Nov. 19, 2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina freshman track and field athlete Chris Campbell has been awarded the inaugural S. Hunter Howard Jr. Scholarship, presented by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber’s 29th Annual Summit.

Campbell, entering his first season as a member of Coach Curtis Frye’s team, participates in throwing events under the direction of Coach Mike Sergent. He is a 2008 graduate of Irmo High School and plans to major in international business at South Carolina.

The $5,000 S. Hunter Howard, Jr. Scholarship Award, which recognizes a Business Week student who consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership abilities, was introduced this year in honor of S. Hunter Howard Jr., retired president and chief executive officer of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

“From our administration, to the coaching staff and the team, we are all very proud of Chris being honored by South Carolina’s Chamber of Commerce,” Sergent said. “While Chris is only a freshman in college, the Howard Scholarship award is indicative of his maturity, motivation and outgoing nature. He is an example of the many talented, bright young minds that abound at Irmo High School and in the Columbia area. We are happy to have Chris as a member of our team and student body at Carolina and look forward to what his future has in store.”

In high school, Campbell held many leadership roles and honors. He served as vice president of the Irmo High senior class, president of the Bands of Irmo and clarinet section leader. Campbell was also the Wendy’s High School Heisman winner, which is awarded to seniors who display leadership, academic excellence, community service and athletic skill.

“Once I was informed that I was the winner of this inaugural award, I took a moment to reflect on what this accomplishment signified,” Campbell said. “It meant that the Chamber saw in me characteristics that were portrayed in Mr. Howard himself, his love and dedication to his craft, his regal sense of honor, integrity and ethics and his principles of hard work that have gotten him to where he is today, and that will undoubtedly guide him in his future endeavors.”

The annual South Carolina Business Week program teaches principles of the American free enterprise system through collegiate-caliber classes, computer simulation, and other engaging activities. Close to 200 high school students from across the state attended the program, which recently celebrated its 25th year.