Motivated, Educated, Graduated

Back in July 2020, the BDGP Scholarship Assistance Program was created at Felician Center. A former teacher and her husband from NY sent a sizeable generous donation to be used anyway needed at Felician Center. Since the donors were former educators, this program was begun to award former students and/or family members of volunteers and staff that were in need and deserving of some scholarship assistance.

Students that applied had to achieve a 2.5 GPA or higher. Applicants received $500.

Another gracious benefactor, the late Patti Waters from Greer, SC, was an avid reader. She believed that reading could lead one into the future.  Patti donated multiple copies of “Oh. The Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss.  A copy of this book is given to each scholarship awardee considered a graduation speech by its author.

Rickell Brown graduated from Sumter High School in May 2024 with a 3.796 GPA. Cheryl Brown, her mom, was one of the first five children to do her homework on the back porch of the convent until the Felician Center After School Program was developed. Cheryl pursued her studies and is presently an RN serving in an administrative position at the hospital she works at. She has three daughters who have developed the discipline of studying, some athletics and balance in their lives, values and humor. Rickell was a star basketball player in her high school. She is going to pursue a degree in criminal science to enhance her athletic career.

Shacora Speights ranked third in Kingstree High School graduating class of 2024. When she was in 5^th grade, she presented a huge homemade Christmas card with beautiful words for the Sisters and staff of the After School Program that has been treasured for many years. She has intelligence and a very kind character to take to Francis Marion University where she will study business management. She has earned about 80% worth of scholarships to apply to her tuition.

We would also like to recognize Patrick Acabodillo. Patrick is a student from the Philippines who received assistance to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum: Pathways to STEM providing firsthand experiences in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. He will gain skills necessary to achieve success in college and life, including time, self-management, conflict resolution, collaboration, and public speaking.

“Go forth and set the world on fire”.  St. Ignatius of Loyola

One day, as the Sisters visited the local Carolina Senior Center, they were greeted by Racheka Calvy, former student in the Felician Center After School Program. After shouts of joy and hugs, Rachel proudly told us that she was a nursing assistant and a certified phlebotomist.

Nearby staff members acknowledged the joy that Racheka brings with her personal connections with the residents and staff. Racheka continued to tell us that she wanted to become an LPN and was returning to school if she could pass the required exam that was coming up. She asked us to pray and a few days later called us to say she had passed that very day. Racheka faced some adversity in her younger years but remained focused, dedicated and committed “to help others and help to make them happy”. She will be attending Williamsburg Technical College this fall semester. Her high school GPA was 3.5 and her ambition is within successful reach.