastern Technical College. He will be attending the University of South Carolina this fall.
Throughout his 2.5 years at Marlboro County High School, he have maintained a 4.5 GPA.
Formerly, he served as the SGA President, DECA Vice President of Leadership, Pep Club Vice President, Beta Club Secretary, Superintendent Advisory Committee Member, School Improvement Council, FCA Chaplin, National Honor Society Member, and School Announcer. He is also an Eagle Scout with Troop 625 in Bennettsville, SC.
Jay S. Welbon, Jr.
Jay S. Welbon Jr. is the son of Jay S. Welbon Sr. and Yolanda Welbon. He graduated from Dutch Fork High School with a 3.9 GPA. During high school he was a point-guard for the Dutch Fork Men’s varsity basketball ball team. He received the 2021 Atkins Law Firm scholar athletic scholarship.
Jay will be attending Claflin University majoring in Sports Management. It is his desire to play basketball for the University. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family, volunteering his time to help others and playing basketball.
Jordan Ray
Jordan Tyreek Ray
Parents: Eunice Thomas Ray and Terrance Ray
Church: St. Peter AME Zion Church
School: Marlboro County High School
School Activities: National Beta Club, Junior Marshall, and Marlboro County High School JV and Varsity Football Team
Church Activities: Junior Trustee, Young Adult Choir, Men's Choir, Youth Delegate for Church School Convention
Extracurricular/Hobbies: Reading, Playing Video Games, Taking trips with family, shopping
Future Plans: After college, Jordan plans to attend the University of South Carolina and major in chemical engineering
Kyra Horlbeck
Kyra Horlbeck was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and moved to South Carolina in 2008, Kyra attended Jennie Moore Elementary School for 1st through 5th grade and attended Laing Middle School for 6th through 8th grade where she played the violin all through middle school and high school. She attended Wando High school and served as the dance and cheer team captain. She enjoys playing the violin and spending time with friends and family. Her major is Medical Physics and her minor is Biochemistry. She enjoys being with family and her friends and is very caring.
Thomas Alston
Thomas Alston is the son of Anthony and D’metria Alston who both attended SC State University where he will be attending in the fall. He graduated from Metro Early College High School in Columbus Ohio with a 4.0 GPA. He loved to learn new things, workout and travel. He will be majoring in Psychology at SCSU.
Brandon Cooler
My name is Brandon Cooler, and I was born on March 28, 2003. I graduated from Wade Hampton High School. I graduated with a 4.754 GPA. I am attending the University of South Carolina-Columbia with a major in Computer Science.
Dawaunika Pickett
Hey my name is Dawaunika Pickett, I’m 19 and attend South Carolina State University. I’m majoring in Criminal Justice with the aspirations of attending Law School and becoming a Lawyer. I love to do Color Guard, spend time with family and also do track. I’m a proud Graduate of South Pointe High School.
Dennis McCaskell
My name is Melakai tate, I’m majoring in Sports Management at South Carolina State University. In my spare time I like to play sports. I’m goal driven and I’m determined to accomplish all my goals my Freshman Year.