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The Palmetto Medal recognizes exceptional performance reflecting great credit on The Citadel and the state of South Carolina. Established by the Board of Visitors, the award is presented to those whose service to the college or state is particularly noteworthy. With the exception of honorary degrees, the Palmetto Medal is the highest honor awarded by The Citadel.

Three individuals who embody the college’s definition of principled leaders were chosen for the honor this year. Members of the Board of Visitors presented the Palmetto Medal awards during a military Jeep review parade on March 21.

The citations for the award recipients are below.

Gerald V. Baysden, Class of 1971

The Citadel proudly bestowed the Palmetto Medal in December 2025 upon Mr. Gerald V. Baysden, Class of 1971, in recognition of his exceptional professional achievements, devoted service to his alma mater, and steadfast commitment to his community, state, and nation. Sadly, he would pass away in January 2026. His Palmetto Medal Award Citation reads:

Following his graduation from The Citadel and subsequent military service, Mr. Baysden embarked on a distinguished 45-year career in banking and financial services. Rising to senior vice president at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, he was known as a trusted advisor whose integrity and principled leadership guided families, businesses and charitable institutions.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Baysden gave generously of his time and talent to civic and charitable organizations across the Carolinas. His support for pediatric cancer initiatives and advocacy for families in crisis reflected a lifelong commitment to serving others.

Mr. Baysden’s devotion to The Citadel was equally profound. He served in leadership roles with the Charlotte Area Citadel Club and The Citadel Brigadier Foundation, and contributed significantly to athletics, scholarships and leader development. A member of The Citadel Legacy Society, the Society of 1842 and the Order of the Tartan, his philanthropy had a lasting impact.

For his distinguished career, steadfast service and embodiment of the values of honor, duty and respect, The Citadel proudly honors Gerald V. Baysden with the Palmetto Medal, presented earlier this year during a private family service before his untimely passing in January.

Cadet Lt. Col. Noah Miller

Cadet Noah l. Miller serves as the 2025-2026 regimental academic officer of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. In this role, he provides leadership to 26 battalion and company academic officer groups and helps coordinate initiatives that support the academic success of the Corps.

Throughout his time at The Citadel, Cadet Miller has demonstrated extraordinary academic achievement and leadership. A double major in political science and English and a member of the Distinguished Scholars and Honors Programs, he has maintained a 4.0 GPA while balancing significant responsibilities.

His leadership extends beyond his regimental duties. He has served as president of the Honors Program, student advisory council and editor-in-chief of the Gold Star Journal, and he has supported cadet development through tutoring and mentorship. He also represented The Citadel as captain of the mock trial team, earning recognition for his preparation and professionalism in competition.

Cadet Miller is committed to service and the well-being of others through civic engagement in South Carolina and volunteer leadership on campus and in the community.

In recognition of his outstanding leadership, scholarly excellence and consistent service to The Citadel and South Carolina, the Board of Visitors proudly awards Cadet Noah Miller the 2026 Palmetto Medal.

Cadet Col. David Ropp

Cadet David Michael Ropp serves as The Citadel’s 2025-2026 regimental commander, the highest-ranking cadet in the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. He assumed this responsibility after progressing steadily through the ranks — from Echo Company clerk and company drill master to 5th battalion sergeant major and commander of the Junior Sword Arch.

Cadet Ropp has balanced significant leadership roles with a demanding academic schedule. An exercise science major with a chemistry minor and a member of the Honors Program, he has earned consistent recognition on the President’s List and Dean’s List, received gold stars and been selected for the Distinguished Scholars Program. He is also a member of the Summerall Guards.

Service plays a central role in Cadet Ropp’s leadership, particularly in the medical field he plans to enter. He has volunteered at the Medical University of South Carolina, completed extensive medical shadowing, worked in a medical office internship and participated in The Citadel’s Kenya medical camp in Nairobi, demonstrating his commitment to serving others.

In recognition of his outstanding leadership, academic excellence and dedicated service to The Citadel and the people of South Carolina, the Board of Visitors proudly awards Cadet David Ropp the 2026 Palmetto Medal.

Source: The Citadel Today

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(Charleston, SC) A public commemorative reading in the Great Hall of the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon will be held at 6:00 pm, Wednesday, May 20, 2026 of Henry Felder’s Declaration of Separation from the English King for the colony of South Carolina, on the anniversary of it’s first public address in 1776.  The 30 minute event will include the backstory of why the declaration was written by Mr. Felder and the cost suffered by him and his family as a result. 

