Florence, South Carolina – On Tuesday, April 30, the Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA) proudly announced that West Florence High School senior, Charlotte “Carly” Tilton, has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Betty Ann Darby Scholarship. “We are excited to award our 57th scholarship to a deserving student in our service area,” said Sandy Cook, executive director of the Florence Regional Arts Alliance, in a release send to Florence News Journal. “It is always a pleasure to assist our young people in their pursuit of their dreams, and education is key. Hat’s off to Carly.”
From an early age, Carly has been deeply involved in music, having joined the band in third grade. Her musical journey includes remarkable achievements such as consistently securing the first place in the region for six consecutive years with the South Carolina Band Directors Association (SCBDA) Allstate Band Roster and Allstate Orchestra. Her high school years have been decorated with accolades including Rookie of the Year and Sophomore of the Year awards, and she notably served as the Drum Major for the West Florence High School Marching Knights in 2023.
Carly’s talent has also earned her Superior Ratings at the SCBDA Solo & Ensemble Festival and a Music Achievement Scholarship from Newberry College. Additionally, she has contributed her musical talents to performances with various ensembles including the Florence Little Theatre, Coker University Concert, and the Francis Marion University Concert Band.
“Having a plan for life during and after college is very important to me, and completing classes to the best of my ability is at the top of my list. One of my favorite things to do for other people is to play music for them. I only hope that someday I can spread the joy of music to someone who hasn’t yet found their passion,” said Miss Tilton, who has been accepted into the University of South Carolina, School of Music, and plans to major in music education and music industry.
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The Betty Ann Darby Scholarship is named after Betty Ann Darby, a celebrated music educator from South Carolina and a member of the South Carolina Music Educator’s Hall of Fame. Ms. Darby dedicated 39 years to Florence Public School District 1 as a cherished music teacher and administrator.
Since its inception in 1997, the Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA) has awarded the scholarship to 56 students from Florence County. It targets high school seniors who either reside in Florence County or are graduating from any of its public or private high schools, including home-schooled students. The scholarship is merit-based, recognizing students for their artistic talent, passion for the arts, and aspirations to pursue a career in arts education or another artistic field. Honda supports this scholarship.
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The FRAA serves as a community-focused arts organization dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of Florence County and the broader Pee Dee area. Its mission is to preserve, support, and promote the arts within the community.
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