STEM

Stories about regional initiatives into science, technology, engineering and mathematics

‘I didn’t think I’d enjoy it as much as I did.’ — An interview with Boyd Rankin

Having completed his freshman year at Coker University and won the 2026 Pee Dee Idea Challenge, 19-year-old Boyd Rankin has returned to his home in Tallahassee, FL, for the summer. In a few months he will return to Coker in Hartsville to study cybersecurity.

People

Champion emerges in ‘Shark Tank’ of Pee Dee colleges

For a shot at $10,000 in case prizes, 10 semifinalists pitched their business ideas in the finale of the 10th annual Pee Dee Idea Challenge on April 1.

Nonprofits

Students claim awards from regional science fair

Two area students have won best in fair for the projects they entered into the SC Sand Hills Region IV Science and Engineering Fair, held March 13 at the Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics in Hartsville, according to an email from the event organizer. Another two received scholarship awards to attend Coker University.

Education

Governor’s School science fair draws 64 STEM projects

About 100 middle- and high school students from schools around the Pee Dee participated in the SC Sand Hills Region IV Science and Engineering Fair, held Saturday at the SC Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics in Hartsville.