An introduction by Felder descendant, Brian Eleazer, will precede the reading of the text by Henry Felder’s sixth great grandson, nationally known actor, director and writer, Clarence Felder, and members of his award-winning film and theater company, Actors’ Theater of South Carolina, followed by a short reception.

Swiss-German immigrant, Henry Felder, farmer, merchant, and foreman of the Orangeburg District British grand jury, suffered injustice along with other colonists, and finally reached a limit to his patience with corruption from magistrates in the judicial system in his district of Orangeburg, South Carolina. He expressed his grievances officially in an Address and Declaration of Separation from the English King on May 20th, 1776, to the Chief Justice of South Carolina, William Henry Drayton. The document was signed by Felder and eleven other members of his committee. The address was presented roughly five weeks before Thomas Jefferson delivered his first draft of the Declaration of Independence.

A portion of Felder’s Declaration is in the award-winning docudrama film, All For Liberty, which explores the journey of Henry Felder and his family in the War for American Independence. It stars Clarence Felder, supported by a large cast.  In the course of his journey as a statesman, Henry Felder became a captain, led a militia unit with his seven sons, was tasked by the provincial government to make gunpowder, gather funds, collect artillery and purchase cannon for the Continental army in South Carolina.

Joining Mr. Felder will be co-stars, wife, Chris Weatherhead, Michael Easler (who portrayed Governor Rutledge), actress, Karen DeLoach, and journalist, Mark Leon.

The event is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by Actors’ Theater of South Carolina and the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. For further information, call producing director of Actors’ Theater of South Carolina, Chris Weatherhead-Felder, 843-697-9607, or email at: CCFelder@aol.com

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By Mark A. Leon

For 26 years, Carrie Knotts has shown up with quiet consistency—shaping young lives in the classroom, anchoring her family at home, and answering a calling rooted not in recognition, but in impact. As a middle school teacher at Thomas C. Cario Middle School in Mount Pleasant, she’s built a life defined by service, one that rarely pauses for the spotlight. That’s what made what happened next so extraordinary. Without her knowledge, 15 parents, colleagues, and family members came together to nominate her as a hometown hero, earning her a once-in-a-lifetime flight with the Blue Angels at Joint Base Charleston. For Carrie, the moment landed with more than excitement—it carried the full weight of a life spent giving to others, now reflected back in the most unforgettable way.

At her core, Carrie is an educator who has always made space for the students who don’t quite fit the mold. Over the course of a typical year, she reaches hundreds of middle schoolers, many of whom struggle in traditional classrooms. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: every student deserves a place to “light up.” Whether through hands-on building projects or immersive flight simulations, Carrie creates moments where curiosity takes over and confidence begins to grow.

One student’s story captures her impact. After engaging in a classroom flight simulation inspired by the Battle of Midway, he discovered a passion for aviation that is now shaping his future — including summer flight training and a potential career path. For Carrie, those moments are the real victories: when a door opens that a student didn’t even know existed.

That mindset didn’t come from nowhere. Carrie often reflects on the influence of her own teachers, especially a high school mentor whose warmth and enthusiasm left a lasting imprint. It’s a legacy she has carried forward — the belief that encouragement, given consistently and sincerely, can alter the course of a young person’s life.

But her story extends far beyond the classroom.

A mother of three, Carrie’s life has been equally shaped by family, faith, and resilience. Those closest to her describe a woman of quiet determination — someone who approaches life’s biggest decisions with intention and follows through with unwavering commitment. That steadiness was tested in 2020 when she was diagnosed with stage-two cancer, just as the world was shutting down due to COVID-19.

What followed was one of the most difficult chapters of her life. Carrie endured 13 rounds of chemotherapy, often attending treatments alone due to pandemic restrictions. As she put it, she remembers “walking in with all your stuff, going into battle, that alone, that was, that was hard.” The isolation was profound, the uncertainty constant. And yet, even in the midst of it, she found ways to remain connected — continuing her work in education through virtual check-ins, offering stability to students while navigating her own storm.

At home, her family became both her support system and her inspiration. Her children stepped up in remarkable ways, particularly her daughter, who took on added responsibility during an already vulnerable time. In the quiet moments between treatments and lockdown life, Carrie found strength not just in perseverance, but in togetherness — an unexpected gift during an otherwise isolating experience.

