High school and first-year college students face many challenges. Understanding deadlines, scholarship applications, FAFSA information, and other parts of the process can sometimes leave new or prospective college students feeling overwhelmed.
To facilitate a smooth transition, the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education selects College Process Ambassadors to guide others in their journey to higher education. The students are high school seniors, expecting to graduate by the end of the academic year with postsecondary educational plans.
The Ambassadors highlight college application and success resources to support the upcoming class of high school graduates and college students. They actively assist others via community outreach and they also participate in and promote events related to College Application Month, College Goal SC, and College Decision Month.
They also create and share social media content on SCCanGo platforms, which encourage students, families, and communities to apply and get ready for college.
Ambassadors obtain up to $1,000 in scholarship funds, personalized support and feedback from CHE, and professional training on how to support other students during the college application journey.
To learn more, contact Dr. Gerrick Hampton, the Associate Director in the Office of Student Affairs, at ghampton@che.sc.gov.
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Emma Cash, White Knoll High School
Hi everyone, my name is Emma Cash, and I am a senior at White Knoll High School. I am actively involved in many extracurricular activities and have a deep love for sports. I've been playing tennis for over seven years and currently serve as the senior captain of my school's tennis team. Beyond sports, I am very engaged in various school organizations. I am the president of our Beta Club, co-president of the International Club, and a member of the National Honor Society and the Drug and Alcohol Awareness Program (LOCC). In college, I plan to pursue a pre-law route. This past summer, I attended Girls State and had a fantastic experience. To further my passion for law, I am currently interning at the Eleventh Circuit Solicitor's Office and have enjoyed every moment of it. This year, I am also becoming a member of the Anne Frank Youth Network and an Ambassador for Civic and Debate. I chose to be an ambassador because I believe in the importance of higher education. Higher education provides numerous opportunities for future success and personal development. I feel that if more people were aware of college opportunities, they would be more likely to pursue them. |
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Jackson Higgs, Walhalla High School
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Isabella “Izzie” Wilson, Brashier Middle College Charter High School
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Charli Meadows, Dorman High School
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Jantz Bryant, Brookland Cayce High School
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Evan Lawton, Mauldin High School
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Ainsley Bryan, Gilbert High School
Hi! My name is Ainsley Bryan, and I am a senior at Gilbert High School. Throughout high school, I have actively participated in multiple school clubs and held several leadership positions, including Co-Founder of Tribe Talk and Co-President of the LOCC Club. Currently, I serve my fellow students as Student Body President, Co-President of Gilbert Readers, and a Beta Club officer. I am also a four-year varsity soccer player and work backstage on theater productions. One of the things I love about Gilbert is the strong connection between the schools and the community. Outside school, I passionately advocate for special needs and volunteer with CAMP HUGG, GIFT, and Soccer Superheroes. In addition to volunteering with my church, I play club soccer and referee youth games. I also work as a finance and procurement intern at Lexington One School District. A fun fact about me is that I was born and lived in Scotland. I wanted to be an ambassador because I believe in the power of collaboration and peer support. The application process can be complex. But who is better to help than a fellow student? The college process can be considered a competition, but I prefer to approach it differently. I am only competing against myself and want to cheer my friends and fellow students on their journey. I can’t wait to share my experiences and hope that there is something you take away to make the college process a little easier for you. |
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Emma Horne, Abbeville High School
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Cameron Allen, Abbeville High School
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Jackson is an honor roll student and an AP Scholar with Distinction. He also received the SC Work Ready Credential Level 5 and Essential Soft Skills Credential. In addition, Jackson is interested in Political Science, English, Spanish, and Environmental Science. His leadership experience includes various positions with Walhalla High School Student Government and School Improvement Council, as well as his role as WHS National Honor Society President and Palmetto Boys State Delegate. As Upstate Representative for the SC 4-H Teen Council and Oconee County 4-H Ambassador, he encourages community engagement in agriculture, natural resources, STEM, and healthy living. Currently, he is working to establish a 4-H chapter in Eleuthera, Bahamas, in conjunction with the One Eleuthera Foundation. He hopes to promote sustainable agriculture on the island. Community service is important to Jackson. He is the creator of Razor Friends, a litter cleanup organization that adopted the highway in front of his school. He also tutors math students for Mu Alpha Theta, serves with Beta Club, and volunteers for the local food pantry and his church. In addition, much of his time is spent on the baseball field. He enjoys playing for his high school and travel ball teams.
