Teen volunteers at Irmo Branch Library receive scholarships for Friends of the Library group

Irmo, SC 04/28/2025 – Teen volunteers MaKiley Ford and Chong Han “Andrew” Zhao are the recipients of the 2025 Friends of the Irmo Branch Library Scholarships. Each student will receive a one-time $2,000 scholarship. The scholarships, given annually, recognize Outstanding Junior Volunteers at the Irmo Branch Library.

MaKiley, who will graduate in May from the Cyber Academy of South Carolina, has been accepted at both the University of South Carolina and Howard University. She is the daughter of Janet Caudle and James Ford.

Andrew, an International Baccalaureate Diploma student at Irmo High School, who will graduate in May, has been accepted into the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing at the University of South Carolina. Andrew is the son of You CaiRong and Zhao He.

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A Junior Volunteer for the Irmo Branch Library, MaKiley said, “volunteering at the Irmo Library has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Each day brings something new, and I love seeing all the creative projects at the Youth Services Desk.” This past year, MaKiley received the Sunshine Award from the library for her volunteer efforts.

Andrew has been both a Junior Volunteer for the library and a volunteer for the Friends of the Irmo Branch Library, helping with book Donation Days and Book Sales. “In my senior year, I often found myself in the library, giggling with friends. I truly appreciated chatting with staff as we set up another venue. These memories will stick with me as I trailblaze through life and build community.”

“We are delighted to award this year’s junior volunteer scholarship to such deserving students,” said C. Grant Jackson, president of the Friends of the Irmo Branch Library. “These junior volunteers have provided invaluable service to both the library and the Friends.”

In addition to being a junior volunteer at the library, MaKiley has also volunteered for Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity. She also has been a Schoolhouse Tutor, offering online peer-peer tutoring for other students.

At Irmo High School, Andrew organized and founded the International Club, which he served as president, to foster an international community within the school. He also served as president of the Interact Club, a service organization sponsored by Rotary, and has been involved with both the Irmo Marching Band and German Club.

PHOTO CAPTION: (L-R.) Scholarship Recipient MaKiley Ford, Friends President C. Grant Jackson, Scholarship

Recipient Andrew Zhao

PHOTO CAPTION: (L.-R.) Janet Caudle and Her Daughter Scholarship Recipient MaKiley Ford, Friends

President C. Grant Jackson, Scholarship Recipient Andrew Zhao and Irmo High Guidance

Counselor Ruschell Pearson