NORTH, South Carolina — Seniors in the Hunter-Kinard-Tyler and North combined band program have received more than $4 million in scholarships to thirteen universities over four years.
Some of those schools include South Carolina State University, Virginia State, North Carolina A&T, Florida A&M, Allen University, Benedict College and Hampton University.
Keinya Scott, a senior at North Middle/High School, has been awarded more than $240,000 in college scholarships. She says she never knew this was possible.
“I don’t know, it just feels different, like I never thought from the time I step foot the first day in school. I was like I don’t know what I am going to do,” said Scott. “I walked in there with no hope and I walked out with a lot of hope. I was saying I’ve got choices I’ve got options."
Alanna Stroman, a senior at Hunter-Kinard-Tyler High School, said she has received over $500,000 in band college scholarships. She says taking chances helped her get to where she is today.
“There has been numerous opportunities, and I can truly say everything that we have ever done is an opportunity. You don’t know who’s actually going to be able to see you,” said Stroman. “There is faith and hope in the arts, so if you’re creative, or even if you’re seeing, just go after it. Never leave your dreams behind. Always chase them.”
Band Director Herman Marsh says his students are deserving of these opportunities.
“These students are just as important as any student anywhere,” said Marsh. “These young people are just as talented. They're just as gifted, they’re just as creative. And they’re able to take a little and make a lot."
North Middle/High School Principal Debrah Norman says getting students to college is the band director's priority
“Mr. Marsh works with both HKT and North,” said Norman. “So, he’s very diligent about making sure our children can go to college on a band scholarship.”
Scott says all seniors in the band program have been given opportunities to be accepted into college.
“They have provided a lot, I can say. This year, there should be no senior that has not gotten accepted into no college,” said Scott. “They have made sure that every senior has been accepted to some type of college, so they give you the opportunities. You just got to take them.
The band will be performing at Carowinds in March and Disney in April.