Here’s What SCACPA’s 2020 Scholarship Winners Have to Say About Their Plans

Summer time means SCACPA Scholarship time, and for 2020 we are excited that our Educational Fund Trustees awarded $64,500 to 43 exceptional students who plan to pursue careers in accounting.

Many of them told us their stories about what the scholarships mean to them, and we’re sharing their voices here, on our social media through the coming weeks, and in our upcoming issue of South Carolina CPA Report.

The recipients represent 16 South Carolina colleges and universities. Scholarships are awarded to students attending South Carolina schools who are rising juniors or seniors majoring in accounting or who are master’s degree students at a South Carolina college or university.

Meet the future of the profession. We think you’ll agree that they have exciting plans lined up for their promising futures!

Greg Agres, Clemson University
The Hobbs Group PA Scholarship in Memory of Malynda Mills Grimsley, CPA, CVA & SCACPA Scholarship

“I am honored and so grateful to receive these scholarship. I graduated from Clemson University in May and started attending the Clemson Masters of Professional Accountancy Program in August. I will take the CPA Exam this year as well! This scholarship will allow me to focus and excel on my studies. I interned at EY this summer and will work there full-time starting in fall 2021. I am so thankful for all my Clemson professors who have helped me get to where I am today, especially professors Prater and McCubbin. Thank you, SCACPA, for all that you do for me and so many others!”

Samantha Brink, University of South Carolina
John S. Herin Scholarship

“I am so thankful to have received the John S. Herin scholarship. I graduated from Salisbury University in Maryland with my Bachelor’s degree in accounting in May. I owe so much of my success at Salisbury to amazing friends and faculty who provided me with support and encouragement every step of the way. Without them, I wouldn’t be pursuing my MACC at the University of South Carolina! I will be following the Business Measurement and Assurance track as well as studying for and taking the CPA Exam this year. This scholarship will allow me to focus more time and energy on all my studies rather than worrying about finances. I am so excited to meet new peers and faculty at the University of South Carolina and continue my educational journey. I will begin working in PwC’s Philadelphia office in fall 2021 after completion of the MACC program.”

Antionetta Cameron, Florence-Darlington Technical College
SCACPA Scholarship

“I am grateful and honored to be a recipient of the SCACPA Educational Fund Scholarship! I will graduate from Florence-Darlington Technical College in March 2021 with my Associates Degree in Accounting. When I first started classes, I only wanted to get my Associates Degree. After a few classes, I realized that I had so much more potential with accounting. I am now making plans to attend one of three great colleges in the Fall of 2021 to complete my bachelor’s. My future goals include becoming a CPA and becoming a Finance Director for a great organization. I have to say “Thank you” to by my family, friends and Florence-Darlington Technical College Staff for pushing me to work hard and continue my education. Thank you to SCACPA for providing ways to help individuals become successful in Accounting. This award will not be forgotten.”

Andrew Chang, University of South Carolina
SCACPA Scholarship

“I am thrilled and honored to be named a SCACPA scholarship recipient. As for all of us, this year has imposed many challenges due to unprecedented events with COVID-19. Learning accounting virtually was definitely a new change. However, I am truly grateful to SCACPA for providing this scholarship to further progress in my undergraduate journey. I also wish to thank all the accounting professors in the Darla Moore School of Business for guiding me and making this transition as smooth as possible. I know that this career path has a lot to offer. Recently, I accepted an internship with PwC’s Tax practice in Charlotte, and I hope to take the CPA Exam in the near future. Thank you SCACPA for consistently helping students like myself get one step closer to achieving our aspirations!”

Vanessa Diaz, USC Beaufort
Robinson Grant & Co PA Scholarship & SCACPA Scholarship

“Everyone always told me that my dreams might be a little too big to manage. I am a senior at the University of South Carolina Beaufort with plans to graduate as a double major in Accounting and professional writing. Due to the vast requirements of this path, I will need to take classes for five years rather than four to earn my diploma. It might take me longer than most students to graduate, but I’ve never chosen the easy route. After I graduate, I plan to apply for a dual degree graduate program that allows me to earn my J.D. degree as well as a Master in Accountancy. While in grad school, I hope to pass the CPA Exam and work as a licensed CPA so I can pay for school and gain experience in the accounting field. I am so grateful to receive this scholarship as it will greatly help me financially to achieve my goal of success in my accounting career. I am also grateful for my University of South Carolina Beaufort professors for all their encouragement and for reminding me that no dream is ever too big. With the support of my professors and SCACPA, I am excited to see where my career path will lead me. Thanks again!”

