Francis Marion University has named the recipients of two of its most prestigious scholarships for the 2023-2024 school year.
The McNair Scholarship is FMU’s highest academic scholarship award and is highly competitive. It is based not only on scholarship, but on community involvement. The University seeks to award the scholarship to students who desire to serve their community, and who have already exhibited an eagerness and ability to do so. The privately endowed scholarship was established in the 2009-2010 school year and is named in honor of former South Carolina Governor Robert E. McNair, who was instrumental in the creation of Francis Marion University. McNair’s life of service is a model for the scholarship’s recipients.
The 2023-2024 McNair Scholarship recipients are Leigh Melody Detalo of Wilson High School in Florence, SC, and Brianna Sessions of Carvers Bay High School in Hemingway, SC. Detalo plans to major in Psychology. Sessions plans to study English.
Throughout their academic careers, McNair Scholars are encouraged to participate in community-centered activities, especially those benefiting the Pee Dee region.
The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and room and board. McNair Scholars also have travel abroad opportunities.
The Darla Moore Scholarship is funded by a generous $5 million gift from the Darla Moore Foundation and its founder, renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist Darla Moore of Lake City, SC. The scholarship covers tuition, housing, and a meal plan.
The 2023-2024 Darla Moore Scholarship local recipients are:
• Melinda Bartolon of Latta, SC
• Savannah Horne of Latta, SC
• Brylie Roberts of Sellers, SC