In keeping with guidance from the AARC, the SCSRC Executive Committee and Board of Directors has unanimously decided to update the name of the “Entry Level Student Scholarship” that is awarded annually to associate degree seeking students to be “Early Professional Student Scholarship”. This is a new, fresh name for the scholarship and is in line with the AARC’s “Early Professional Membership” level that is available to students prior to graduation.

The Early Professional Student Scholarship application is now available on the SCSRC website; if you are a student that would like to apply, please carefully read and follow all instructions contained in the application.

The members of the Scholarship Committee include: Allan Dunphy, MEd, RRT-NPS, RRT-CPFT, RCP; Amanda Coffey, BS, RRT; Selma Watson, BA, RRT, CPFT. If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected]. We look forward to reviewing the applications and awarding these four scholarships!!

The SCSRC Scholarship Committee is pleased to award the 2021 Entry Level Scholarships to the following students:

Crystal Herndon, Midlands Technical College
Her submission was a PowerPoint presentation on “Pulmonary Edema”

Ashley Pridgen, Piedmont Technical College
Her submission was an essay on “Small Cell Lung Cancer”

Hannah Taylor, Trident Technical College
Her submission was an essay on “The Effects of Early Term Delivery on Preterm Neonates”

Kyle Woody, Spartanburg Community College
His submission was an essay on “Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome”

There were two students who also have received “Honorable Mention” for their application and submission:
Kiara Jackson, Piedmont Technical College
Her submission was an essay on “The Effects of Covid-19”

Meghan Starkey, Greenville Technical College
Her submission was an essay on “The Effects of Covid-19 on Frontline Workers and The Care They Provide”

Congratulations for your work on this and the best of wishes as you continue your education!

Note: The Trish Blakely scholarship winner will be announced at the Annual Business Meeting during the conference.

We are excited and proud to announce that the South Carolina Society for Respiratory Care (SCSRC) is the 2020 recipient for the AARC’s prestigious Summit Award. This honor reflects our state’s efforts and achievements in promoting professionalism and growth in the field of respiratory care. To be considered for this esteemed annual award, a state affiliate of the AARC must submit a nomination that outlines and provides supporting documentation showing their activities related to seven specific categories:

• Educational activities
• Membership and recruiting
• Legislation/Advocacy
• Promoting public awareness
• Benefits to members
• Collaboration with other health care organizations
• Student activities

We thank everyone who supported, volunteered and advocated for the respiratory care professional and provided the opportunity to demonstrate our activities in the seven categories while supporting the SCSRC members, patients and students. The last few years have shown many challenges, from inclement weather to fighting a pandemic, yet we continue to shine and excel in our endeavors.

The SCSRC President, Dr. Jerry Alewine accepted the Summit award and shared his excitement and sentiments on the efforts behind receiving this distinction:

“On behalf of the South Carolina Society for Respiratory Care and all respiratory therapists in South Carolina, I graciously accept the 2020 Summit Award. As is well appreciated, these past few months have been a very difficult time for healthcare, and in particular, the respiratory therapist. Through it all, we have continued as a profession, thrived as individuals, and will forever be recognized as vital in the fight against the devastation that is COVID-19.

To have been awarded the Summit Award, the diligence and commitment of our respiratory therapist has been recognized. They have endured a pandemic and remained consistent in their demand for exceptional care and the promotion of professionalism. This unique year that will be historically remembered as a time of great confusion, emotional turmoil, and unrelenting chaos that has allowed the profession of respiratory therapy to be spotlighted in a way as never before.

Having the pleasure of serving as president of the SCSRC, I am humbled and thankful for the dedication of the respiratory therapists in the state of South Carolina. Accepting this award, I do so solely as president but by no means the reason for this recognition. I accept on behalf of a state of dedicated professionals that work each day for the care of the patients we serve, promotion of the profession of respiratory therapy, and the commitment to excellence.

Again, thank you AARC and may each of you be blessed with a better day.”

Jerry A Alewine EdD, RRT
President of the SCSRC