Kristi Faye Antunes

Ms. Kristi Faye Antunes is the 2009 recipient of our River Hill Lions Club-Clover High School-Harold M. Brietman Memorial Scholarship, a $6000.00 aggregate award, payable annually at $1500.00 for each of four years. Kristi is the second graduating Clover High School senior to receive the award based upon newly approved selection criteria stressing financial need, coupled with a committed, positive sense of purpose manifested through academic prowess, school/community involvement and/or work experience.

Kristi, elder of two, lives with her mother, Kerin Kiser, single parent, who is also the major provider for Kristi’s sibling. Recent family structure changes resulting in financial strain has necessitated the sale of the family home and a move within the Clover area. Kristi has contributed to the family income during the past two summers. In 2007, through Carolina Pool Management, she served as a River Hills lifeguard. She is currently employed in the same capacity this summer. In 2008 she did yard maintenance for a local neighbor with health issues. Since December 2008 Kristi has been modeling for Hollister. She also babysits daily for a local family for as much as 20 hours per week. She will continue to work while attending college.

Even with the emotional and financial stress of recent family changes, Kristi demonstrated strong character and academic prowess by achieving a 4.558 GPA on the South Carolina Uniform Grading Scale within a largely honors curriculum. She ranks 24th in a graduating class of 389. Kristi was involved in her school’s Teacher Cadet program, National Honor Society, Palmetto Girls State, the South Carolina All State Choir and served as co-captain of the varsity cheerleading team. Simultaneously, she has been an active member of her church, where she served as a vacation bible school group leader. Furthermore, Kristi’s’ sense of community connection is evidenced through her volunteer mentoring of elementary students and by helping Clover High School English Department raise $10,000 for school security, helping with special olympics, and volunteering at God’s Kitchen. Clearly, Kristi’s modeling is multi-faceted, as she demonstrates dedication to personal excellence within a strong “team” sense.

Kristi, will be attending Clemson University, where she will major in engineering and biological science as a prelude to medical studies. She will minor in education. Her scholarship application letter includes the words, “I dream of serving others in significant and miraculous ways and giving back to my community…” Through the drive behind those words, Kristi touches the heart of Lionism.

Kristi is accompanied this morning by her mother, Kerin Kiser, to whom we owe a hearty thank you for giving us this young Eagle and for being the wind under her wings.