HCS Scholars Academy honored for 91.11% FAFSA completion rate

The Horry County Schools Scholars Academy High School in Conway was recognized for attaining the highest Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rate across all South Carolina high schools in the 2025-26 academic year during a ceremony at the school Oct. 1.

The FAFSA First Challenge was created by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education to increase FAFSA completion rates among South Carolina seniors while celebrating schools that demonstrate exceptional commitment to college and career readiness through FAFSA completion. FAFSA completion is an essential gateway to federal grants, state scholarships and grants, work-study opportunities and other forms of financial aid to offset the cost of college.

“You had a 91.1% completion rate, one of the greatest in the state,” CHE President and Executive Director Dr. Jeffrey Perez said during his introductory remarks. “And you also got the Early Bird Award. That’s a record of accomplishment. You’re part of a legacy.”

HCS Scholars Academy Principal Norman McQueen attributed the strong completion rate to students receiving than $14 million in financial assistance.

“We could not be more pleased with the accomplishments of the 46 members of the Class of 2026. Every member of that class was offered some type of financial assistance to attend college,” McQueen said. “That’s an extraordinary accomplishment, and it represents not only the hard work of our students but also the support of their families, teachers, counselors and our community partners.”

South Carolina Senator Greg Hembree also attended and recognized the school with a Senate Resolution. He encouraged students to think about the positive impact they could have in the future.

“I look out and I’m just excited for you because there is so much ahead of you,” Hembree said. “It’s exciting to think about the amazing things you’re going to be able to do as you go forward in your academic careers and then your professional careers.”

“The state of South Carolina needs you. We’re counting on you. We’re relying on you. You’re the best of the best, and our fellow citizens are investing a lot in you. There are others out there you may never even meet who will be relying upon you as you go forward in your academic and professional lives,” he added.

A total of 24,333 FAFSAs were submitted by the class of 2026 (43.73 percent), a 4.43 percent increase from the previous year. The data used in this competition were obtained from the FAFSA Completion Data Dashboard maintained by the South Carolina Tuition Grants Commission.

2025-26 FAFSA First Challenge Winners

Class 5A

First Place: Fort Mill High School - 62.37%

Second Place: Catawba Ridge High School - 62.26%

Class 4A

First Place: Gray Collegiate Academy - 70.59%

Second Place: Gilbert High School - 66.32%

Class 3A

First Place: Governor's School for Science and Mathematics - 87.33%

Second Place: Greenville Technical Charter High School - 84.73%

Class 2A

First Place: Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities - 80.17%

Second Place: Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology - 79.10%

Class 1A

First Place: Horry County Schools (HCS) Scholars Academy - 91.11%

Second Place: Aiken Scholars Academy - 78.26%

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