A group of Manning High School graduates is ensuring the legacy of one of Clarendon County's most influential educators continues to inspire future generations through a new scholarship established in her honor.
The Manning High School Class of 2000 Alumni Committee has partnered with the Sumter Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. to establish the Dr. Rose Hilliard Wilder Memorial Scholarship, an annual award supporting graduating seniors pursuing higher education.
The announcement comes as family, former students and community members remember Wilder, who would have celebrated her 71st birthday Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Established as part of the Class of 2000's 25th reunion initiative, the scholarship honors an educator whose career closely paralleled the class's educational journey, from their elementary school years through her leadership as superintendent.
Wilder made history in 1994 when she became South Carolina's first Black female superintendent since Reconstruction, taking the helm of Clarendon County School District 2. Her career in education spanned more than four decades and included leadership roles in Clarendon County school districts 1 and 2, Fairfield County and Williamsburg County.
A native of Santee, Wilder earned her bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in education from South Carolina State College. She began her career as an elementary school teacher before moving into administration, eventually becoming one of the state's most respected educational leaders.
Her accomplishments included being named Outstanding Superintendent by the South Carolina School Boards Association in 1999 and South Carolina Superintendent of the Year in 2014. In 2020, St. Paul Elementary School was renamed Dr. Rose H. Wilder Elementary School in her honor. She was posthumously inducted into the South Carolina Educator Hall of Fame in 2025.
For the Manning High Class of 2000, those accomplishments represent a legacy worth preserving.
According to the alumni committee, the idea for the scholarship emerged during conversations among classmates about how they could give back to the community while celebrating their 25th reunion.
"Some of our classmates were having a conversation about how we could give back on our 25th reunion and we unequivocally decided that we must honor her," the alumni committee said.
The scholarship will provide $1,000 annually to a graduating senior from Clarendon, Lee or Sumter counties, with preference given to Clarendon County students. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average, submit an essay and plan to attend a four-year college or university.
Preference will be given to students pursuing degrees in education, although students entering other fields are encouraged to apply. Additional eligibility requirements and application information will be announced by the Sumter Alumnae Chapter.
Organizers said the scholarship is intended to reflect Wilder's commitment to excellence, perseverance and quality education while encouraging students to recognize the opportunities created by educational leaders who came before them.
"We hope students will understand the legacy and what it means to receive a scholarship from such a transformative leader who broke many ceilings in her career," the committee said.
The scholarship has been transferred to the Sumter Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., an organization in which Wilder was an active member. The chapter will oversee its administration.
Fundraising efforts have already reached an important milestone. After initially reporting $2,275 in contributions, organizers announced the fund had reached $3,500 before meeting its $5,000 year-end fundraising goal ahead of schedule.
Several alumni and community members have helped support the initiative. Sharron Hilliard Horace, Wilder's daughter, has been involved in the effort, while Jody Grant was among the initial donors. Committee members include Walter Bennett, Dr. Howard Conyers, Jeffery Lampkin and Courtney Watson.
Organizers said the community response has been enthusiastic, with supporters recognizing the importance of honoring Wilder's contributions to education.
Wilder, who died in 2022, dedicated her career to ensuring students had access to quality education regardless of their circumstances. Her guiding philosophy, "every child, every chance, every day," reflected a commitment that the Class of 2000 hopes to carry forward through the scholarship.
Community members interested in contributing may send checks to the Sumter Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., attention Financial Secretary/Treasurer, P.O. Box 966, Sumter, SC 29151. Contributions may also be arranged through a chapter member.
Additional scholarship information and future fundraising opportunities will be announced.
