From staff reports
United Way of the Lowcountry (UWLC) announced June 1 that Renarta Tompkins has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious Peter Post Service Star Award.
The award, which was created to recognize community members who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to service and improving the lives of others, was announced during United Way’s Annual Meeting.
Tompkins, a distinguished professor at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, has devoted her life to promoting childhood literacy and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed. Through her work with United Way of the Lowcountry’s Early Grade Reading Program, more than 7,500 students have been directly impacted, with an average of 97% of these students increasing their reading scores.
In addition, every participating Pre-K and Kindergarten student receives a collection of books free of charge, which they can take home to create their own personal library. To date, more than 90,000 books have been given to students participating in these programs.
“Dr. Tompkins’ passion and dedication to education and community service is an inspiration to us all,” United Way President and CEO Dale Douthat said in a news release. “Her tireless efforts have made a profound impact on the lives of countless children in our community, and we are proud to honor her with this well-deserved award.”
In addition to her work with the Early Grade Reading Program, Tompkins has served on the board of United Way of the Lowcountry and created the Lowcountry Read Across America event. She has also been a driving force behind the formation of Polaris Tech Charter School in Ridgeland and developed the after-school tutoring program at the Boys and Girls Club of the Lowcountry.
The Peter Post Service Star Award is a tribute to the outstanding contributions of longtime United Way volunteer Peter Post, who relocated to the northeast to be closer to family. As part of the award, a star will be named after Tompkins in the Virgo constellation for the month she was born. Virgos are known for their kindness, practicality, and dedication to hard work, making it a fitting tribute to a woman who has dedicated her life to improving the lives of others.
