Education News

Heart health champions
The American Heart Association honored several area schools and students for their outstanding work in the 2024–25 Kids Heart Challenge. Jennie Moore Elementary School in Mount Pleasant raised nearly $42,000, earning the title of top fundraising school in South Carolina.

One local school ranked among the state’s top 25, the students at Michael C. Riley Early Childhood and Elementary raised $12,351.

Local students also placed among the state’s top individual fundraisers, including Lily Collins of Okatie Elementary ($2,463) and Alex Vargas of Hilton Head Island Elementary ($1,400).

Rachel Stanley, development director for school engagement at the American Heart Association, said participants are “setting a powerful example” by prioritizing heart health and physical activity.

For more information about Kids Heart Challenge, visit www.heart.org/getstarted

National Merit semifinalists
Several local high school students are advancing in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program.
At John Paul II Catholic School, senior Matthew Yanachik was named a semifinalist. He now has the chance to compete for some of the 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $30 million. “His dedication, intellectual curiosity, and perseverance are an inspiration to his peers,” said Principal Heather Rembold.

The Beaufort County School District also announced five semifinalists: Halle Tran of Beaufort High; Jamie Ni and Katherine Riddle of Bluffton High; and Irina Anikina and Coleman Jacobi of May River High. Superintendent Frank Rodriguez praised the students’ “hard work, dedication, and academic excellence.”

About 16,000 students nationwide—less than 1% of high school seniors—reach the semifinalist stage. Finalists will be announced next spring.

National Merit Scholarship details are available at www.nationalmerit.org

Investing in women’s futures
United Way of the Lowcountry’s Women United initiative awarded scholarships to seven women pursuing higher education, marking its largest class of recipients since its founding in 2020.

This year’s recipients include Tianna Cleveland, Marie Hooper, Savannah Murrell, Laticia Perry, Brandi Richmond, Angela Thomas, and Eden Walker.

“These scholarships represent more than financial aid—they are a powerful investment in women who are committed to strengthening themselves, their families, and our community,” said Donna McKeown, chair of Women United’s Steering Committee.

Since 2020, the program has awarded more than $30,000 to 27 women. To learn more about Women United, go to www.uwlowcountry.org/womenunited.

Scholarship for future conservationists
Hilton Head’s Turtle Trackers organization announced the creation of the Turtle Trackers–Linda Zambelli Family Scholarship Fund. Administered by Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, the scholarship will support students pursuing degrees in marine biology, environmental science, STEM, or education.

Zambelli, who led Turtle Trackers until her death in 2022, was instrumental in expanding the group and advancing local ordinances to protect sea turtles. The first recipients will be named in May 2026.

Information about the Turtle Trackers scholarship can be found at cf-lowcountry.org.

To submit educational news for consideration in future issues, email editor@blufftonsun.com.