Isabella “Izzie” Wilson is a distinguished senior at Brashier Middle College Charter High School in Simpsonville, SC. Izzie is actively involved not only in her school, but in her community as well. At her school, she is currently the President of the Bengal Media Team, a mentor to freshman through the Link Crew program, lead Editor in Brashier Middle College's publication entitled "Ambush,” Youth Commission International leader, involved in South Carolina YMCA's Youth In Government Program, as well as YMCA’s National Youth In Government CONA Conference (The Conference On National Affairs). Within her community, she actively attends legislative sessions at the South Carolina State House and advocates for change within her local area. She holds a part time job nannying for multiple families in the Upstate. In her free time, Izzie enjoys discovering new coffee shops, honing her social media skills, traveling, shopping and spending time with family and friends. Izzie plans to attend a four-year university to pursue a career in Public Policy and Government. 
Hey! I’m Charli Meadows and I am a senior at Dorman High School. I am very passionate about leaving an impact on the world, so I love to be involved in all aspects of my community. At school, I’m Student Body Vice President, a Varsity Basketball cheerleader, a member of African American Awareness Club, Beta Club, National Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society. Outside of school, I’m a member of Spartanburg Youth Philanthropy Board, an avid volunteer, and have been a Girl Scout for over 12 years now. After high school, I plan to major in Public Health at a four-year institution and move on to medical school to later become a Dermatologist. I’m super excited to be a College Process Ambassador this year and be able to inform others about everything the transition from high school to college entails! I definitely would have appreciated it if someone did the same for me which is what motivated me to become a CPA! I’m so thankful for this opportunity and am looking forward to this year!
My name is Jantz Bryant and I am a senior at Brookland Cayce High School in Cayce, SC. I currently serve as the President of our Black Student Union and have also been a member of our Latin Club, where I’ve earned a Seal of Biliteracy. I wanted to be an Ambassador because I believe that it is important to recognize the importance of college applications and the need for assistance with challenges that students face while attempting to complete them. Outside of being a student, I enjoy painting, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family. After high school, I plan on attending a four-year university and pursuing a degree in Journalism with a minor in Psychology.
Evan Lawton is a senior at Mauldin High School in Greenville, SC. In school, Evan is involved in the leadership of the Speech and Debate program, the Academic Team, the Spanish National Honor Society, and the Choir program. Outside of school, Evan is actively involved in politics as the Chair of the South Carolina High School Democrats. After serving as a United States Senate Page, Evan returned home ready to make an impact on his community. Now, Evan is excited to give back as a College Process Ambassador, helping his peers through the college application process and beyond. In college, Evan hopes to study Urban Affairs before attending law school. In his free time, Evan enjoys spending time with friends and family, listening to music, and reading a good book.
Hello, my name is Emma Horne, and I attend Abbeville High School in Abbeville, SC. I love being involved in my school and local community. Some of my involvement includes being an active member in numerous activities and clubs such as Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Future Farmers of America (FFA), Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Academic Team, Interact Club, Beta Club, and National Honors Society. Aside from extracurriculars, I work part-time at a local boutique, Sugar, in Greenwood, SC. One fun fact about me is that I am one of nine National Officers in the country for the Future Business Leaders of America organization, serving as the National Southern Region Vice President. I have also held office as SC FBLA State President and District I VP. I chose to be an Ambassador as I want to show my peers in SC that you can do anything you put your mind to. I am excited to create fun content that showcases how they can strive in college and accomplish their future goals and dreams. I cannot wait to see what this year holds by being a CHE College Process Ambassador.
My name is Cameron Allen, and I am a senior at Abbeville High School. I am a member of the Beta Club and the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society. I play soccer, where I have made All-Region and have been recognized for having the highest GPA on the team. I also play football and have been selected to be the FCA Player of the Year. After I graduate, I plan to attend a four-year university to major in Sports Communications. During my free time I like to exercise, watch tv, and spend time with my friends and family. I chose to be an ambassador to help other students realize that even though the college application process can feel overwhelming, there are people and resources to help you.