News Summary
Morgan Chaplin, a senior at Clinton High School, has been awarded the South Carolina Teaching Fellowship, paving her path into a career in education. The fellowship not only provides financial support but also includes professional development and community engagement initiatives. As she prepares to join Newberry College, Morgan looks forward to making a difference in the education landscape in South Carolina.
Exciting News from Clinton, South Carolina!
In an inspiring turn of events, Morgan Chaplin, a senior at Clinton High School, has been awarded the highly coveted South Carolina Teaching Fellowship. This remarkable achievement sets her on a bright path toward a career in education, and the community is buzzing with pride!
From Student to Educator
Morgan has been paving the way for her future for quite some time now. She has diligently completed her Teacher Cadet coursework and participated in practicums right at Clinton High School. This hands-on experience has equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary to take that next big step into the Teacher Education pathway.
This fall, Morgan will join the freshman cohort at Newberry College, where she will continue her journey to becoming an educator. The fellowship program isn’t just about monetary support; it’s rich with professional development opportunities that will enhance her teaching skills and prepare her for the classroom.
Community Engagement
As part of the fellowship, Morgan will also engage in community service projects and form partnerships with local schools. This aspect of the program is a fantastic way for her to get involved in the community and make a tangible difference. It’s all about building relationships and contributing to the education landscape in South Carolina.
The Teaching Fellows Program, which is operated by the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA), aims to attract talented high school seniors into the teaching profession. Established in 1999 by the South Carolina General Assembly, the program’s mission is twofold: not only does it seek to bring fresh talent into the classrooms, but it also aims to develop the leadership qualities essential for educators.
Spotlight on the Selection Process
Each year, up to 200 high school seniors can earn this prestigious fellowship. So, what does it take to join their ranks? Applicants must demonstrate high academic achievement, a commitment to community service, and a genuine desire to teach in South Carolina.
The selection process is thorough and competitive, involving an online application, an interview, a presentation to a panel of educators, and a scored response. It’s rigorous, but the rewards are certainly worth it! Recipients are furnished with scholarships amounting to up to $24,000, which translates to a maximum of $6,000 per year for four years. The catch? Each fellow agrees to teach in South Carolina for one year for every year of funding received.
A Proud Tradition
Morgan isn’t the only Clinton High School graduate to celebrate this achievement. She joins the ranks of Sara Olivia Stephens and Elizabeth Childress, both of whom graduated from Clinton High School in 2018. They, too, were awarded the South Carolina Teaching Fellowship, with Stephens heading to the College of Charleston and Childress attending Lander University this fall.
This fellowship program plays a significant role in addressing the teacher shortage in South Carolina, rallying students to pursue education as a fulfilling career. It’s a win-win situation for both the future educators and the students who will ultimately benefit from their expertise.
Looking Ahead
As Morgan prepares to embark on this exciting chapter of her life, the community of Clinton stands behind her and the other fellows with pride and encouragement. It’s an exciting time for education here in South Carolina, and we can’t wait to see how these bright young minds will shape the future!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Corey Bedenbaugh Crowned South Carolina Teacher of the Year 2026
Batesburg-Leesville Celebrates Corey Bedenbaugh as Teacher of the Year
Columbia College and Newberry College Unveil New Teaching Fellows Program to Foster Future Educators in South Carolina
Additional Resources
- Laurens County News: Clinton High School Senior Named SC Teaching Fellow
- Clinton NC: Two CHS Students Receive $40,000 Scholarships
- Clinton NC: Lowe to Lead Simple Gifts Teacher Grant Programs
- Dignity Memorial: Margaret Curran Obituary
- Clinton NC: Dark Horse Fellows New Chapter
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
