Florence, South Carolina – The legacy of Sgt. Terrence Carraway continues to move through the Florence and Darlington County communities, not only in memory, but through the young people now being given new opportunities in his name.
The Florence Police Department has announced the 2026 recipients of the Sgt. Terrence Carraway Memorial Scholarship, recognizing five outstanding graduates whose achievements reflect the values of service, leadership and community impact.
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The scholarship was created in January 2019 to honor Sgt. Carraway’s life and to carry forward his deep commitment to helping young people build brighter futures.
This year’s recipients are JaAleyah Burns of Wilson High School, Rilee Brown of South Florence High School, Tessa Paison of the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics, Anastasia Ceaser of Hartsville High School, and Leah Spears of Wilson High School.
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Each student was selected as part of a program that has grown steadily over the years with the support of key community partners. The Florence Police Department credited Smurfit Westrock of Florence and The Terrence Carraway Foundation for helping the scholarship continue to expand and reach more local students. Their continued involvement has helped turn the program into a meaningful investment in young graduates from Florence and Darlington County schools.
The scholarship carries a message that reaches beyond financial support. It is tied to Sgt. Carraway’s lasting example and his passion for opening doors for youth in the community. Through each award, his name remains connected to students preparing for the next chapter of their lives, whether in college, career training or other future goals.
Officials also expressed pride in the recipients and their families, saying they look forward to seeing what the students accomplish in the years ahead. The announcement served as both a celebration of the graduates and a reminder of the wider purpose behind the scholarship: honoring a life of service by helping the next generation move forward.
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A special thank you was also extended to the team members who reviewed the applications and essays submitted during the selection process. Their work helped identify students whose dedication and promise stood out among the applicants.
For the 2026 recipients, the recognition marks an important milestone. For the community, it is another chapter in a scholarship program rooted in remembrance, service and hope for the future.
