Tri-County Student Wins S.C. Association of
Developmental Educators Student Scholarship Award

CONTACT: LOU WOOD, EXT. 2177

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/26/2000
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- Two-time essay winner Melissa Stark remembers when the thought of writing even a postcard made her cringe.

A tumultuous childhood prohibited concentration and consequently her grades and self-esteem suffered in high school. But when she returned to college last year, Tri-County Technical College's Developmental English Department Head Lou Wood offered guidance and support, and Stark began to develop good study habits that have served her well.

In just one short year, Stark has gained the confidence and skills to create award-winning essays that often times depict her metamorphosis from shy teenager living in a dysfunctional home to steadfast survivor determined to succeed academically and personally.

Her most recent accolade is the Student Scholarship Award from the South Carolina Association for Developmental Education (SCADE). She received a $500 check. "I never thought I could accomplish all of this, especially in one year," said Stark. "I've worked hard, and I've devoted myself to learning."

"You should feel very proud of your award," said Stan Frick, president of SCADE. "Faculty who nominated you talked about your goals and determination, your commitment and hard work, your dedication and your vision. You also competed against other outstanding students from across the state."

"All of us in SCADE hope the award will strengthen your motivation to attain your educational goal and provide you with some extra resources to make achieving that goal easier," he said.

"This has been the best year of my life," said Stark, who is pursuing an associate in arts degree and plans to transfer to Clemson University to earn a bachelor's degree in elementary education. Her goal is to become a teacher.

"Becoming a teacher will really make my life complete," said Stark. "I would particularly like to teach little children who are having trouble learning due to problems at their home. I want to help those children through their troubled lives by letting them know someone cares for them and that they are not totally alone. To help enrich their lives would be tremendously satisfying for me," she said.

After having several dead end, low-paying jobs, Stark entered Tri-County where she has "developed a love and passion for learning," she said. Last year she was named the outstanding English student for the Comprehensive Studies Division at the Tri-County's annual awards ceremony.

That same year she entered the Townsend Foundation Scholarship program's essay contest where she explored the theme of "Taking Charge of My Life." Editors invited developmental reading and writing students to write about the obstacles, inside and/or outside of themselves, that they had to overcome to be in college.

She was one of 20 fourth-place winners in the national contest, and it was the first time that a Tri-County student had won a top honor in the contest.

Stark also was the recipient of the Faculty/Staff scholarship at Tri-County and placed fourth in Oral Interpretation of Poetry at the 2000 South Carolina Speech Communication Association College Festival held last April.

"My life has changed so much," said the California native who moved to Anderson with her husband several years ago. "I have had really positive experiences here at Tri-County. Everyone is so helpful, and the instructors really motivate you," she said.

"Melissa is conscientious, she works hard, and does an outstanding job," said Mrs. Wood. "I have never seen anyone with a greater love of learning. It's very inspiring to me as a teacher. She deserves these awards."

"Her own disadvantaged background gave Melissa a special empathy for children, particularly those who have undesirable home lives," continued Mrs. Wood. "She wants every child to feel worthy and to have a chance. In addition, Melissa's enthusiasm for learning is contagious in the college classroom and should be especially so in elementary school. Her determination and willingness to work hard in any situation, combined with her special interest in children, should guarantee success."

"Today, I'm a very lucky person. I have a great husband, I'm in college, and I'm loving it," said Stark.
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