On Monday, March 2nd, Beaufort Academy and the Thomas H. Horton, Jr. Memorial Scholarship committee were proud to announce the 11th annual scholarship recipient, junior Michaela Russell!  As the recipient of the Thomas H. Horton, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, Michaela will be traveling to Ireland this summer to study abroad on a National Geographic Student Expedition to study creative writing.  Tom Horton was a beloved teacher and coach at Beaufort Academy for 23 years. In 2003, Mr. Horton passed away, leaving a legacy behind. Tom was also a son, a brother, and an uncle. His family established the Thomas H. Horton Jr. Memorial Scholarship in 2004 to memorialize his life, and commemorate his contributions to the development of the minds and characters of students. Due to his love of travel, the scholarship is designated to give Beaufort Academy students a chance to participate in a summer study-abroad program.

[caption id="attachment_21523" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Schools-BA-Horton-Scholarship-e1425582986306.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-21523" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Schools-BA-Horton-Scholarship-e1425582986306-300x214.jpg" alt="Michaela and her parents, Wendi and Mark Russell, and  Tom Horton’s sister, Sallie Sheppard." width="300" height="214" /></a> Michaela and her parents, Wendi and Mark Russell, and Tom Horton’s sister, Sallie Sheppard.[/caption]

During the last ten years, the scholarship has allowed recipients the chance to study abroad in a variety of locations, including England, Paris, Italy, Scotland, Rome, Switzerland, Spain, Peru, Ecuador, and the Galapagos.

<em>The Thomas H. Horton, Jr. Memorial Scholarship was established to commemorate the contributions of Tom Horton to the study of English literature and to the development of the minds and characters of Beaufort Academy students. With a creative spirit, a giant heart, and the sense of humor required for a life devoted to teenagers, Tom dedicated his time and his talents to the students, parents, and teachers of Beaufort Academy for 23 years. He taught his students much more than can be gleaned from books and assignments; he helped them to a greater appreciation and understanding of art and literature, an honest concern for and sensitivity to others, a willingness to work as a team member, and an awareness of the world beyond the South Carolina Lowcountry. Understanding that travel is itself a great teacher, Tom spent countless summers trekking through Italy, France, Germany, and England sharing his passion and knowledge with BA students.</em>