SC Governor Presents SCC Student with Tourism Award
March 1, 2022 by Colton Grace | SCC | 2022news
Spartanburg, SC - Today, Spartanburg Community College is proud to announce that SCC
Culinary Arts student Mark Stidham is a recipient of the 2021 South Carolina Tourism
Student Award and a $1,000 scholarship check, sponsored by the South Carolina Travel
and Tourism Coalition. The award recognizes outstanding students from the state’s
colleges and universities taking part in the state’s various tourism-related academic
programs.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster presented Mark with his award at a ceremony
Monday night at the Governor’s Mansion in Columbia, SC.
"Mark is an amazing student that is always excited for class and eager to learn new
culinary techniques," said Chef Amy Loyless-Byers, Director of the Culinary Arts Program
at Spartanburg Community College. "Mark is a perfect example of what SCC offers our
community. He is a true team player in the kitchen and will be an incredible asset
to any future kitchen."
For twenty-two years, Mark worked as a bankruptcy paralegal but recently decided the
time was right for a career change. He decided to take advantage of SCC’s free tuition
program and enrolled in the Culinary Arts certificate program. After discovering a
newfound passion for culinary arts, and at the urging of his instructors, he recently
changed over to the degree program.
"I originally wanted to study medical laboratory technology, but I felt I was instead
being led to culinary arts," Mark said. "After winning this scholarship and learning
that tuition will be free for the next year as well, I feel nothing but blessings
and affirmation that this is where I am meant to be."
"The culinary program is amazing," Mark continued. "The availability of highly knowledgeable
and quality chefs that are eager to share their knowledge is outstanding. Chef Byers
and Chef Bez have a unique rapport with the students that makes learning exciting
and easy to retain. They are incredible assets to SCC."
Upon graduation, Mark aims to become an executive chef for a fine dining restaurant
and, as he reaches the sunset of his career, he hopes to run the kitchen for a school
or summer camp.
"Mark’s story is one shared by so many of those who are currently enrolled across
our five campuses,” said Dr. Michael Mikota, President of SCC. "The free tuition program
has presented a life-changing opportunity to thousands of individuals in Spartanburg,
Cherokee, and Union counties and beyond to change the course of their life and their
careers – at virtually no cost. In receiving this award, Mark serves as the embodiment
of our motto: Dream “It, Chase It, Live it.'"