She emerged from that season changed, but not diminished. If anything, her sense of purpose deepened. She became even more committed to showing up for others: “I insist that they don’t do anything alone. I’m like, if you want me to go, I’m going because I know what it’s like to go to all those appointments by yourself.” Determined that no one in her orbit would ever feel alone in their hardest moments, Carrie now channels her experience into compassion and action.

So when the opportunity to fly with the Blue Angels surfaced — something she initially discovered almost by accident on social media — her reaction was disbelief. She didn’t see herself as someone who stood out. But to those around her, the nomination made perfect sense. It was a reflection of years of quiet influence, of lives touched, of a community rallying behind someone who had given so much.

The flight itself was nothing short of extraordinary.

Encircled by her parents, husband, and two sons, this was never a journey she took alone—it unfolded as a shared experience, marked by a powerful sense of togetherness that stretched from eager anticipation to quiet nerves. One of the most moving moments came just seconds after takeoff. As Carrie climbed swiftly to 8,000 feet with Blue Angels #7 Lt. Ronny Hafeza, piercing through the clouds, her mother—standing among media and military liaisons—watched with pride and emotion, tears slipping softly down her face.

Strapped into an F/A-18, Carrie experienced the raw intensity of high-performance flight — the crushing G-forces, the precision of each maneuver, the humbling awareness of just how much discipline and training it takes to make such power look effortless. There were moments of exhilaration and moments of physical challenge, including witnessing firsthand how the body responds under extreme conditions.

But even in the sky, Carrie remained who she has always been: a teacher.

She absorbed every detail, every lesson, already thinking about how to bring the experience back to her students. The physics of flight, the importance of preparation, the discipline behind the spectacle — it all became material for future classrooms. More importantly, the experience reinforced a message she has long shared: don’t close doors on possibilities.

For Carrie, the flight wasn’t about the thrill. It was about perspective.

It was about showing her students that extraordinary opportunities can come from unexpected places. That dreams are worth speaking out loud. That sometimes, the most remarkable moments in life come not from seeking recognition, but from simply doing the work — day in and day out — with heart, humility, and purpose.

In the end, Carrie Knotts didn’t just take to the skies over Charleston.

She carried with her the stories of every student she’s encouraged, every challenge she’s overcome, and every quiet act of dedication that led to that moment — a hometown hero, lifted not just by jet engines, but by a community that believes in her.

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By Mark A Leon

The Charleston Promise Neighborhood (CPN) stands as one of the Lowcountry’s most ambitious efforts to break cycles of poverty through education, health, and community investment. Rooted in collaboration and long-term vision, the organization has spent more than a decade working to reshape opportunity for children and families in some of the Charleston area’s most under-resourced neighborhoods.

Founded in 2010, Charleston Promise Neighborhood was inspired by the Harlem Children’s Zone, a nationally recognized initiative that emphasizes comprehensive, “cradle-to-career” support systems. From its inception, CPN was designed as a public-private partnership, bringing together the City of Charleston, the City of North Charleston, Charleston County, the Charleston County School District, and private philanthropic partners.  

The organization focuses on a 5.6-square-mile corridor known as “The Neck,” an area historically affected by limited access to quality education, healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities.   Its founding goal is both bold and measurable: to “transform the neighborhood within a generation” by ensuring that every child has a pathway to graduate high school and succeed in college, the workforce, or the military.  

At the heart of Charleston Promise Neighborhood is its mission to provide “comprehensive programs and services that support children, strengthen families, and mobilize residents to action.”   Rather than addressing challenges in isolation, CPN operates on the belief that a child’s success is shaped by interconnected factors—education, health, family stability, and community environment. This holistic approach drives everything from early childhood readiness initiatives to workforce development and leadership programs.

CPN’s work in the community is wide-ranging and deeply embedded. In schools, the organization supports academic achievement through expanded learning programs, including afterschool and summer enrichment that combine tutoring with creative and physical activities.   Beyond academics, health and wellness programs like KidsWell bring medical and behavioral care directly into schools, reducing barriers for families and helping students stay focused on learning.  

Equally important is family and community engagement. Workshops, advocacy training, and neighborhood partnerships empower parents and residents to take an active role in shaping their environment. CPN also connects students to future opportunities through career exposure, mentorship, and leadership development—efforts designed to align education with real-world pathways.  

More than a service provider, Charleston Promise Neighborhood functions as a connector—linking schools, healthcare providers, nonprofits, and families into a unified support system. Its long-term vision is to create a thriving, self-sustaining community where educational attainment rises, health outcomes improve, and generational poverty is no longer the norm.

