COLUMBIA, SC | October 14, 2026 — Six Successteam Youth Council Scholars were recognized as Columbia College Future Scholars during the institution’s Honors Dinner, marking another significant milestone in their academic journeys and reflecting Successteam’s continued commitment to college readiness, leadership development, and educational opportunity.
Hosted by Columbia College, the evening brought together students, families, and institutional leaders to celebrate academic achievement, recognize student potential, and highlight opportunities available through higher education.
For Successteam, the occasion represented more than a celebration of academic success. It was another opportunity for scholars to experience an environment where excellence is recognized, ambition is encouraged, and future possibilities are brought into focus.
Six Scholars, One Significant Achievement
Successteam proudly celebrates the following Youth Council Scholars for their recognition as Columbia College Future Scholars:
- Hannah Abeyie
- Briana Darren
- Kaylee Govan
- Zarian Morgan
- Hannah Meyer
- Logan Woodward
Each scholar received a certificate recognizing their selection as a Columbia College Future Scholar, acknowledging their academic dedication and potential for continued success.
Their recognition reflects the importance of academic discipline, intentional preparation, and pursuing opportunities that contribute to long-term personal and professional growth. Through the Successteam Youth Council, scholars participate in a comprehensive college and career readiness experience that includes leadership development, professional skills training, college campus experiences, community service, and exposure to institutions and individuals who can help shape their futures.
These experiences are designed not only to prepare scholars for their next educational chapter, but also to build the confidence and competencies necessary to thrive in environments that challenge and inspire them.
Columbia College President Encourages Scholars to Pursue Meaningful Excellence
During the Honors Dinner, Columbia College President Dr. John H. Dozier delivered remarks recognizing the academic dedication of students in attendance while emphasizing the institution’s commitment to providing meaningful educational experiences. President Dozier acknowledged the discipline and intentional effort required to achieve academic excellence, noting that the students being celebrated had invested significant time, energy, and attention into their studies.
“We reward excellence not by giving you more work, but by making sure that the work that you do in college is more exciting, fun, innovative, and connected to something that’s meaningful,” shared President Dozier.
His remarks extended beyond academic performance, emphasizing the importance of preparing students for meaningful lives and careers while encouraging them to make a difference in the communities they serve. President Dozier also highlighted Columbia College’s close-knit learning environment and its commitment to meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff.
For Successteam, his message reinforced an essential component of youth development: preparing students for success involves more than academic achievement. It requires helping them discover purpose, establish meaningful connections, and understand how their education can contribute to the world around them.
Building Confidence, Creating Opportunity, and Preparing Future Leaders
For Successteam Founder and CEO Tim Behling, the evening reflected a fundamental belief that young people should be introduced to environments of excellence early and often.
“One of our greatest responsibilities is ensuring that our scholars understand that they belong in rooms where excellence is recognized and opportunities are created,” said Behling. “Seeing six of our scholars celebrated by Columbia College reinforces why we place such a strong emphasis on college readiness, leadership development, and meaningful exposure. We want our scholars to recognize their potential long before they walk across a graduation stage.”
This philosophy continues to guide Successteam’s approach to developing young leaders. Rather than waiting until senior year to introduce students to college opportunities, the organization intentionally creates experiences throughout high school that encourage scholars to explore their interests, strengthen their academic and professional competencies, and develop a greater understanding of the opportunities available to them.
The recognition of six Youth Council Scholars at Columbia College serves as another example of how preparation, exposure, and opportunity can intersect to create meaningful milestones in a young person’s journey.
Strengthening Educational Pathways Through Partnership
The Honors Dinner also reflects the growing relationship between Successteam and Columbia College as the organization continues expanding its programming and community presence throughout South Carolina’s Midlands region. As Successteam advances its mission of developing the next generation of leaders, higher education partnerships remain central to creating accessible pathways for academic exploration, college readiness, and student success.
Through relationships with institutions such as Columbia College, Successteam seeks to connect scholars with meaningful campus experiences, educational resources, and opportunities that strengthen their preparation for life after high school. The recognition of six Successteam scholars further demonstrates the value of connecting young people with institutions that celebrate academic achievement while investing in their future potential.
Where Youth Become Leaders
Now in its eleventh year of service, Successteam Foundation for Youth Development continues building upon a legacy of preparing young people for leadership, educational advancement, and meaningful community impact.
Having impacted more than 10,000 youth since its founding in 2015, the organization remains committed to providing transformational experiences that challenge students to recognize their potential and pursue excellence. For the six scholars recognized at Columbia College, the Honors Dinner represents another milestone in their individual journeys. For Successteam, it represents something equally meaningful: the opportunity to witness young leaders being celebrated today for the promise they hold for tomorrow.
Congratulations to Hannah Abeyie, Briana Darren, Kaylee Govan, Zarian Morgan, Hannah Meyer, and Logan Woodward on this outstanding recognition.
Their achievement serves as a reminder that when young people are equipped with preparation, confidence, and opportunity, their possibilities continue to expand. The future of leadership is already taking shape.
To learn more about Successteam Youth Council, upcoming enrollment opportunities, and ways to support youth leadership development, visit www.successteam.org.
Successteam Foundation for Youth Development
Where Youth Become Leaders.