News Summary
The 34th Annual SCSU Foundation Scholarship Gala celebrated Joshua T. Singleton, a top scholar maintaining a 4.0 GPA. The event recognized academic achievements and community contributions. Additionally, John Paul II Catholic School was honored for its commitment to STEM education, while the University of South Carolina Beaufort’s economic impact on the state was highlighted, showcasing its contributions to job creation and labor income.
Greenville, SC – Joshua T. Singleton of St. Helena Island has been honored as a 2025 Shining Star Scholar during the 34th Annual South Carolina State University (SCSU) Foundation Scholarship Gala & Tribute. The event took place on April 12, 2025, at the Greenville Convention Center, where it celebrated the achievements of students at SCSU and recognized community leaders for their contributions to service, integrity, and excellence.
Singleton, a member of the Beaufort High School Class of 2022, has maintained an impressive 4.0 grade point average throughout his three years at SCSU. He is actively involved in the Beta Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. During his speech at the gala, Singleton emphasized the significance of the support he has received from family, friends, SCSU faculty, staff, and the SCSU National Alumni Association, acknowledging their crucial role in his academic success.
Recognition for STEM Excellence at JPII
Additionally, John Paul II Catholic School (JPII) in Okatie has achieved the status of a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished High School and Gateway School for the third consecutive year. This designation recognizes schools that are dedicated to improving student access, engagement, and achievement in various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs. The recognized programs at JPII feature disciplines such as Computer Science, Biomedical Science, and Engineering.
The PLTW organization plays a pivotal role in empowering students from Pre-K through Grade 12 across over 12,200 schools in the United States by providing hands-on learning experiences in engineering and technology fields. JPII President David Lima highlighted that this honor reflects the unwavering commitment of the school’s faculty and aligns with its mission to prepare students through innovative educational practices.
Economic Impact of University of South Carolina Beaufort
The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) has a significant economic footprint in South Carolina, generating an estimated economic impact of $141.3 million statewide. A recent study conducted by the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina identified USCB as being responsible for the creation of 1,236 jobs and contributing $63.6 million in labor income across the state.
Within Beaufort County, USCB accounts for approximately one job out of every 51 and contributes to $1 of every $47 in labor income. Al Panu, the Chancellor of USCB, emphasized the university’s role as a cornerstone of economic development in the Lowcountry, particularly since it became a four-year institution two decades ago.
Statewide Economic Contributions by USC System
This study is part of a wider assessment of the economic impact of the University of South Carolina system, which has an impressive annual economic contribution of $7.4 billion throughout the state. This figure marks a 35% rise from the previous economic assessment conducted eight years ago, which indicated an impact of $5.5 billion.
The Chairman of the USC Board, Thad Westbrook, articulated that the university system is committed to preparing students for successful careers while simultaneously generating noteworthy economic benefits for South Carolina.
As events like the SCSU Gala and honors bestowed upon institutions like JPII highlight the accomplishments of students and educational programs, they also underline the crucial role these entities play in community development and the broader economic landscape of the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Your Island News: Education Briefs
- Wikipedia: Education in South Carolina
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Your Island News: Riverview Charter School
- Google News: SCSU Gala
- High School Football America: Academic All-America
- Google Search: South Carolina economic impact USC
- Live 5 News: Man Charged with Murder
- Google Scholar: South Carolina education
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