 Jared Foshee, Furman University
Piedmont Chapter of SCACPA Scholarship

“As a junior at Furman University, I am eternally grateful to be a recipient of the Piedmont Chapter of SCACPA Scholarship! I am thankful for both Dr. Marion McHugh and Professor Sandra Roberson, along with all faculty, at Furman University for guiding me on my journey. I would also like to thank my parents and family for allowing me to pursue my dream of becoming a CPA. After receiving my bachelor’s degree in accounting, I plan to pursue a Master of Accountancy. This summer, I served as the finance and accounting intern with Taimen Transport, a logistics company in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In my free time, I enjoy watching Tennessee Volunteer and Furman Paladin football, playing disc golf and volunteering in Furman’s service corps.”

Sophia Gerstenberger, University of South Carolina
John S. Herin Scholarship

“I am so excited and thankful to receive a SCACPA scholarship for the second year in a row! I graduated Summa Cum Laude in May from the Darla Moore School of Business with bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Human Resource Management. This summer, I interned at Elliot Davis in Columbia as an Audit Intern. I am returning to USC in the fall to complete my Master of Accountancy. During my time in the master’s program, I will be conquering and completing the CPA Exam. I am looking forward to beginning my career in the challenging, fast-paced world of public accounting as an auditor. I am beyond blessed to have discovered a career I am passionate about. I am supremely grateful to my family and wonderful teachers and mentors for supporting me throughout my educational journey. Also, I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to SCACPA for generously alleviating some of the financial burden associated with graduate school, especially in these times. I appreciate the opportunity to showcase my story and express my gratitude. Thank you!”

Sarah Good, Lander University
The McRoy and Jo Skipper Memorial Scholarship & SCACPA Scholarship

“Being a SCACPA Education Fund scholarship recipient means the world to me because it allows me to further my education. As a rising junior at Lander University, I am thankful for all the opportunities the accounting department has given me while pursuing my accounting degree. Being a recipient reinforces my dream to advance in my education to become a CPA. Thank you SCACPA for giving me this opportunity and giving other students like me the opportunity as well.”

Taylor Hayes, Francis Marion University
Burch Oxner Seale Scholarship & SCACPA Scholarship

“I am incredibly thankful for this generous gift made possible through SCACPA and Burch Oxner Seale CPAs, where I had the opportunity of interning this summer. This experience gave me exposure to the public accounting world, from tax returns to steps of the audit process. As a rising senior, I feel that this opportunity has better prepared me for the challenges I will meet this upcoming year. Due to the unprecedented events of this year, today’s students have redefined flexibility and have illustrated truly how swift and diligent they are in managing change. This scholarship validates my steadfast efforts in response to these changes and has taken a great weight off me financially. I owe many thanks to my parents, who instilled in me the value of having passion and perseverance, as well as Dr. Scott Dell, who has helped me grow along my academic journey to where I am today. I had the pleasure of helping him organize Francis Marion University’s Accounting Club. Our kickoff event hosted SCACPA’s CEO, Chris Jenkins, where he really brought to light the many benefits this organization has to offer.”

Pat Hoan, University of South Carolina
SCACPA Graduate Student Scholarship

“I am a Master in Accountancy student at the University of South Carolina set to graduate in December and am in the process of taking my second of the four sections of the CPA Exam. I am truly honored to be a SCACPA Educational Fund scholarship recipient.

“Having been at USC for my entire collegiate career, I can’t thank the accounting faculty enough for doing a fantastic job of preparing me for the world of public accounting. Day in and out how, they prove how invested they are in the success of their students. I am proud to be a Gamecock!

“I’ve also been fortunate enough in my time at USC to intern across tax, assurance and consulting services, and I feel these opportunities outside the classroom have benefited me as much as those inside the classroom. Having a wholistic work experience has made me the professional I am today, and I want to thank my mentors at Clark Eustace Wagner, PA, for helping every step of the way.

“I’d like to thank SCACPA again for this generous gift, and I appreciate their support in my journey toward becoming a CPA!”