For those interested in learning more or getting involved, visit the official website: Charleston Promise Neighborhood. Volunteer opportunities and community engagement details can be found here: Get Involved / Volunteer.

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By Mark A Leon

Charleston has never struggled to make a first impression. The skyline of church steeples, the rhythm of carriage wheels, the soft palette of Rainbow Row—it’s all part of a well-earned reputation. But the version of Charleston that stays with you long after you leave isn’t always the one on display. It’s the one you discover slowly, almost accidentally. The one that asks you to look a little closer.

Sometimes, that means quite literally looking up.

At Look Up Charleston Gift Emporium & Art Gallery, located at 128 Meeting Street, the city reveals itself through the hands of its artists. It’s not a place built for foot traffic—you have to choose to go there. And once you do, you’ll find a collection of 37 unique local artists and artisans whose work feels deeply personal: bold prints, handcrafted goods, and pieces that reflect Charleston not as a postcard, but as a lived experience. It’s the kind of place that quietly redefines what a souvenir can be.

That same sense of discovery carries through at 54 Broad Street, where The Commons opens into a courtyard that feels worlds away from downtown. Sunlight filters in, landing softly on ceramics, textiles, and carefully chosen objects. There’s no rush here. It’s a space designed for lingering, for reconsidering what beauty looks like in the everyday.

Art, in Charleston, isn’t confined to walls—it’s part of the conversation. At Robert Lange Studios, that conversation is happening in real time. Artists paint just feet away from visitors, blurring the line between observer and participant. A few blocks away, Lowcountry Artists Gallery offers something equally rare: a direct connection to the creators themselves. Here, the person who made the piece is often the one handing it to you, sharing the story behind every brushstroke.

Of course, Charleston’s soul isn’t just found in galleries—it’s tasted, too.

There’s nothing polished about Bertha’s Kitchen (2332 Meeting Street Road, North Charleston), and that’s precisely the point. A James Beard–recognized institution, it serves food that feels rooted in memory—fried chicken, lima beans, cornbread—each dish carrying the weight of tradition and community. It’s not designed for trend cycles or social media moments. It’s built on something far more lasting.

Not far away, a different kind of discovery awaits inside Exchange Factor. Here, style isn’t curated—it’s uncovered. Racks of vintage clothing stretch across decades, inviting you to dig, to search, to find something that feels entirely your own. It’s less about shopping and more about the thrill of the unexpected.

Back downtown, the day softens into evening, and Charleston reveals yet another layer. At The Archer, the lighting is low, the cocktails are precise, and the mood is quietly confident. It’s the kind of place locals slip into when they want something elevated without the spectacle. Nearby, tucked inside Hotel Emeline, Frannie & The Fox hums with a different energy—warm, lively, and just a little transportive. Beneath string lights and open sky, it feels less like a restaurant and more like a gathering.

Even in the more familiar parts of the city, there are layers waiting to be noticed. Croghan’s Jewel Box has been part of King Street for generations, but step inside and it becomes something more than a storefront. It’s a place where history is worn, gifted, and passed down—where craftsmanship carries the weight of time.

And then there are the spaces that ask nothing of you at all.

Philadelphia Alley is easy to overlook, shaded and quiet, its cobblestones holding centuries of stories. There are no displays, no menus, no invitations to buy or browse. Just a moment of stillness in a city that knows how to move—and how to pause.

This is the Charleston you almost miss. Not because it’s hidden, exactly, but because it doesn’t insist on being seen. It exists in second-floor galleries, behind unmarked doors, and in the spaces between destinations.

And more often than not, it’s where the city feels most like itself.

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Boeing and Biman Bangladesh Airlines announce the national carrier has placed its largest-ever order, selecting 14 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes to expand and modernize its fleet.

• Bangladeshi flag carrier to fly the entire 787 family with first 787-10 purchase
• 737 operator places first 737 MAX order to modernize its single-aisle fleet

DHAKA, Bangladesh, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Biman Bangladesh Airlines announced today the national carrier has placed its largest-ever order, selecting 14 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes to expand and modernize its fleet.

