Why Not Young Lives
Finding Your Why Scholarship Fund
This scholarship is in memory of Anthony D. Liddell, Jr. Anthony was a 2011 Honor Graduate at Marlboro County High School where he was involved in numerous extracurricular activities, specifically; he was a member of the National Honor Society, the Marlboro County Football Team, a participant in the Interact Club, a DECA representative and a Teacher Cadet Cohort. Anthony chose to further his education at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina where he majored in sports medicine, worked full time and continued to maintain academic excellence, with aspirations of one day opening a physical therapy practice. Anthony believed that the sky was the limit, and he worked tirelessly trying to achieve personal goals that he set while executing the motto God First. The scholarship will be awarded to a senior(s) who would like to continue their education at a college/institution as a full-time student.This scholarship is designed to inspire Seniors to know that they CAN and WILL achieve their dreams.
2026 Scholarship Recipients
On July 31, 2026 we were able to give out our Why Not Me: Finding Your Why Scholarship. Our recipients were Madison Ryant, Aneas Whaley and Audrianna Evans.
Madison Ryant
Hello everyone my name is Madison Ryant and I am an Early Childhood Education major at the University of South Carolina.
Some of my extracurricular activities and hobbies include student leadership, community service, and involvement in organizations that allow me to connect with others and give back. I enjoy traveling and exploring new places, shopping and fashion, spending time with friends and family, and vlogging to share my experiences and memories.
After I graduate from college I plan to begin my career as a second-grade teacher and continue growing as an educator. In the future, I hope to own a childcare enrichment center where I can create a positive learning environment that encourages children’s creativity, confidence, and love for learning.
Aneas Whaley
My name is Aneas Whaley.
I am majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry at Claflin University.
My extracurricular activities include serving in student leadership, working as a Junior Intern with Why Not Young Lives, mentoring and leading STEAM scholars, volunteering in my community, participating in my church’s media ministry, and working at Starbucks. I also enjoy creating school spirit initiatives and finding ways to positively impact those around me.
After graduating from Claflin University, I plan to attend medical school to become a physician. My goal is to provide compassionate, high-quality healthcare, serve underserved communities, and continue mentoring and uplifting the next generation.
Audrianna Evans
My name is Aundrianna Evans, and I am a Sports Management major at Claflin University.
Some of my hobbies and extracurricular activities include cheerleading, dancing, community service, and leadership. I enjoy being involved, meeting new people, and trying new things.
After I graduate from college, I plan to become a sports agent while attending law school to become a Sports and Entertainment Attorney. I also want to get my real estate license and learn more about the real estate side of business.
2025 Scholarship Recipient
Congratulations to our first-ever Finding Your Why Scholarship recipient for Orangeburg, Jakya Robinson! 🎓✨ A proud freshman at Winston-Salem State University, Jakya is no stranger to the Why Not Young Lives family, she served as a dedicated Junior Intern for our Summer Academy.
2023 Scholarship Recipient
On May 24, 2023 we were able to give out our Why Not Me: Finding Your Why Scholarship. Our recipient is Elijah Chalmers. Elijah will be attending Morris College and will major in Computer Programming. His Career goal is to become a Professional Gamer and design video games.
Elijah Chalmers
Parents: Elijah Chalmers
Church: Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church
School: Marlboro County High School
School Activities: Jazz Band, Boys Varsity Basketball, Football All Conference 2022, 2023 All-State 2022 North/South All-Star Game, All-Zone selection 2022 WBTW BLUTZ selection 2022 Track team All Conference 2022,2023 Lower State Qualifier 2022,2023 State Qualifier 2022,2023 State Champion in Long Jump 2023 Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Church Activities: Junior Choir, Sunday School Usher Ministry and Praise Team Gaming
Extracurricular/Hobbies: Gaming
Future Plans: Attending Carson Newman University on a Football Scholarship After his NFL career he wants to become a professional gamer and design video games.
2022 Scholarship Recipient
On August 8, 2022 we were able to give out our Why Not Me: Finding Your Why Scholarship. Our recipient is Kayana Littles. Kayana will be attending Morris College and will major in Biology. Her Career goal is to become a Dental Hygienist.
Kayana Littles
Parents: Michael and Kahisa Littles
Church: Community of Grace
School: Marlboro County High School
School Activities: Marlboro County High School Marching Band, Track and Field Team
Church Activities: By His Grace Dance Ministry
Extracurricular/Hobbies: Assisting her Dad as a Trainer for the AAU Bulldogs Elite
Future Plans: Get her College Degree in Biology
Cumulative GPA: 4.2
Her favorite inspirational saying: “Nothing is impossible, the world itself says I’m possible” - Audrey Hepburn
2021 Scholarship Recipients
On June 9, 2021 we were able to give our our FIRST Why Not Me: Finding Your Why Scholarship. Our two recipients were Jordan Ray and Amina Quick. Jordan will be attending University of South Carolina and Amina will be attending Clemson University.
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
Cumulative GPA: 4.4
Honor Graduate/Top 10% of class
Has 30 college credits from NETC
NETC Young Scholars Program
Attended Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) Conference in Washington DC Feb 2020
Member of Youth Leadership Club
Volunteer with EMBODI--trash pick up and voter registration
Boys II Men program sponsored by Clio OPERA
Works Part Time at Cook Out in Bennettsville
Amina Quick
Parents: Jamelle Quick Chalmers
Church: Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church
School: Marlboro County High School
School Activities: Marlboro County High School Member of Jazz Band, Academic Challenge Team, Junior Marshall Beta Club, National Honor Society
Church Activities: Usher Ministry, Jr. Choir member, Praise Team, Sunday School Member, Jr. Missionary school
Extracurricular/Hobbies: Reading and Computer Games, A Six year member of the Order of the Eastern Star Mary B Thomas Girls Youth Circle.
Future Plans: Amina will attending Clemson University in the Fall and majoring in History to eventually become a professor.
Cumulative GPA: 4.67
Her favorite inspirational saying: "Believe you can and you will."
Honor Graduate/Top 10% of Class
This scholarship is in memory of Anthony D. Liddell, Jr. Anthony was a 2011 Honor Graduate at Marlboro County High School where he was involved in numerous extracurricular activities, specifically; he was a member of the National Honor Society, the Marlboro County Football Team, a participant in the Interact Club, a DECA representative and a Teacher Cadet Cohort. Anthony chose to further his education at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina where he majored in sports medicine, worked full time and continued to maintain academic excellence, with aspirations of one day opening a physical therapy practice. Anthony believed that the sky was the limit, and he worked tirelessly trying to achieve personal goals that he set while executing the motto God First. The scholarship will be awarded to a senior(s) who would like to continue their education at a college/institution as a full-time student.This scholarship is designed to inspire Seniors to know that they CAN and WILL achieve their dreams.