Bermudez Kindness Scholarship

Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” – Mother Theresa

Kindness has the power to create meaningful change—often in ways we may never fully see. By leading with empathy, compassion, and understanding, we can positively influence the lives of those around us.

The Bermudez Kindness Scholarship recognizes graduating seniors who demonstrate kindness through their actions, leadership, and character.

The Bermudez Kindness Scholarship honors graduating seniors who demonstrate the importance of kindness through their actions and values. Each year, two $750 scholarships are awarded:

  • One to a senior attending a high school in Berkeley County, South Carolina

  • One to a senior attending a high school within the United States

Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, books, or other education-related expenses associated with four-year colleges, two-year programs, trade schools, or to assist individuals who have recently enlisted in the military.

 The deadline is Friday, May 8th, and the announcement will be made by Friday, May 15th. To apply, please complete the application form below. 

Previous Winners

2025

Anthony D’Abbraccio

Endicott College

“The act of just making sure somebody else is in a good place or is happy is truly what kindness means to me. In this day and age you almost have to remind yourself to do that for somebody else and to be in that moment when you’re with other people.”

2025

Sy’una Cleveland

University of South Carolina

“People don’t realize that kindness can be as small as complimenting someone on their outfit or as big as helping a community rebuild itself. Without realizing it, kindness will make you feel better about yourself as well. If you like something about someone don’t be shy, because that one act of kindness can change how they feel about themselves or a situation completely.”

2024

Jaylah Hughes

Spartanburg Methodist College

“Cultivating empathy, fostering open communication, and addressing systemic issues can help bridge gaps and promote kindness in society. I believe that kindness is crucial for people with disabilities as it helps create an inclusive and supportive environment. Acts of kindness contribute to breaking down barriers, reducing stigma, and fostering empathy.”

2024

Dylan Crocker​

Clemson University

“Kindness can inspire others to pay it forward, leading to a collective impact that spreads positivity throughout society. Moreover, kindness enhances mental and emotional well-being. Both the giver and the recipient of kindness experience psychological benefits such as increased happiness, reduced stress, and improved self-esteem. In a society where mental health issues are prevalent, fostering a culture of kindness can contribute significantly to overall well-being.”

2023

Althea Faulknham

University of South Carolina

“Kindness influences people. One act of kindness can create a beautiful trend, and when people experience kindness, they are more apt to show kindness to others. In our society today, everyone is so focused on being right, when anyone can be right, but not everyone can be kind.”

2023

Reagan Leopold

Clemson University

“In our world today, there is an unhealthy amount of selfishness and self centeredness. It seems like almost everyone is focused on themselves and have forgotten the importance of kindness and selflessness. What people don’t realize is that kindness is not only about being kind to others, but also about showing compassion towards yourself.”

2022

Faith Brown

Georgia Southern University

“When you show people kindness it lets them know that they are some good people out there in the world and it’s not all bad despite what they may hear on the news or radio talk shows. You don’t know what a person is feeling and at that moment when you do something good, showing a random act of kindness, could save their lives. We should strive to treat others the way you want to be treated, with kindness and respect.”

2022

Ande Reyes

Clemson University

“You don’t need to spend lots of money or throw a big party or shower someone with gifts to make someone feel better. What you really need to do is give them affection, and the best part about affection is that it’s free to give! Whenever I see one of my friends feeling bad or when I see one of my teammates feeling frustrated that they messed up in a race, I make sure to go up to them, tell them all of the good things they did, and get their minds off of the negative things.”

2021

Wilhem Davis

Clemson University

“Kindness is important in today’s society more than any society before. With the internet, everyone is exposed to everything, and it’s no wonder people are more depressed than normal. Kindness between people helps people remain positive. It helps people understand the value of their peers and helps their peers see the value in themselves.”