Two Area Students Receive Key Scholarship Award

For the twentieth year, Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union and HTC chose two graduating high school seniors to win their annual Key Scholarship.  High school seniors from Horry, Georgetown, Marion, Williamsburg, and the southern part of Florence County planning to attend either Coastal Carolina University or Francis Marion University were encouraged to apply.

 

The 2026 Key Scholarship award winners are: Socastee High School graduate, Brittney Ackerman and St. James High School graduate, Isabella McBride.  This fall, both Ackerman and McBride plan to attend Coastal Carolina University (CCU).

“HTC and Carolina Trust believe in supporting students and encouraging educational growth within the communities we serve,” said Carlton Lewis, HTC Chief Executive Officer and Carolina Trust Board of Directors Member. “Programs like this scholarship reflect our ongoing dedication and commitment to helping local students succeed.”

 

Due to the commitment of both organizations to supporting our local communities and local universities, the amount of the scholarship is $5,000.

 

“We are honored to recognize these talented students. Their academic achievements in the classroom, extra curricular activities, and dedication to community service are truly impressive. We are proud of all the applicants who are planning to continue their education in an effort to achieve personal and professional goals,” said Tim Carlisle, Carolina Trust President/CEO.

 

Application packets were distributed to high school guidance counselors and the scholarship opportunities were advertised on the Carolina Trust and HTC websites. The 2026 award recipients were scored as most qualified for the Key Scholarship based on completed application, academics, school and/or community involvement, and school choice. 

 

For more information, please contact Ashley Waller at 843-369-8105 or Amanda Marker at 843-443-8533.

About Carolina Trust:
For over 60 years, Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union has provided our members with a better way of banking.  As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, the Credit Union returns profits to member/owners through competitive rates, lower fees, personal attention and innovative services.  Membership is open to residents and business owners of Horry, Georgetown, Marion, Williamsburg, and the southern part of Florence County, SC as well as Brunswick County, NC.  To learn more about Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union, call 843-448-2133 or visit www.carolinatrust.org, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CarolinaTrustFCU.

 

About HTC:
HTC is the largest telecommunications cooperative in the United States. Celebrating more than 70 years as the local leader in communications, HTC provides services in Horry, Georgetown and Marion counties. Utilizing the area’s most extensive fiber optic network, HTC service offerings include: Internet; Video; Security; Mobile; and Voice. HTC also offers advanced business services, including: Internet; Voice and Hosted Voice Solutions; IT Solutions such as WiFi, Data Backup & Recovery and Firewalls; and Business Security & Automation. To learn more about HTC, visit https://www.htcinc.net/ For additional information about HTC, or becoming a member, call 843-365-2154.