Two senior Aggies will soon become Bulldogs too as they signed full scholarships to attend South Carolina State University during ceremonies held April 27 in our school library.

Jake Simpson of Iva, S.C., and Jaquez Perry of Wadley, Ga., were honored as recipients of the 2022 SC State 1890 Agriculture Innovation Scholarship from the SC State University 1890 Research & Extension. They each will receive up to $83,300 in scholarship funds to cover tuition and other expenses throughout their four-year academic careers.  

“I am proud that these two have chosen SC State University to pursue their academic goals,” said William Whittaker, acting dean for the college of agriculture, family and consumer sciences. “We are confident that Jake and Jaquez will enjoy their time at SC State and will ultimately graduate with the skills necessary to take on new challenges and opportunities within agriculture.”

Jake and Jaquez have declared as agribusiness majors in the university’s College of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences, which was recently re-established at SC State. The 1890 Agriculture Innovation Scholarship were offered to high school seniors as four-year, full-tuition scholarships with additional funding for books/fees and housing expenses. The program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

In addition to their tuition, books and housing, Jake and Jaquez will receive a complimentary laptop, professional development and direct connections to internship and job opportunities with the USDA.

“It’s a great day to be a Bulldog,” Jake said as he was introduced at the signing ceremony, which sported all the fanfare of a typical athletic scholarship signing – complete with the SC State Bulldog mascot in attendance. “The faculty and staff at SC State have been very welcoming, and I am excited to continue my education at one of the best colleges in the state.”

Jaquez was equally excited about studying in Orangeburg this fall. “I am proud to be a Bulldog,” he said. “It’s a blessing to be able to receive a free education. I am thankful for this opportunity and looking forward to attending SC State University.”   

Last September, the Governor’s School for Agriculture and SC State 1890 inked a memorandum of agreement with an eye toward growing the future of agriculture in the Palmetto State together. JDLH and SC State have developed summer programs and will continue to collaborate on future projects.  

“The partnership between JDLH and SC State University is essential to improving the knowledge and skills of our future leaders,” said Dr. Louis Whitesides, vice president and executive director for the SC State 1890 Research & Extension. “Not only will these students receive an education, but both will also be able to further develop their skills while working on our new 200-acre research and demonstration farm.”

Our principal Greg Thompson, an alumnus of SC State, and our agency president Tim Keown welcomed the SC State delegation to the campus for the scholarship signing and heaped praise on Jake and Jaquez.

“As a proud graduate of SC State University, I have no doubts that these two will be able to matriculate into an environment that encourages integrity, tenacity and excellence,” Mr. Thompson said. “Both Jake and Jacquez are exceptional students and agronomists. Through this partnership, I am certain that these two will continue to receive the love, support and education that will lead towards a promising future in agriculture.”