Scholarship Recipients
The Presidential Scholarship is the highest scholarship award offered at Erskine, and covers tuition, room and board, and required fees, minus any state, federal, or outside scholarships and grants. The two students selected to receive the scholarship during the fall competition are Cooper Phillips, a student at Belton-Honea Path High School, Honea Path, S.C., and Mayci Smith, who attends New Covenant School, Anderson S.C.
Currently ranked sixth in a class of 229, Cooper - sembles. He is a member of the National Beta Club and the National Honor Society. Cooper is a sound technician for his high school; is president of the Belton-Honea Path High School (BHP) Chamber Singers; has played with his high school ensembles; serves as an accompanist for several churches; and is the pianist for a church in his hometown. At his church, Cooper is a member of the praise team. In the community, he is a year- round volunteer with Operation Christmas Child and has organized a monthly Bible study for teenagers.
Describing himself as “in shock” after receiving the scholarship, Cooper says, “I know that this accomplishment is so much bigger than myself, so I thank God and all of those who have provided me with this opportunity—family, friends, and the Erskine staff.”
Mayci expressed a similar reaction to the award. “Receiving the Presidential Scholarship was a complete surprise. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and thankfulness,” she says, adding that her parents and family have not only supported her academically but “have shaped me into the person I am today.” She sees the scholarship as “a testament of God’s goodness” in her life. As vice president of the American Christian Honor lettered in art, drama, and music at her school and served as a delegate to ALA Palmetto Girls State. Mayci senses a strong calling to work with
The Luke and Amelia Solomon Scholarship covers up to 16 credit hours of tuition per semester and is renewable for a total of four years. Win- ners of the Solomon Scholarship chosen at the fall competition are Alexa Harrison, a student at Greer Middle College, a public charter school in Simpsonville, S.C., and Leah Hendrix, who attends Camden High School, Camden, S.C. At her school, Alexa has served as captain of her varsity soccer team (All-Region); head photographer on the Media Team; National Honor
Society president; and social media manager for the Pep Team. In addition to varsity soccer, she has played varsity basketball and is a recipient of the Blazer Award, given to a student athlete. At her church, she runs the social media page, started a Bible study for high schoolers, and teaches preschool Sunday school. In her community, she has accumulated 250 hours of service. She is a National Merit Scholarship Commended Scholar. Alexa
on the Women’s Soccer Team, she intends to participate in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Leah, ranked second in a class of more than 200, is a four-year varsity volleyball player (All-Region in 2025) as well as a four-year member of the
of SALT (Set Apart Leadership Team), works with toddlers in KidZone, and has taken several mission trips. She has completed 25 hours of com- munity service, and has volunteered with AmeriCorps, where she assists in a 4K classroom and works in a food pantry. Leah credits two mentors Tristany Radford, who was her “favorite fourth grade teacher and later my high school volleyball coach.”
Cooper Phillips
Mayci Smith
Alexa Harrison
Leah Hendrix
March/April 2026
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Erskine College
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