Sarah Grace Kelley, North Greenville University
Brigman, Holcomb Weeks Scholarship & SCACPA Scholarship

“I am truly honored to be a recipient of these scholarship. As a junior accounting student at North Greenville, I have been blessed to have caring and knowledgeable mentors who have given me purpose for the present and vision for the future. I hope to be an independent business owner one day, and becoming a CPA could be a vital step in that direction. I am looking forward to the coming year and the opportunities and connections that will come from my involvement in SCACPA.”

Joshua Leinheiser, University of South Carolina
Burkett, Burkett & Burkett CPA, PA Scholarship & SCACPA Scholarship

“I am a rising junior at the University of South Carolina majoring in accounting and international business, and I plan on enrolling in the MACC program so that I can obtain the credit hours necessary to sit for the CPA Exam. Although I did not know that I would pursue an accounting profession when I first started college, the accounting professors who taught me in my first year used their energy and passion to help me realize that I enjoy accounting and have a knack for it. I am grateful that the South Carolina Association of CPAs awarded me with scholarships to enhance the progression of my studies so I can enter my future career with confidence!”

Taylor Lewis, University of South Carolina
C.C. McGregor Scholarship & SCACPA Scholarship

“I am very grateful to receive these scholarships for the upcoming school year. It has always been my dream to attend the Darla Moore School of Business, and these scholarships help me achieve that dream. My goal is to finish my bachelor’s degree early so I can start on my Master of Accountancy and finish the CPA Exam before I start work in public accounting. After a few years of work experience, I would really enjoy coming back to Darla Moore to teach. Forever to Thee.”

Jakayla McCollough, Winthrop University
WebsterRogers LLP Scholarship & SCACPA Scholarship

“I am a rising senior at Winthrop University, majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. During my time at Winthrop, I have been involved in organizations. I was the SCREP Chairperson of the National Association of Black Accountants, and a peer tutor in the Academic Success Center. This summer I recently completed a Tax internship with PricewaterhouseCoopers. Looking back over the last few years I can say that I am grateful for everyone that I have crossed paths with. My professors, advisors, and friends were always very helpful with finding solutions to problems and giving advice about my future. I will graduate in May 2021, attend graduate school, and take the CPA Exam. This upcoming semester I will be taking on two new positions. I will be the Secretary of Winthrop’s NAACP chapter and the President of Beta Alpha Psi. I look forward to leading my peers and meeting new people. My plan is to work in an accounting firm. I also want to mentor students that have a similar background as my own. Receiving two scholarships through SCACPA is a blessing. In the words of my high school principal, Arlene Wallace, “Hard Work, Pays off”. I am blessed, honored and grateful to be recognized for my accomplishments, and cannot wait to see where it takes me. Thank you, SCACPA!”

Georgia Modla, University of South Carolina
Carlisle Moore Scholarship & SCACPA Scholarship

“I am honored and thankful to receive these scholarships from SCACPA! I am a rising junior at the University of South Carolina, and I am majoring in accounting with a concentration in data analytics. I will graduate in May 2022 and hope to continue my studies in the MACC program at USC. I am proud to say I have accepted a summer 2021 audit internship with Dixon Hughes Goodman in Charlotte. I would like to thank the accounting staff at the Darla Moore School of Business, and being involved in Beta Alpha Psi pushed me to choose an area of study is challenging every day. These scholarships means so much to me, and I am thankful to be able to use them to further my education in accounting!”

Ben Oliver, Clemson University
SCACPA Scholarship

“I am extremely grateful for the SCACPA scholarship I received. This is a great honor and will be very useful as I prepare to graduate in December and for graduate school after that. I cannot express enough my thanks for Clemson University, the accounting department leaders and my academic advisor for their support and assistance in helping me navigate my path.”

Jessica Outlaw, South Carolina State University
AICPA/SCACPA Minority Scholarship

“I am a rising junior accounting student with a 4.0 GPA attending the illustrious South Carolina State University. I am heavily involved at the College of Business and Information Systems through activities such as the National Association of Black Accountants and the accounting honor society Beta Alpha Psi. I am also involved on my campus through the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College and as a member of the Alpha Xi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. I heavily believe in NABA’s motto, ‘Lifting as We Climb,’ as I constantly expose my peers to opportunities for the path of success.”