The new order includes:

• Eight 787-10s, Biman’s first order of the largest 787 variant, to serve high-demand flights to the Middle East
• Two 787-9s to support long-haul service to Europe and North America
• Four 737-8s, the airline’s first 737 MAX order, to efficiently connect Bangladesh with destinations across the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia

“The new fuel-efficient, technologically advanced aircraft will modernize Biman’s fleet, sharpen operational performance, and extend its international route network — strengthening Bangladesh’s position in the global aviation market,” said Kaizer Sohel Ahmed, Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

Biman currently operates a fleet of 14 Boeing airplanes – 787-9s, 787-8s, 777s and Next-Generation 737s – on its long-haul and short-haul international networks. The airline will boost passenger and cargo capacity while improving fuel efficiency with the 787-10, which offers the lowest cost per seat of any widebody airplane.

The 737-8 will support Biman’s single-aisle fleet renewal and help the carrier meet growing regional demand. The 737 MAX and 787 families deliver 20-25% fuel-use improvement compared to the airplanes they replace.

“We are proud to build on our partnership with Biman with this order and support their strategy to modernize their fleet, expand their network and enhance the passenger experience,” said Paul Righi, Boeing vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Eurasia, India and South Asia. “The 787-10 delivers unmatched efficiency and seamless commonality with Biman’s existing 787s, while the 737-8 is the ideal bridge from their 737 fleet with its versatility, fuel savings and crew commonality.”

The 787-10, like the 787-9 and 787-8, offers passengers a comfortable cabin experience with the largest windows of any widebody jet, air that is less dry and pressurized at a lower cabin altitude, and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.

Biman currently flies from Dhaka, Bangladesh, to 22 international destinations, including major hubs in the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and Europe. The airline’s longest route is the service to Toronto via Istanbul on a 787-9.

Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook projects South Asia’s widebody fleet will more than triple over 20 years as the region’s carriers connect millions of travelers to international destinations across the Middle East, Europe and North America. With the region poised for significant air travel demand over the next two decades, Bangladesh will continue to contribute to this growth.  

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.  

Source: Boeing

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Photo Caption: Boeing and Biman Bangladesh Airlines announce the national carrier has placed its largest-ever order, selecting 14 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes to expand and modernize its fleet. Pictured and seated left to right: Kaizer Sohel Ahmed, Managing Director & CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines; and Paul Righi, Boeing vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Eurasia, India and South Asia. Standing left to right are: Fahmida Akhter, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism; Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, Chairman, National Board of Revenue; Md. Mostakur Rahman, Governor of Bangladesh Bank; Rumee A Hossain, Chairman, Biman Bangladesh Airlines; M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Bangladesh; Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh; Afroza Khanam Rita, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Bangladesh; Humayun Kabir, Advisor to the Prime Minister; Brent T. Christensen, U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh; Kaanthi Bhuvanagiri, Commercial Sales Director, India and South Asia; and Asad Alam Siam, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

(CHARLESTON COUNTY) – The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) will open its three waterparks – Splash Island in Mount Pleasant, Splash Zone on James Island, and Whirlin’ Waters in North Charleston – as well as the pool at the West County Aquatic Center in Hollywood, for weekends only starting May 16. Daily operations will begin on May 30. The parks’ hours will vary this year; see schedule below and visit CharlestonCountyParks.com for details.  

A schedule for each park’s operations is as follows*:

Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark:

· Open weekends only from May 16 through Memorial Day; Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

·  Open daily from May 30 – Aug. 9; weekends from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and weekdays (Monday – Friday) from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

·  Open weekends only from Aug. 15 through Labor Day, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

·   Closed for the season after Sept. 7

Splash Island Waterpark and Splash Zone Waterpark:

·  Open weekends only from May 16 through Memorial Day; Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1-6 p.m.

·  Open daily starting May 30; Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sundays from 1 – 6 p.m.; weekdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

·  Splash Island Closed for the season after Aug. 2

·  Splash Zone Closed for the season after Aug. 9

West County Aquatic Center:

·  Open weekends only starting May 16 through Memorial Day; Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1 – 6 p.m.

·  Open daily May 30 – Aug. 9; Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday 1 – 6 p.m.; weekday hours vary each week and will be posted on our website

·   Open weekends only from Aug. 15 – Labor Day, Sept. 7, Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1-6 p.m.

·   Closed for the season after Sept. 7

*Please visit CharlestonCountyParks.com for a full daily schedule and hours of operation for each park before planning your visit. Schedules are subject to change. 

Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park is the largest of CCPRC’s waterparks. It features unique attractions for all ages including a 60-foot-tall multi-person slide The Washout, the Big Splash Tree House, an 870-foot-long lazy river, the Big Kahuna wave pool, Tubular Twister slides, Rip Tide Run mat racer slide and Otter Bay kiddie area.

Splash Zone Waterpark is located within James Island County Park. It offers two 200-foot-long slides, a large leisure pool, a 500-foot-long lazy river, and a family play complex called The Rainforest that features slides, buckets and sprays. 

Splash Island Waterpark, located within Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park, provides hours of fun for toddlers to pre-teenagers. Attractions include a 200-foot-long body flume, activity pool, a 16-foot-long otter slide, sprays, geysers, waterfalls and more. 

Each waterpark offers a full range of amenities including concessions, lockers, lounge chairs, showers and restrooms, and is staffed with certified lifeguards. Birthday party packages are available. Admission fees vary, and Splash Passes for all-season waterpark access are available for sale now at CharlestonCountyParks.com.

The West County Aquatic Center features a 6,000-square-foot seasonal outdoor pool for beginner and seasoned swimmers, and also offers swimming lessons and a competitive swim team.

For more information on the waterparks or West County Aquatic Center, and a daily schedule of operations, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com or call 843-795-4386.

Some job openings are still available for lifeguards and other park positions. Charleston County Parks’ jobs offer competitive pay and great benefits. For a list of open positions and to apply, visit: ccprc.com/jobs

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The South Carolina Hurricane Guide is updated annually by SCEMD in collaboration with local and state partners of the South Carolina Emergency Response Team. All information contained in the Guide is valid at the time of publication each year, but is subject to change based on actual storm conditions.
Printed copies of the Guide are available at all South Carolina Welcome Centers, at Walgreens stores statewide and at the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) offices in Bamberg, Beaufort, Bluffton, Charleston, Conway, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Kingstree, Ladson, Lake City, Little River, Mullins, Moncks Corner, Mount Pleasant, Myrtle Beach, North Charleston, Saint George and Varnville.

South Carolina has an online hub for hurricane preparedness. Visit hurricane.sc to find your hurricane evacuation zone and to get started on your hurricane safety plan. You can also access the official South Carolina Hurricane Guide and other helpful resources anytime you need to prepare for a storm in the Palmetto State.

Click HERE to download the 2026 South Carolina Hurricane Guide in English

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By Collyn Taylor, collyntaylor@sc.edu

Five University of South Carolina students have been awarded the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship, marking the 34th consecutive year the university has at least one Goldwater Scholar.

This year’s winners are Khufu Holly Jr., Hannah Keen, Ria Kothari, Ansley Martin and Reagan Stanton. The five Goldwater Scholars this year set a university record. USC previously had four Goldwater Scholars in 2004 and 2023.

“These Goldwater Scholars have done amazing things,” says Melissa Moss, who serves as the chair for USC’s Goldwater committee. “It was a pleasure to work with each of them during the application process, and now I am excited to see where they take their future research careers.”

Four students are South Carolina Honors College students; one is a Capstone Scholar. Since the award was established in 1986 to honor U.S. Sen. Barry Goldwater, the University of South Carolina has had 77 total scholars.

More than 400 higher education institutions nominate students each academic year for the $7,500 awards, which encourage undergraduate students to pursue research careers in natural sciences, engineering and mathematics. A total of 452 scholarships were awarded this year from the 1,485 nominees by 482 institutions.

Khufu Holly Jr.

Junior from Florence, South Carolina, majoring in biomedical engineering with a minor in medical humanities and culture.

Holly is a biomedical engineering major in the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing with a minor in medical humanities and culture. The Honors College student worked in a Cleveland Clinic lab in summer 2025 and currently works in the Webb lab at USC studying blood vessel injuries resulting from hypertension.

They serve as the founder and editor-in-chief of the Caroliniana Undergraduate Research Journal.

“I learned how to reflect on my research experiences and leverage my experience outside the classroom to talk about my story and how these have influenced my career trajectory,” Holly says about the application process.

Holly plans to pursue a career as a physician-scientist specializing in pediatric infectious diseases while researching treatments for bacterial pathogens and how they interact with human immune systems.

Hannah Keen

Junior from Spartanburg, South Carolina, majoring in chemistry with an environmental and sustainable engineering minor.

A chemistry major in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences with a minor in environmental and sustainable engineering, Keen currently works in Susan Richardson’s lab looking at emerging contaminants in water.

She also researches toxicology to examine disinfection by products and is a student in the Honors College.

