A key part of the mission of the Exchange Club of Kiawah-Seabrook is to enrich the community by supporting local youth education initiatives. Each year, the Club presents college scholarships to deserving St. Johns and Charleston Collegiate high school students.
At the Club’s annual education meeting on April 16, 2025, we honored three scholarship recipients; each spoke of her plans for college. All three students demonstrate initiative and interests in areas well beyond academics.
The 2025 Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Club College Scholarship recipients are:
Maya Spalviero, Naomi Moultrie, and Ashley Gonzales
Here is more information about the three students who received scholarships this year:
- Ashley Gonzalez – Ashley Gonzalez was selected as the Exchange Club’s Youth of the Year. Ashley is graduating from St. Johns High School as a top student in the Class of 2025. She earned top credits at St. Johns, and is also on the Dean’s List at Trident Technical College, where she is already earning college credits. Ashley is the president of the student government organization at St. Johns. In addition, she excels in her culinary arts classes, and cooking is a much-enjoyed pursuit. Ashley also works many hours each week at Rosebank Farms in the retail operation. Ashley plans to attend Clemson University in the Nursing School program, and her career goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner serving patients in underserved areas.
- Naomi Moultrie – Naomi attends St. Johns High School and has been awarded a scholarship from the Exchange Club. She serves as vice president for student government and is a standout student in the Junior ROTC program. Naomi participates in the Interns at Work Program and other community service projects. Outside of school, she is a standout Gospel Singer. Naomi plans to attend the University of South Carolina and major in psychology. Her longer-term goal is to get an advanced degree in psychology and become a clinical psychologist working in a family support practice.
- Maya Spalviero – Maya attends Charleston Collegiate School and is our third scholarship recipient for 2025. Maya is an honor student and active in the school’s internship program, mentoring and tutoring young students. Her dedication to service is evident in her many community and school volunteer projects. Maya has an innate ability to connect with young students, and she plans to use this ability to pursue a career in education. Maya will attend the College of Charleston this fall, majoring in elementary education.
It was a privilege for the Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Club to honor these worthy recipients.
-Submitted by: Thad Peterson, Exchange Club of Kiawah-Seabrook President
(Image credit: Exchange Club of Kiawah-Seabrook)