Katelyn Petty, Presbyterian College
Ray Waters Scholarship

“I am very thankful to be receiving the Ray Waters Scholarship! I will be a senior this school year at Presbyterian College, and I expect to graduate at the age of only 21. I will be interning with the City of Clinton Accounting Office this semester while also maintaining my status as a student-athlete. I have been encouraged and supported consistently by my professors, family and friends to achieve my goals and keep working diligently. Again, I couldn’t be more grateful for this scholarship as it aids me in my education.”

William T. Simpson, University of South Carolina
SCACPA Scholarship

“I’m thrilled to be a recipient of the SCACPA Educational Fund Scholarship! I’m a rising Junior at the University of South Carolina who is majoring in Accounting and minoring in Spanish. I will graduate from undergrad in December 2021 and I plan to go into the graduate program here at UofSC. Next Summer I am lucky enough to be interning with Grant-Thornton’s Columbia office and I’m excited to get my feet wet. Lecturer Laura Self, my first accounting professor, has been the most influential teachers I’ve ever had and I’m so grateful to have taken Prof. Self’s course. She convinced me to go further into accounting and has supported me at every step. Receiving this scholarship enables me to focus more on finding success and less on the financial aspect of college. I can’t express how amazing losing financial stress is and I’m grateful for the opportunity presented to me.”

Hannah Smith, University of South Carolina
Francis Humphries Scholarship & SCACPA Scholarship

“I will enter the MACC program at the University of South Carolina this year in order to obtain 150 credit hours to earn CPA certification and am on the leadership board of UofSC’s chapter of Beta Alpha Psi. I recently started the process of taking the CPA Exam and plan to complete it by the time I graduate with my Master of Accountancy in May 2021.

“I love to travel and experience new cultures, as can be seen in this photo from my trip to South Africa in March. I’m hoping to study abroad again in the spring in Europe or Japan if COVID is under control. After graduating, I will join the CapinCrouse office in Columbia as an associate auditor and work with not-for-profits, church organizations, and private colleges and universities.

“UofSC and Beta Alpha Psi have helped with so many opportunities to make it possible for me to have a secured full-time job after graduation. UofSC’s accounting department is truly remarkable. I have to thank my accounting professors and peers for their guidance that has helped me get to where I am today. I am grateful for SCACPA awarding me a scholarship. This will certainly help take financial pressure off me for grad school and allow me to focus more on my studies. Thank you so much, SCACPA!”

Frederick Uy, Claflin University
AICPA/SCACPA Minority Scholarship

“I am a second-year student at Claflin University with a double major in Finance and Accounting, and I have a vision of being committed to serving my community. I have been the president for Global Student Organization and the team leader for the national “Up to Us” campaign, which promotes sustainability and responsibility. This summer, I am working with Oracle NetSuite as a field marketing intern and Dominion Energy as a data analyst.

“Looking back on my time at Claflin University, my professors have always been there for me to talk about either career goals, professional growth, or even just about personal problems. Being a recipient of the AICPA scholarship will help me focus on my career and network with other professionals about the industry I want to pursue.

“Looking forward, I aspire to make a change in community and hometown in the Philippines by utilizing finance and computer science to create a sustainable banking application that can help underprivileged communities leverage their finances.”

Gordon White, University of South Carolina
SCACPA Scholarship

“I’m incredibly excited to share with the SCACPA community that I will be pursuing a M.S. of Accounting at the University of Virginia this fall. This would not have been possible without my great professors at the Darla Moore School of Business or the professionals at Moore Beauston & Woodham, who all taught me remarkably. I am grateful for their compassion and service. Additionally, I’d like to thank the people at SCACPA for this generous scholarship.

“Despite the ongoing uncertainty of returning to grounds this fall, I believe now is a great time to be a student. Graduate students will be operating in a fashion similar to what most of the industry is experiencing, offering a chance to better learn how to problem-solve in the age of COVID. I’m eager to sharpen my accounting skills in this one-year program. I’m also eager to explore my new home in Charlottesville, I plan on visiting the vineyards in the fall and spring and the ski slopes in winter. Of course, Carolina will undoubtedly be on my mind and in my heart.”

The listing of all SCACPA’s 43 scholarship winners for 2020 can be found here.

Learn more about SCACPA’s Educational Fund, along with how to make your own contribution, here.