“Winning Goldwater will give me a community of scholars whom I can connect with and learn about their experiences with graduate school, research, becoming a professor and more,” says Keen, who is also a Stamps Scholar.

She plans to earn a doctorate in environmental chemistry and lead a research group studying harmful toxins in the environment with a focus on identification, toxicity and mitigation.

Ria Kothari

Junior from Kingsport, Tennessee, majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology with a psychology minor.

Kothari is a biochemistry and molecular biology major in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences with a psychology minor. She’s also an Honors College student and McNair Scholar.

She is currently working with Chuanbing Tang’s lab researching antimicrobial peptide polymers. She completed a summer internship with the National Institutes of Health studying small-molecule therapeutics for kidney disease.

Kothari looks forward to how the Goldwater Scholarship will help her pursue a research career in STEM and connect with scientists throughout the country. 

“I learned more about what my career goals are and the kind of research I am interested in pursuing,” she says. “If applicants want to expand their abilities as a researcher, they need to create opportunities for them to do so instead of waiting for them to come.”

Ansley Martin

Junior from Greenville, South Carolina, majoring in neuroscience with a medical humanities and culture minor.

A neuroscience major in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences and a medical humanities and culture minor, Martin began conducting neuroimaging research the summer after graduating high school.

That led to her current research with Souvik Sen and the Aging Brain Cohort. Martin also helped create the USC Brain Health’s Vibrant Minds program, an expressive arts initiative providing support to older adults with neurological conditions.

“This award will allow me to gain invaluable experience performing research methods that are at the forefront of their field,” says Martin, who serves as the president of the Phi Delta Epsilon medical fraternity. “It will give me the opportunity to conduct truly innovative, multi-modal, translation research.” 

Also a Capstone Scholar, Martin wants to pursue a doctorate in neurology to advance biological understanding and translate her research to personalized treatments.

Reagan Stanton

Junior from Minneola, Florida, majoring in physics with an astronomy minor.

Stanton is a physics major with an astronomy minor in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. A student in the South Carolina Honors College, she is currently involved in two research projects: studying magnetic fields of dwarf galaxies and designing an instrument to measure circular polarization of the cosmos.

Stanton, who is also treasurer of the Society of Physics Students Club, notes that the scholarship will provide her with a network of connections for her future career.

Her research has been supported by both Magellan and South Carolina Honors College research grants. She’s also presented her research at a meeting of the South Carolina Astronomers. She plans to become a research astrophysicist studying extragalactic magnetism. 

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Students applying for national fellowships and scholarships work closely with top research faculty members. This year’s Goldwater faculty committee was chaired by Melissa Moss (engineering and computing). Committee members were Dave Barbeau (earth, ocean and environment) Mark Uline, (engineering and computing), Yanwen Wu (physics and astronomy) Joshua Cooper (mathematics) Fabienne Poulain (biological sciences) and Aaron Vannucci (chemistry and biochemistry).

Students interested in applying for the Goldwater or other national fellowships should contact National Fellowships and Scholar Programs.

Source: University of South Carolina

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By Delaney Freistuhler, freistud@mailbox.sc.edu

FirstGen Forward has named the University of South Carolina one of its newest FirstGen Forward Network Champions, an exclusive group of institutions recognized as national leaders in advancing first-generation student success. 

The network includes 470 colleges and universities across 47 states and the District of Columbia. There are three designations an institution can achieve — member, leader and champion — with only 32 institutions recognized at the champion level.  

USC is one of just three SEC schools to earn the champion designation, joining Mississippi State and Kentucky. Only two other schools in the state, Presbyterian and Furman, have the champion designation as well.  

“We are honored to be recognized as a FirstGen Forward Network Champion,” said Mary Anne Fitzpatrick, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. “This distinction reflects our strong commitment to supporting first-generation students and building pathways that help them succeed from enrollment through graduation.” 

Through initiatives led by the First-Generation Center and campus partners, USC provides programs and resources that help foster academic achievement, personal growth and a sense of belonging.   

The university is dedicated to ensuring first-generation students at USC, which make up over 20 percent of the student population, have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.  

USC opened its first generation center last year and provides resources for first-generation students to match with mentors at the university. There are also resources for faculty and staff to access to help them support first-generation students in Columbia.  

To learn more about first-generation efforts at the University of South Carolina, visit the Graduation and Retention Network website.

Source: University of South Carolina

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