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Monarch Strong, ‘Still roaring’ after 5 years

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Monarch Strong Corporation (MSC)’s leadership team is excited as the first class of scholarship recipients have graduated from college; pursuing post graduate degrees and/or are advancing in their career of choice.

The impact that we are having on the lives of Manning High School students is evident as seen in these first MSC Scholarship winners' personal testimonies:

Darren Dawkins writes, “My time at Manning High School prepared me very well for pursuing and graduating with my undergraduate degree at Clemson in Animal and Veterinary Science. Currently, I am attending Vet school at University of Georgia with plans to come back home and practice mixed animal medicine when I graduate. I appreciate everything y’all have done for me. Thanks again.”

Xavier Evans shares, “I successfully completed my first year of college. During that time, I realized I wanted to pursue a different path and focus on gaining hands-on experience in the workforce. I was fortunate to secure employment with Volvo, where I have now been working for almost three years. My time there has allowed me to grow professionally, develop valuable skills, and build a strong work ethic. Looking ahead, I am excited about both my professional and personal future. Again, thank you all for being a blessing to me when I graduated high school and entered into college.”

Timothy Goldsmith, “When I first received the Monarch Strong Scholarship in 2022, it showed me that there are endless opportunities out there and that there are people willing to help me achieve my goals. Since then, I have graduated with my bachelor’s degree, and I am currently working toward completing my master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Georgia. I have also been given the opportunity to work as a reporter at WUGA radio station as a graduate assistant. I am looking forward to graduating this year and applying what I have learned over the past four years by putting it into practice as I get ready to step into my career.”

Addie Laney, “Upon graduating from Manning High School in 2022, I attended the University of South Carolina to study public health. In May 2025, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. After completing my undergraduate degree, I applied to Francis Marion University’s Occupational Therapy program. I am currently in my second semester of the doctoral program and hope to graduate in 2028 and begin practicing as a licensed occupational therapist. I am grateful for the way the Lord has provided for me these past four years. The Monarch Strong scholarship was one of the ways the Lord showed his provision! I hope others can be helped by the scholarship in the future.”

Dana McCoy, “I’m a Manning High School alum (Class of 2022) and recently graduated from the University of South Carolina with a B.A. in Mass Communications. I’m now working in sales and marketing for a physical therapy office.
I’m so thankful for Monarch Strong and their continued support and encouragement and their check-ins each semester truly made a difference in my journey.”

As we prepare for our upcoming 2026 community events, we’d like to remind Manning High School seniors and their parents that the MSC 2026 Scholarship application is open until March 29. Apply Now at www.monarchstrong.com

Monarch Strong Corporation (MSC) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization established by Manning High School Alumni. MSC hosts community fundraising events and recreational activities that generate funds to sustain the MSC scholarships for deserving Manning High School seniors.

If you would like to help us make more educational dreams come true for deserving Manning High School seniors, you can make a tax deductible donation at https://monarchstrong.com/msdonations/

We want to recognize and thank Sara Jane Pearson and Jerome Kindell. Although they are no longer associated with or involved in Monarch Strong, their efforts in helping to start the movement are appreciated.