News Summary
Students from John Paul II High School in Beaufort have secured spots in prestigious educational programs, while the Technical College of the Lowcountry prepares for graduation. Aanya Patel joins the Wharton Global Youth Program, and William Clarke is set for the Naval Academy Summer STEM Program. Additionally, USCB honors local students for exceptional academic performance. These achievements highlight the strength of the local education system and its role in shaping students’ futures.
Beaufort – Local students are achieving significant recognition this spring, as several individuals from John Paul II High School have secured spots in esteemed educational programs, while the Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) prepares for its upcoming graduation ceremony.
Aanya Patel, a Class of 2027 student from John Paul II, has been accepted into the highly regarded Wharton Global Youth Program at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. This program will allow Patel to engage in advanced business and leadership training alongside some of the world’s top students, providing her with a unique opportunity to develop skills essential for future success in the business realm.
In addition, William Clarke, a Class of 2028 student from the same school, has secured a place in the Naval Academy Summer STEM Program in Annapolis, Maryland. This program focuses on exploring engineering and technology fields while allowing participants to experience life as a midshipman, introducing them to a variety of disciplines and career paths within the military and engineering sectors.
On the academic front, the Technical College of the Lowcountry will hold its annual commencement ceremony on May 9 at 6 p.m. The event will take place at the picturesque Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in Beaufort, with an anticipated audience of graduates, family, and friends. A total of 328 students will graduate, collectively earning 479 certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees.
The commencement speaker will be S.C. House Representative Shannon Erickson, representing Beaufort. In addition to celebrating the graduates’ achievements, the ceremony will also recognize the recipient of the Presidential Medallion. This honor is awarded to a distinguished community leader who exemplifies integrity and perseverance, highlighting the impact of leadership in the region.
Attendees will have access to parking, although the public is cautioned to avoid the Bay Street area due to potential traffic congestion. This ensures a smoother experience for guests arriving to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates.
Further showcasing academic excellence, Jessica Polk, a Beaufort native majoring in Psychology at the University of Mississippi, has received the prestigious 2025 Marcus Elvis Taylor Memorial Medal, the highest academic honor awarded at the university. Polk was among over 90 students honored during a ceremony on April 3 at Ole Miss, with the Taylor Medal being reserved for no more than 1% of the student body each year, underscoring its significance.
In addition to the Taylor Medal, Polk was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, an esteemed undergraduate honors organization in the liberal arts, during a ceremony held on April 4, further enriching her academic profile and recognition in higher education.
The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) has also acknowledged the academic achievements of its students, announcing that 62 individuals from northern Beaufort County achieved a spot on the Winter 2024 Chancellor’s List. This honor recognizes exceptional academic performance across various areas of study. The honorees include students from several local zip codes, including 29907 and 29902, and also from Port Royal and St. Helena Island.
As USCB is recognized as the fastest-growing four-year institution within the University of South Carolina System, it currently offers 20 bachelor’s degrees across its three campuses, catering to an expanding student body eager to pursue higher education.
These achievements underscore the strength and potential of the local education system, as students from Beaufort are not only excelling in their immediate academic environments but are also making strides in competitive programs that promise to shape their futures.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Local Students Accepted into Prestigious Summer Programs
USC’s International MBA Program Recognized as the Best in the U.S.
University of South Carolina Excels in National Rankings
Beaufort County School District Honors 115 Junior Scholars
Additional Resources
- The Coastland Times: Two BCCC Students Recognized for Leadership Achievement
- Wikipedia: Leadership
- Island Packet: Local News Article
- Google Search: Beaufort education news
- Washington Daily News: Wilder Recognized
- Google Scholar: Beaufort County students
- Your Island News: Lowcountry Achievement Awards
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- WSAV: Beaufort County School District Awarded Grant
- Google News: Beaufort County school grant
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
