This Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015, is the 17th annual James Island Connector Run.
Gavalas Kolanko Foundation scholarship recipients Elena Swink (left) and Angel Mathis became friends through the scholarship program. Photo courtesy of WCSC.
The annual 5k and 10k races raise money for the Gavalas Kolanko Foundation, which awards scholarships to students with disabilities at several Charleston area colleges and universities, including the College of Charleston.
Since 1999, the foundation has awarded a total of 115 scholarships. This year, the foundation awarded scholarships to the following 11 students at the College: Samantha Chapman, Rachel Feldman, Robbie Katz, Kayana Ladson, Marlayah Legare, Joshua Mack, Angel Mathis, Tyler Owens, Mary Stamato, Elena Swink and Willie Wester.
“The College is grateful for partnerships like the one we have with the Gavalas Kolanko Foundation,” says College of Charleston President Glenn F. McConnell. “Their support is helping students who may not otherwise have the means to pursue their academic goals. Our partnership is the perfect example of the power of scholarships and the boundless impact scholarships can have on a student’s life.”
The College has a long and close connection with the race and the Gavalas Kolanko Foundation. Each year, many students, faculty and staff participate in or volunteer at the race, which starts at Cannon Park in downtown Charleston. In addition, several of the foundation’s board members have ties to the College as alumni, faculty and advisory board members.
If you’d like to support this worthwhile cause, there’s still time to register on the race’s website through 10 a.m. Thursday or in-person at packet-pickup on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning.
Watch a video below about CofC seniors and Gavalas Kolanko scholarship recipients Angel Mathis and Elena Swink:
