Scholarships Spark Dreams
The Trident Technical College Foundation’s 2025 Scholarship Luncheon, held on April 8, was more than a celebration—it was a heartfelt tribute to the transformative power of education and the donors who make it possible. In a room filled with gratitude and inspiration, the event spotlighted the journeys of four remarkable students whose lives have been forever changed by scholarship support.
Dr. Vicky Wood, President of Trident Technical College, welcomed guests with a deeply personal reflection. A technical college graduate herself, Dr. Wood shared how a $500 scholarship set her on a path that not only changed her life but also reshaped her family’s future.
“That scholarship gave me the confidence to believe I belonged in college,” she said. “It changed the trajectory of my entire family.”
Dr. Lisa Piccolo, Vice President of Development and Executive Director of the TTC Foundation, emphasized the Foundation’s mission to bridge the gap between aspiration and access. This year, 496 students received a total of $472,000 in scholarships. However, with over 1,961 applications submitted, the need remains significant.
“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished,” Dr. Piccolo noted, “but we’re even more motivated to close that gap.”
The heart of the luncheon was a panel featuring four scholarship recipients—each with a story of resilience, reinvention and relentless determination.
It’s no coincidence that all the panelists were women—76% of this year’s scholarship recipients were female. But in a particularly striking and empowering revelation, we learned that each of the four panelists have had to balance entrepreneurship with academic and personal responsibilities.
Kiara Washington – Cybersecurity
As a graduate of the Culinary Institute of Charleston with Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry degrees, Kiara was inspired to return after seeing ads for cybersecurity. She now balances work, parenting a daughter and running a custom cake business. She expressed deep gratitude for the scholarship that enabled her to purchase the technology necessary for her program.
She said, “The scholarship helped me get the computer I needed so I didn’t have to keep driving back and forth just to take my tests.”
Allison Frederico – Nursing
Allison, who holds a degree in nutrition and dietetics, returned to school after her husband sustained an injury that impacted their family’s landscaping business. A mother of four, she chose Trident Tech for its strong nursing program reputation. The scholarship she received was life-changing, allowing her to pursue her dream of helping others—while continuing to support her family.
“For someone to look at someone they don’t even know and say, ‘I believe in you. I want to invest in you. You’re going to do good things’—it’s just something entirely different,” she said. “It really inspires me to continue to have that priority of paying it forward.”
Christine Baker – Veterinary Technology
Christine is a first-generation college student and self-employed dog trainer. She balances school, business and leadership as President of Phi Theta Kappa. Despite facing personal losses and financial strain, Christine was able to continue her education thanks to her scholarship.
“These things are important to me. I have a lot of different interests, and all of the things that I do are very important to me,” she said. “You’re going to show up if it’s important to you. You’re going to make the time.”
Dorinda Wexler – Culinary Arts
Also the first in her family to attend college, Dorinda was working in New York City when her life was forever changed by the events of 9/11. She shifted her focus to helping others, becoming a Zumba choreographer and wellness advocate before returning to school. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and losing her mother during her studies, she describes Trident Tech as a family and the scholarship as a blessing that helped her afford essential tools like cookware.
“How is it possible to live two years straight in gratitude?” she reflected. “Every dollar helped. Every action from donors helped.”
All four panelists expressed deep appreciation for the donors who believed in them. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they shared common themes: overcoming significant personal and financial challenges, and finding unwavering support from Trident Tech’s faculty, staff and peers.
“It just means somebody believed in me,” said Baker. “That I was going to get up every day and try my hardest.”
“It gave me confidence I didn’t know I had,” added Frederico. “It wasn’t just money—it was a message that I mattered.”
As the luncheon drew to a close, Dr. Piccolo reminded attendees of the lasting impact of their generosity.
“When you invest in our students, you’re investing in families, in futures, and in the fabric of our community.”
With tears, laughter, and standing ovations, the event served as a powerful reminder that behind every scholarship is a story—and behind every story, a dream made possible by someone who cared.
Learn More about TTC Foundation Scholarships
