FDTC Celebrates Sarah Carter: 2025 Flo Shupe Scholarship Recipient
Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) proudly announces that Sarah Carter, a dedicated student in the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, has been awarded the prestigious Flo Shupe Scholarship.
“Winning the Flo Shupe Award is an incredible honor, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and support it represents,” Carter said. “As I finish out my studies and determine which field I want to pursue, this scholarship will continue to motivate me and remind me of those who believe in me."
The Flo Shupe Award was established to honor the lifelong dedication and passion for nursing exemplified by Bernice Floella "Flo" Shupe. A trailblazer in healthcare, Ms. Shupe was one of the first Nurse Practitioners in Florence County, South Carolina. Her profound commitment to the nursing profession and her deep love for people and service to others also led her to serve as a member of the Florence County Nursing Honor Guard. The scholarship celebrates students who demonstrate similar perseverance, humility, compassion, and unwavering service in their pursuit of nursing.
"Ms. Sarah Carter was awarded the Flo Shupe Scholarship in recognition of her passion for excellence in nursing and her quiet servant’s heart,” FDTC Nursing Instructor Courtni Hough, MSN-NE, RN, said of why she nominated Carter for the award. “These are all qualities that strongly reflect the values and legacy of Flo Shupe.”
FDTC Nursing Instructor Tonya R. McKenzie, RN-MSN, FNP-BC, also lauded Carter, saying, “It has been a pleasure and an honor to see her growth as she goes through the nursing program.”
She added that Carter embodies the true spirit of nursing: perseverance, humility, and a servant's heart.
“Her willingness to help her peers and her ability to stay steadfast in her own studies is amazing,” McKenzie said. “Her future as a nurse will be bright and inspiring."
Carter said her experience at FDTC has been extremely rewarding and has played a significant role in her personal and professional growth.
“Thanks to the help of my professors and classmates, the ADN program (at FDTC) has helped me become more confident and resilient in my education as well as in the clinical setting,” she said.
FDTC’s nursing program continues to prepare compassionate, skilled professionals ready to make a difference in healthcare. Carter's achievement highlights the college's commitment to fostering student success through supportive faculty, collaborative learning environments, and recognition of outstanding dedication.