Share and Follow
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – The RBC Heritage tournament is once again showcasing its impact beyond the fairways, highlighting its commitment to fostering future leaders through education.
The Heritage Classic Foundation, the charitable arm of the tournament, is making a significant contribution to the lives of young scholars in the Lowcountry region. Through its scholarship program, the foundation is nurturing the ambitions of promising students, helping them pave their way to success.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, 11 high school seniors from Beaufort County have been honored as Heritage Classic Foundation scholars. These students represent a diverse group from five different high schools across Beaufort and Jasper Counties, each one exemplifying the potential and determination the foundation aims to support.
The selection process for these scholarships was rigorous, with the scholar committee evaluating candidates on several criteria including academic achievements, community involvement, personal essays, and financial needs. This holistic approach ensures that the scholarships are awarded to those who not only excel academically but also demonstrate a commitment to giving back to their communities.
Applications were reviewed by the scholar committee based on academic success, community service, essays written by the students and financial need.
During Monday’s awards presentation, Heritage Classic Foundation Chairman Simon Fraser told the audience, “This is always an exciting day for the Heritage Classic Foundation. We believe the résumés of these young adults are stronger than ever. The teachers and administrators of our school systems, as well as the award winners, deserve special praise.”
Fraser also noted, “You are not just straight‑A students. You are leaders in your schools, communities and churches. Your interests range from volunteerism to sports to caring for the environment.”
Six of the newly named scholars will receive a $16,000 scholarship over the next four years. Four additional awards carry a $20,000 opportunity.
“I feel honored that I was recognized for my leadership that I’ve displayed in my community and at my school,” said Laurel Hinderliter, a scholar from Beaufort High School. “And it’s something that I’m really excited to continue in my future.”
The Kirby Scholarship, a one-year $4,000 scholar award, was created in memory of past Scholar Committee Chairman Ward Kirby and is granted every year.
Two of the scholarships honor Scholar Committee chairmen who have passed, John Zimmerman and Mike Malanick. One honors the late Scholar Committee member Charlie Brown, and the Tartan Club Award recognizes the donations made by the Tartan Club. Created by the Heritage Classic Foundation, the Tartan Club is a group made up of individuals throughout the community who share a desire to help others through the awarding of scholarship grants for area students.
“It means so much I can’t really explain in words how much it means,” said Kaden Stewart, Tartan Club winner from Hilton Head Island High School. “It’s life-changing. Everyone, including the ones that are a part of the Lowcountry Foundation Board, has helped me so much and I’m just so grateful for this opportunity.”
Next fall, a total of 49 Beaufort and Jasper County collegians will be attending school and will have received Foundation grants at an expenditure of $194,000. A total of $5.75M will have been awarded to 408 students after the 2026 distribution.
In addition to these 11 scholarships, the Foundation is funding four $2,500 annual scholarships to the University of South Carolina Beaufort and two $1,500 annual scholarships to the Technical College of the Lowcountry.
Since 1987, the Heritage Classic Foundation has raised and donated $61.8 million to educational and charitable initiatives that lift lives in South Carolina.
To learn about 2026’s Heritage Scholars, visit Heritage Scholar Program | Heritage Classic Foundation.