SC Association of Counties Presidential Scholarship awarded to Liberty High senior

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The South Carolina Association of Counties (SCAC) awarded its 2024 Presidential Scholarship to Isaac Esuary of Liberty High School.

SCAC annually awards one $5,000 scholarship to a graduating high school senior who is a resident of the same county as the Association’s current president. This year’s scholarship was presented in honor of Pickens County Council Vice Chairman and SCAC President Roy Costner III.

“The SCAC Scholarship program is another way our organization demonstrates its commitment to education and highlights the importance of collaboration with high schools throughout the state,” Costner said. “It is an honor to recognize future leaders, like Isaac, who excel academically and give back to their communities. On behalf of SCAC and Pickens County Council, I congratulate our 2024 Presidential Scholarship recipient and look forward to hearing about the lasting impact he will make in college and far into the future.”

Esuary is the son of Steven and Anna Esuary of Liberty. Ranked second in his class at Liberty High, he earned a Computer Science Certificate while being dual enrolled at Tri-County Technical College. He plans to major in computer engineering and minor in business at Clemson University.

Esuary is president of the Liberty High Interact Club, a member of the Beta Club, National Technical Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He also served as a Palmetto Boys State delegate.

Outside of the classroom, he has run on the varsity cross country and track teams for six years, serving as captain for four. Some of his athletic achievements include a South Carolina AA state championship in the 3200-meter run in 2022 in track, four-time Pickens County champion in cross country, being named to All-State in cross country in 2022 and 2023 and being named the South Carolina Cross Country Runner of the Week in addition to receiving the Iron Sharpens Iron Award in 2023. He is also a four-time winner of the Abraham Balawi Memorial Mile Run.

In the community, he is a member of the Boy Scouts of America, where he achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout. Esuary’s Eagle Scout Service Project was installing an 18-hole disc golf course at Liberty High. He also participated in a variety of volunteer projects with organizations throughout Pickens County including Meals on Wheels, Pickens County Behavioral Health Services Youth Board, Camp Creek Baptist Church youth group, the City of Liberty, Flat Rock Baptist Church Vacation Bible School, and Junior Leadership of Pickens County’s community garden project.

In addition to academic, service, and extracurricular activities, Esuary has worked as a computer technician intern with the School District of Pickens County’s Accountability and Technology Services since January 2023.

The SCAC Scholarship Program includes the Presidential Scholarship and four Board of Directors one-time scholarships for $5,000 each to graduating high school seniors who are residents of counties chosen by lot. The 2024 Board of Directors Scholarships were available to students in Clarendon, Kershaw, Laurens, and Marion counties.

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must plan to attend a South Carolina college/university or two-year technical college in the fall.

SCAC’s Scholarship Selection Committee met in the spring to evaluate applicants for the awards. Students must submit an application and write an essay on their aspirations and goals. The selection is based on the essay, grades, school activities, and community involvement.

SCAC is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization dedicated to improving county government in South Carolina. It is governed by a Board of Directors composed of county officials from across the state and works to empower its members through advocacy, education and collaboration. Learn more at www.sccounties.org.