2 Dreher High Grads Among USC Scholars

Two Dreher High School graduates are recipients of the University of South Carolina's most valuable and prestigious scholarships for incoming, in-state freshmen, the university recently announced. 

The students and their awards are:

Stamps Carolina Scholar: Alessandra “Alix” Tuel; Tuel is the daughter of Katharine Presty and Stephen Tuel of Columbia.

Carolina Scholar: Madeleine Giess; Giess is the daughter of Anne Creed and Rod Giess of Columbia. 

“The Scholar Awards program at the state’s flagship university attracts the best and the brightest students from our state, region and nation,” said Scott Verzyl, USC’s associate vice president for enrollment management. “These students come to USC with many accomplishments and talents."

More than 2,200 students applied for USC’s scholars awards, making it the largest and most competitive applicant pool in the university’s history, according to a release.

The Carolina Scholars Award is valued at $10,000 per year for four years. Carolina Scholars receive a laptop computer, preferred freshmen housing and parking privileges

Stamps Carolina Scholars will receive all the benefits of the Carolina Scholars, plus $8,000 to be used for enrichment opportunities including undergraduate research, study abroad, service projects or trips or unpaid internships during their undergraduate tenure.