S.C. Students Recognized by Advanced Manufacturing Industry for their Commitment to STEM Education

April 26, 2018

(Columbia, South Carolina) – 92 South Carolina high school seniors were recognized by The Boeing Company, BMW Manufacturing Co. and the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance at the 2018 Annual S.C. STEM Signing Day.  Created by The Boeing Company in 2017, S.C. STEM Signing Day recognizes students from across the state of South Carolina who have pursued STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education during their high school tenure and plan to continue their STEM education at two and four-year colleges. Students were identified through the SC Future Makers initiative using the STEM Premier platform.

“Boeing started this event last year to demonstrate our enduring commitment to STEM education and workforce in communities across the state,” said Tim Keating, Executive Vice President of Government Operations, The Boeing Company. “We have invested almost $2 million on tomorrow’s innovators across South Carolina, and we make this commitment to early learning so every child has a chance to code – to create – and to innovate.

“Since technology is constantly changing in the automotive industry, now more than ever, we must invest in highly-skilled workers. Investing in STEM education allows us to develop a pool of talented young people who will help sustain BMW’s future,” said Christine Petrasch, Vice President of Human Resources with BMW Manufacturing.

“SC STEM Signing day was created because it is important to recognize the fact that there’s so much talent and opportunity in South Carolina,” said Sara Hazzard, President & CEO of the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance. “We are very proud to lift up and recognize the achievements and future steps of some of our state’s brightest minds – students who will eventually lead the way as we advance innovation and technology in the 21st century.”

The following students from the Southern Carolina Region were recognized at the event:

• Destine Johnson, from Allendale-Fairfax High School, will study Veterinary Science at Clemson University
• Kimaya Geiger, from Denmark-Olar High School, will study Physical Science
• Victoria Lyons, from Bamberg- Ehrhardt High School will study General Engineering  at Clemson University
• Charles  Wilson, from Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School, will study Biological Science at the University of South Carolina
• Anslee Hiers, from Williston-Elko High School, will study Mechanical Engineering at the University of South Carolina
• Lucas Cato, from Beaufort High School, will study Electrical or Mechanical Engineering  at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University or Clemson University
• Andrew Lee, from Bluffton High School, will study Physics & Engineering at Presbyterian College
• Benjamin Martin, Home School SC, will study Mechanical Engineering at The Citadel or Gordon College
• Tejas Patel, from Colleton County High School, will study Pre-Pharmacy  at the University of South Carolina
• Shanice Finley, from John Paul II Catholic School, will study Environmental Science at Central Carolina Technical College

       
Charles Wilson, Bamberg Ehrhardt HS                        ​
 

Victoria Lyons, Bamberg Ehrhardt HS               ​
 

   
Benjamin Martin, Beaufort Home School         ​
 

     
Andrew Lee, Bluffton HS​
 

           
Lucas Cato, Beaufort HS                                           ​
 

 
Shanice Finley, John Paul Catholic School  ​
 

   
Anslee Hiers, Williston Elko HS

 

About The Boeing Company – Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. A top U.S. exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in 150 countries. Boeing products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, launch systems, advanced information and communication systems, and performance-based logistics and training.

About BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC - BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC is a subsidiary of BMW AG in Munich, Germany and is the global producer of the BMW X3 and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X4 and X6 Sports Activity Coupe. In addition to the South Carolina manufacturing facility, BMW Group North American subsidiaries include sales, marketing, and financial services operations in the United States, Canada and throughout Latin America; and a design firm and technology office in California. For more information on BMW Manufacturing, visit www.bmwusfactory.com.

About The SCMA – The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance is the only statewide organization dedicated exclusively to the interests of manufacturers. Its mission is to elevate the quality of life for all South Carolinians by advancing the state’s manufacturing industry. The SCMA membership is comprised of more than 200 manufacturing companies that represent more than 80,000 associates in South Carolina. For additional information about the SCMA, please visit www.myscma.com.

Contact:
James Richter (Contact for Student Photos)
S.C. Manufacturers Alliance
803-528-1288
james@myscma.com

Jenny VanOss
Boeing South Carolina
571-814-8899
Jenny.A.VanOss@boeing.com

Sky Foster
BMW Manufacturing Co.
864-802-5546
sky.foster@bmwmc.com