As soon-to-be graduates prepare to take the next step after high school, they have a lot of things to take into consideration. While there are a variety of scholarships available, the Pine Street Elementary School Scholarship is another great opportunity for seniors who attended the elementary school. This scholarship was named for Mrs. Alexina Jenkins, but it is in honor of all Pine Street teachers, past and present. 

This past October, a ceremony was held to unveil the scholarship and honor past teacher and graduate from Pine Street School, Alexina Atkins Jenkins. About 50 people, including former principals, teachers, graduates, and current Pine Street attendees, watched the ceremony take place in the lobby of the school. After years of remodeling, guests of the presentation were given a tour of the updated school. 

Rick Wilson, along with other founding members of the scholarship helped present the opportunity during the ceremony. 

“The scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduating senior of Spartanburg High School in the top 20% of the class who graduated from Pine Street and who shows leadership, good character, and financial need for collegiate expenses. Selection will be by the SHS guidance awards committee and the principals of Pine Street, McCracken, and Spartanburg High School,” Wilson said. 

They would like to present this award at Honors Day at SHS and at 5th grade Honors Day at Pine Street this May. The honoree Mrs. Jenkins taught 5th and 6th grade from 1957-1961. The founders of the scholarship include 56 members of her previous classes. Her past students describe her as unforgettable. 

Current Pine Street Principal Dennis Regnier hopes that this scholarship will inspire and motivate students going forward. If Pine Street can have their fifth grade Honors Day program, then the recipient of the scholarship will be asked to give a speech to the young graduates in hopes of inspiring them. 

“I believe that the scholarship for Mrs. Jenkins represents a great connection for all our students and families – past, present, and future.  We take pride in being one of the oldest elementary schools in Spartanburg, and our commitment to excellence in education will live on and be supported by this scholarship.  It is a tremendous way to honor our past as well as celebrate the future successes of our students as they move on to college,” Regnier said. 

Mary Cannon, one of the scholarship’s founders, says their current fundraising goal is $25,000 of which they’ve raised a little more than $13,000, contributed by the scholarship’s founders. They are asking all Pine Street alumni and local businesses to contribute as well as current Pine Street Families. According to GoUpstate.com, the Donations to the Alexina Atkins Jenkins Pine Street School Scholarship can be made to The Spartanburg County Foundation, Fund 02215 via their website or by mail to 424 E. Kennedy St., Spartanburg, SC. There is no minimum donation required and all are greatly appreciated.