HTC Hosts 2023 REEL Kids Celebration for Area Students at Ripley’s Aquarium
22nd Annual Event Recognized Students Who Demonstrate Leadership Excellence While Also Overcoming Life Challenges
April 21, 2023, Conway, S.C. – HTC held the Cooperative’s Recognizing Extraordinary Examples of Leadership (REEL) Kids celebration this past Thursday at Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach. The REEL Kids program, which was launched in 2001, is structured to recognize students who demonstrate leadership excellence while overcoming life challenges.
This year HTC recognized more than 70 children from schools throughout Horry, Georgetown and Marion counties.
As part of the celebration, this year’s REEL Kids were able to enjoy the aquarium, were provided lunch and heard from Coastal Carolina University Head Baseball Coach Gary Gilmore. Coach Gilmore’s speech focused on the importance of perseverance, overcoming adversity and being the best student, friend and teammate possible. In addition, each winner received an Olympic-style medal and a new iPad.
“We learn about so many amazing young students each year through the nominations we receive, and we are truly humbled by the courage and perseverance they have exemplified in their young lives,” said Carlton Lewis, HTC CEO. “It is inspiring to see that our REEL Kids have overcome what many would have seen as roadblocks. It is HTC’s great pleasure to be able to provide this program for these remarkable students, and to recognize them for their spectacular accomplishments.”
At this year’s ceremony, HTC also made $1,000 donations to the Horry, Georgetown and Marion County Police Departments in honor, and memory, of Homewood Elementary 2023 REEL Kid Jonah Burton. One of Jonah’s dreams was to grow up to be a police officer, but he sadly passed away in late 2022.
Videos for each REEL Kid can be viewed by visiting https://www.htcinc.net/community/htc-reel-kids/. To learn more about HTC, including the Cooperative’s commitment to the area, visit www.htcinc.net.
About HTC
HTC is the largest telecommunications cooperative in the United States. Celebrating 70 years as the local leader in communications, HTC provides services in Horry, Georgetown and Marion counties. Utilizing the area’s most extensive fiber optic network, HTC service offerings include: Internet; Video; Security; Mobile; and Voice. HTC also offers advanced business services, including: Internet; Voice and Hosted Voice Solutions; IT Solutions such as Wi-Fi, Data Backup & Recovery and Firewalls; and Business Security. To learn more about HTC, visit www.htcinc.net. For additional information about HTC or becoming a member, call 843-365-2154.
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