Willis Falls of Clover became interested in computers and electronics at an early age when he took many of his electronic toys apart and put them back together. At Clover High School, Willis took as many computer classes as he could, including C++. He then became the programmer of the FIRST Robotics Team, Team 1539, at Clover High School.

Stephanie Henrichs of Gilbert says that when she first started looking into a possible future in computers, at first it was to escape working with people directly. That was back when she was in 7th grade, still really shy and quiet--very different from who she is today. Now, as a senior in High School, after having worked as a cashier at a local fast food restaurant and as customer service in a local clothing shop, she has had a taste of working with the public. Although she I can't say she loved it, she has found it enjoyable. Through these jobs and the activities she became involved with outside of my classes at school, she feels she has grown (and matured?) into an outgoing, more personable individual. She would very much enjoy finding a position where she works mainly with computers but will also be exposed to the general public.

Steven Lofton of Columbia has two brothers and one sister and has lived in Columbia all his life although he takes frequent trips to St. Matthews to visit others of his family. He loves mathematics, computers, basketball and music. All my life, he has tried to stay true to the motto that achievement is nothing but a word waiting for one to put into action.

Zachary Swearingen of Simpsonville (info to come)

Alex Trowbridge of Waterloo plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering in the South Carolina Honors College and then to attend law school, but like most entering college freshman, his distant future plans are still tentative. Some recent honors and awards include being Star Student of Greenwood County, the American Legion Good Citizenship Award, and All-Region in two track and field events. He looks forward to his time at the Columbia campus and is thankful for the willingness of the university to offer these opportunities to upcoming freshmen.

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Students with strong academic records and leadership experiences who are pursuing undergraduate degrees in one of the programs of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering may be selected to receive a Wilson Scholarship. Wilson Scholars will receive up to $2,500 per year for two years, followed by a an opportunity for paid research with a departmental faculty member. These research opportunities are often used by Honors College students for their senior thesis and frequently lead to published papers and trips to present the papers at conferences. Typical Wilson candidates will have high SAT and GPA scores. Contact the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, Phone: 803.777.2880, E-mail: scholarships@cse.sc.edu

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5/28/07