The Chamber is pleased to announce that, in partnership with The Cameron Connor Memorial Foundation, we will award two $500 scholarships to two 2026 graduating seniors from Dorchester County who will attend an accredited four- year college or university in South Carolina. All majors are welcome to apply.
Background Information: The Cameron Connor Memorial Scholarship is in honor of Cameron Wagers Connor who was 13 years old when involved in a hunting accident with his best friend and tragically passed away in 2024. Cameron was an avid outdoorsman who also loved playing sports and cooking. While Cameron was an excellent student, he was well known for his character: kind, goofy, respectful, and marching to his own drums.
He loved nothing more than wandering through the woods. He tried to catch fish, crawfish, frogs, and any other creatures that might wriggle or hop in his path. Anywhere he could hunt or fish were his happy places, but he also loved competing on the baseball and football fields. He pitched and played first base on the diamond and played defensive and tight end on the gridiron. As we consider recipients of this scholarship, we know that many of you may have never known him, but we know that each of you has a little bit of his spirit. We would love for you to tell us how YOU try to #beacameron in your own life.
The Chamber's Education and Workforce Division focuses on several areas when deciding on recipients.
To qualify for this renewable scholarship, you must:
- Be a resident of Dorchester County or attend a Dorchester County School
- Be entering a South Carolina college or university as a freshman
- All majors are welcome to apply
Bonus consideration will be given to applicants majoring in:
- Forestry
- Wildlife
- Marine Biology
- Culinary Arts
The following areas will be used in awarding the scholarship:
- Extracurriculars/Community Engagement: We will select two students who demonstrate engagement in community activities, including athletics, church, non-profits, emloyment, etc.
- Financial Need: We will select students who can share their story and show us why this scholarship truly matters to them. In your statement, include details about current scholarships, anticipated aid, and your family's financial situation. This is your chance to help us understand how this support can make a real difference in your journey toward success!
- Academics: We will select students with at least a 3.0 out of 4.0 GPA average on the SC Uniform Grading Policy scale.
- Verification: The student 's School Counselor must confirm the applicant's GPA is at least a 3.0 on the 4.0 scale and that the student is eligible for admission to a four-year institution based on GPA and test scores.
- "Spirit of Cameron" Essay Question: in 150-200 words, explain how you exhibit the "Spirit of Cameron". Please include your love of the outdoors, athletics, and/or cooking.
- Writing and Formatting: Students will be evaluated on the quality and presentation of their written responses. To earn full points, submissions must be neat and well organized, grammatically correct, and properly formatted with clear and concise expression.
- Continuation of Scholarship: Renewal of the scholarship is based on maintaining a GPA of 3.0 and the successful completion of at least 24 hors each academic year.
- The Chamber will request information upon completion of each academic year.
Application deadline: Friday, March 27, 2026