Ms. Jessica Lynn Burch
Ms. Jessica Lynn Burch is the 2008 recipient of our River Hill Lions Club-Clover High School-Harold M. Brietman Memorial Scholarship, now a $6000.00 aggregate award, payable annually at $1500.00 for each of four years. Jessica is the first 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.
Jessica, youngest of three, lives with her mother, Debra Lee Gardner, single parent, registered nurse and cancer survivor, who is also the major provider for one of Jessica’s two siblings. During her mother’s illness and recuperation, Jessica served as a major care giver. Medical costs necessitated the sale of the family home and a move to the Clover area. The associated debts are still being paid. Jessica contributed to the family income during the summer of 2007 by babysitting for three families, catering and serving as a housekeeper for a combined total as much as 26 hours per week. She will continue to work while attending college.
Even with the emotional and financial stress of her mother’s illness, Jessica demonstrated strong character and academic prowess by achieving a 3.945 GPA on the South Carolina Uniform Grading Scale within a college prep/honors/dual credit curriculum. Additionally, she was involved in her school’s Teacher Cadet program, Historical Society and International Club, and has been a member of Unity Baptist Church during her three year Clover residence. During her junior and senior years, Jessica was involved in what Clover High School Principal, Ron Wright, describes as “the most time consuming athletic program: varsity cheerleading”, where she served as co-captain. He uses the term “consummate over-achiever” when describing Jessica’s “incredible sense of commitment and work ethic as she gave her time to this year round activity”. Furthermore, Jessica’s sense of community connection is evidenced through her volunteer reading to elementary students and by helping with Clover High School English Department material labeling and organization. Clearly, Jessica models capability, as well as dedication to personal excellence and strong “team” sense.
Jessica, now attending the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC, aspires to a degree in biological science as the first step in pursuing medical studies. Her River Hills Lions Club scholarship application letter closes with the words, “I pray that you can help make my dream a reality and that one day I can give back so that others can live their dreams as well.” Through dedication to service, in spirit, Jessica is one of our own.