Meet the Top 5 Students from the Hanahan Class of 2016

Valedictorian - Mallory Elizabeth Wright

The Valedictorian of the Hanahan Class of 2016 is Daniel Island resident Mallory Elizabeth Wright. Mallory is the daughter of Mitch and Melanie Wright and the sister of Megan (20) and Morgan (10). She will be attending Clemson University as a member of the Calhoun Honors College to pursue a career in research, specifically in the Microbiology field of viruses and bacteria.

Mallory had an outstanding four years at Hanahan High School. Her awards and honors include: four time Breakfast of Champions Academic honoree, Breakfast of Champions Service Award, Palmetto Girls State Delegate, South Carolina Academic Honors Award, Renaissance Student of the Year, Miss Hawk 2016, Hanahan High School Female Athlete of the Year, Hall of Fame Award, Junior Marshall, Principal’s High Honor Roll every semester of high school, four time Academic letterman, AP Scholar, four time Lacrosse MVP, two time Varsity Tennis Hawk Spirit Award recipient, Most Likely to Succeed, Math, Science, and Sports Medicine Department Award.

Out of the classroom, Mallory served as the National Honor Society President, Student Body Vice President, Science Club President, Beta Club President (10th grade), Captain of the South Carolina State Lacrosse Team, four time Captain and Founder of the Varsity Hanahan Lacrosse Team. Her extracurricular activities included: Varsity Women’s Lacrosse, Varsity Women’s Tennis, Student Athletic Trainer, Science Club, National Honor Society, Student Council, volunteer youth lacrosse coach

Mallory earned the following scholarships: Clemson Scholar, Clemson Presidential Scholarship, Clemson STEM scholarship, Auburn University Academic Presidential Scholarship, Auburn True Blue Legacy Scholarship, Purdue University Trustees Scholarship, USC Valedictorian Scholars Award, USC Dean’s Scholars Award, USC STEM scholarship, Palmetto Fellows eligible, STA Education Foundation Scholarship, and Charleston Evening Exchange Club Youth of the Year Scholarship.

Mallory’s message to her fellow classmates is, “Being an encourager to others, making the most out of the situations life throws at you, and believing that you have the power to change the world, will lead you to becoming the best version of yourself.”

Salutatorian - Kristy Nicole Kuoch

The Salutatorian of the Hanahan Class of 2016 is Kristy Nicole Kuoch. Kristy is the daughter of Kang and Kim Kuoch. Kristy will be attending Clemson University, where she will major in Chemical Engineering with the career goal to become a Chemical Engineer.

Kristy was recognized with the following awards: Hanahan Hall of Fame Award, Junior Marshall, four time Academic Letterman, four time Principal’s High Honor Roll, Hanahan Exchange Outstanding Student Award, and Student of the Month Perseverance

In addition to being a great student, Kristy was also the President of International Club and participated in the following extracurricular activities: International Club, Renaissance Club, National Honors Society, Teens Advisory Board, and Volunteering at Hanahan Public Library.

Kristy earned a total of $67,000 from the following scholarships: International Club Scholarship, Biddlecomb Scholarship, Student transportation of America Scholarship, Clemson University Academic Scholarship, MSOE Academic Scholarship, and Destination MSOE Scholarship

Ranked Third in the Class - Julie Margaret Rowland

Julie Margaret Rowland is ranked third in the Hanahan Class of 2016. Julie is the daughter of Jackie and Edward Rowland. She will attend the University of South Carolina and major in marketing.

Her awards and honors include: Junior Scholar, Duke Tip Scholar, Who’s Who at Hanahan High, SAT/ACT Wall of Fame, and Hanahan Exchange Club Outstanding student

Outside of the classroom she was Treasurer of Beta Club, Treasurer of Student Body, and Treasurer of National Honor Society. Her extracurricular activities include: Dance at Happy Feet Dance studio, student council, yearbook club and National Honor Society.

Julie earned a total of $133,500 in scholarships from: Palmetto Fellows, SC Association of Counties Scholarship, University of South Carolina Dean Scholarship, University of South Carolina Legacy Scholarship, University of South Carolina STEM scholarship, Furman Bell Tower Academic Scholarship, and Student Transportation of America

Ranked Fourth in the Class - Colin Michael Lillard

Colin Michael Lillard is ranked fourth in the Hanahan Class of 2016. He is the son of John and Helen-Marie Lillard. Colin will attend Clemson University.

Colin’s awards include: Junior Marshall, ACT/SAT Wall of Fame, Academic Letter and 3 Academic Bars, Honorable Mentions at 2014 Clemson Biology Merit Exam. He was a Renaissance Club Senior Representative and involved in National Honor Society, Renaissance Club, Orchestra, four-time participant in All-County Senior Orchestra, QUEST Academic Competition.

Colin earned $39,200 in scholarships from the Palmetto Fellows and the Clemson Academic Scholarship.

Ranked Fifth in the Class - Kristin Janell Watson

Kristin Janell Watson is ranked fifth in the Hanahan Class of 2016. She is the daughter of Michael Watson and Janell Watson.

Kristin was recognized with the following awards: Valerie Gaddy Memorial Scholarship, Savannah College of Art and Design Academic Scholarship, Anderson University Academic Scholarship and was active as the Student Government Secretary.

Earning more than $40,000 in scholarships, including the LIFE Scholarship, Kristin will attend either the Savannah College of Art and Design or Anderson University.