Hannah Grace DeMoss Scholarship named at SCC | Community Spirit

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Hannah Grace DeMoss is a blessing to her parents, Donna and Jeffrey DeMoss. Despite her struggles with tuberous sclerosis, Hanna has persevered throughout her 25 years of life thanks in part to treatment administered by skilled and caring therapists.

Her parents recently created a scholarship in their daughter’s honor that will support Southeastern Community College students pursuing therapy related careers.

After Jeff retired from the U.S. Air Force, the DeMosses returned to Columbus County, and now live in Whiteville.

Donna and Jeff both have strong ties to SCC. Jeff assumed a position in the financial aid office in July of 2012 and has already become an integral part of that department. Donna graduated from the SCC Associate Degree Nursing Program and returned to the College to teach in the nursing department after earning her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing.

“Although Hannah has limitations, she has as much love to share as any young lady of her age. She brings great joy to her family’s lives and to the lives of all who meet her,” shared Donna. “Special needs children like Hannah are so precious and have so much to give.  We wanted to start this scholarship to encourage caring and intelligent individuals to pursue a career in one of the many therapies that have been beneficial for Hannah.”

“If you are in Hannah’s presence for any length of time you realize just how special she is. Hannah has such a sweet spirit and her impact on others makes memories that last forever. We wanted her legacy to be ensured through the naming of this scholarship,” stated Jeff.

Hannah has a special relationship with her grandparents, Roosevelt and Jeanette C. Nobles. Living in close proximity to one another, Hannah has an unrivaled support system. Her grandparents, and uncle, Dan Nobles, all SCC graduates, are very supportive of the scholarship that bears Hannah’s name.

“It was a very proud moment when we learned that Hannah’s Scholarship would enable SCC students to reach their career goals,” the Nobles stated.

Their enthusiasm for the scholarship is reflected in their monetary contribution, which will help fund the initial award.

The first Hannah Grace DeMoss Scholarship will be awarded in the fall of 2013. The recipient must be pursuing a therapy related career such as music, physical, speech, or occupational therapy. Students enrolled in a curriculum leading to a degree in special education may also be considered. The student must have earned a 3.2 GPA in previous educational endeavors and maintain that GPA to retain the scholarship. A $1,500 scholarship will be awarded.

“The announcement of this scholarship was made at the recent Foundation Fund Drive Kickoff,” stated Executive Dean of Institutional Advancement Sue Hawks. “We award more than 80 named scholarships annually and are so fortunate to add Hannah’s Scholarship to these awards. What a wonderful acknowledgement of Hannah’s importance to her family.”

Named scholarships, both annual and endowed are encouraged by the SCC Foundation. Contact Sue Hawks at (910) 642-7141, ext. 320 or at sue.hawks@sccnc.edu to have a conversation about naming a scholarship in honor of or in memory of a loved one.