W.J. KEENAN HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR AWARDED $10,000 SCHOLARSHIP

June 15, 2009

Columbia, SC-- W.J. Kennan High School graduating senior Charles West was recently awarded a scholarship of $10,000 for his outstanding academic performance and excellence in community service.

Medical Mutual of Ohio, parent company to Carolina Care Plan, a local healthcare coverage company, awarded five scholarships to children of company employees. Of the five graduating seniors, and the only South Carolina recipient, West was the top honoree, scoring only a half point from perfect on the evaluation of his application.

“It is vital that our future generations receive the education and tools necessary to compete in a global marketplace,” said Rick Chiricosta, president and CEO of Medical Mutual of Ohio. “By offering deserving seniors this scholarship we enable them to gain those valuable experiences that will allow them to become exceptional citizens.”

Rolanda West, mother of Charles, has been an employee of Carolina Care Plan for nine years.

“I am very proud of all that my son has accomplished. I am also grateful to work for a company that not only takes care of its customers, but its employees and their children,” said Mrs. West.

During his time at W. J. Keenan, Charles maintained a 4.0 grade point average, was an active member in student government, most recently serving as Student Body President, and was a member of the National Honor Society. In addition he is a Principal’s Advisory Committee member and a member of the Richland County School District One Superintendent Advisory Council.

West is currently serving as president on the first-ever Ronald McDonald House Charities Youth Advisory Council of Columbia where he assists with fundraising activities and organization of philanthropic events.

Charles plans to attend Duke University in the fall with a major of Political Science.