<strong>By Mindy Lucas</strong>

A Battery Creek High School senior was surprised with a scholarship, gifts and school supplies in a vehicle parade thrown by officers with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources on Monday, June 1.

Tyler Hancock, 18, received a $500 scholarship as part of the department’s “Take One Make One” hunting education program’s essay contest.

An aspiring game warden, Hancock was also “adopted” by officers with the department’s Beaufort Jasper and Colleton County units as part of a Lowcountry program started for graduates called “Adopt a Senior.”

In a vehicle parade held at the school on Monday, the officers presented items purchased from Hancock’s wish list including a laptop, backpack, books for college, a mini fridge, clothes and gift cards.

In addition to the scholarship and gifts, Hancock was also presented with a lifetime combination hunting and fishing license, valued at $500 and funded through the Harry Hampton Wildlife Fund.

Hancock plans to attend Horry Georgetown Technical College in the fall where he will major in Forestry and Wildlife Management. He served as president of the school’s Future Farmer’s of America program and as a major in its ROTC program.

Battery Creek High School Principal Chad Cox said Hancock was a passionate student who was involved in a lot of activities.

“Tyler is a great kid,” Cox said. “He has overcome a lot of obstacles and this is something he’ll remember for the rest of his life. All of us here are super proud of him.”