Charleston, South Carolina – Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, a leading South Carolina personal injury and workers’ compensation firm, recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of their annual scholarship program. Ten deserving high school seniors received a $2,000 scholarship to help with college expenses and ten impactful educators were awarded with a $500 appreciation prize. The winners of the 2026 scholarship awards contest were celebrated at a formal banquet at the Francis Marion Hotel in downtown Charleston last week.

First awarded in 2006 by the firm’s late founding partner, Attorney Reese Joye, the scholarship program was originally envisioned as a creative mechanism to provide educational opportunities and to safeguard young lives. To qualify, graduating seniors from across the Palmetto State are challenged to submit deeply impactful essays or creative projects addressing the pervasive dangers of distracted driving, drunk driving, or mutual respect on the road. In 2021, the firm expanded the program by adding the teacher appreciation awards and launched a scholarship for students attending a Historically Black College or University. In 2026, the firm expanded the program again by increasing the total number of scholarships available to ten.

Since its humble launch 20 years ago, the contest continues to grow, has awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships and awards to individuals across the state of South Carolina, and has fostered critical awareness of road safety among teen drivers.

Joye Law Firm 2026 Scholarship Recipients

• Annalise Jenkins is a graduate of Summerville High School in Summerville. She will be attending the University of South Carolina and nominated her teacher, Kristin Sutton.
• Arl “Wolf” Benjamin is a graduate of Wade Hampton High School in Greenville. He will be attending Coastal Carolina University and nominated his teacher, Silas Jenkins.
• Callie Ingram is a graduate of James Island Charter High School in Charleston. She will be attending the Clemson University and nominated her teacher, Matthew Gilbert.
• Derrick Thomas is a graduate of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in Orangeburg. He will be attending Presbyterian College and nominated his teacher, Miranda Knight.
• Elijah Williams is a graduate of Myrtle Beach High School. He will be attending Coastal Carolina University and nominated his teacher, Meredith Millen Harrison.
• Kamryn Hart is a graduate of Charleston Charter School for Math and Science in Charleston. She will be attending Claflin University and nominated her teacher, Kimberly Manigault. She is the recipient of the scholarship designated for a student attending a Historically Black College or University.
• Miley Graves is a graduate of Socastee High School in Myrtle Beach. She will be attending College of Charleston and nominated her teacher, Curtis Hudson.
• Spencer Nickle is a graduate of Lexington High School in Lexington. He will be attending Clemson University and nominated his teacher, Patrick Martin.
• Steven Vuong Nguyen is a graduate of Fort Dorchester High School in North Charleston. He will be attending the University of South Carolina and nominated his teacher, James Barton.
• Zoe Symone Butler is a graduate of Stratford High School in Goose Creek. She will be attending Trident Technical College in Charleston and nominated her teacher, Diana DeCecco.

The scholarship awards program is a cornerstone of “Joye in the Community,” the firm’s year-round charitable initiative dedicated to improving the lives of South Carolinians. Rooted in the firm’s Core Values of Compassion, Bravery, Continuous Improvement, and Respect for the Common Good, the program demonstrates enduring dedication to the collective welfare of South Carolinians by investing in emerging leaders and foundational educators.

“When Reese established this program twenty years ago, his primary motivation was a profound compassion for our state’s young people and a desire to keep them safe behind the wheel,” remarked Managing Partner Ken Harrell at the 2026 Awards Ceremony at the Francis Marion Hotel. “Reese believed that our responsibility to South Carolina extends far beyond the courtroom walls. Looking out at this room filled with brilliant students and dedicated teachers, it is clear that his vision is being carried forward year after year. We are honored to champion these young leaders and the incredible educators who build up our communities.”

Joye Law Firm eagerly anticipates the launch of the scholarship’s next 20 years in February 2027 and looks forward to continuing to support the educational needs of our community.