S.C. State Fair opens scholarship applications

The S.C. State Fair has a little something for everyone, from corndogs and roller coasters to college scholarships.

High school seniors can apply for an S.C. State Fair “Ride of Your Life” scholarship, which awards winners with $1,500 per year for up to four years. The money can be applied to education or training at any S.C. university, college or technical college. Students pursuing two-year degrees are eligible for the program.

“The cost of a quality education is high, but the cost of being denied the chance for an education is even higher,” said Gary Goodman, fair general manager. “We’re committed to helping aspiring high school students continue on to college and realize their potential for the future,”

Applications can be found online at scstatefair.org and must be submitted by March 13. Applications also must also include official school transcripts, a current photograph and an essay on the student’s S.C. educational experience.

The program is open to 50 students and winners will be notified in early May. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Two area students earned spots on last year’s winner list: Tiffani DeNetta McCray, of Georgetown High School; and Spencer Dale Owens, of Carvers Bay High School.

Prospective scholars or parents can get additional information by contacting Betsy Cooper at betsyc@scstatefair.org or 803-799-3387, ext 10.

The “Ride of Your Life” scholarship program began 18 years ago and routinely gives out about $300,000 in scholarships every year. The state fair is a “self-supporting charitable organization dedicated to supporting and promoting agriculture in the state, and to educating South Carolina’s young adults,” according to its website.