August 14, 2026
First-generation college student and Hartsville native Kammaren Mitchell never thought he would go to college. After his mother passed away, he planned to attend a trade school and didn’t have much for hope his future. That all changed when his high school guidance counselor connected him with a scholarship application – the Hines Scholarship – that changed the trajectory of his life and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Today, Kammaren is studying Digital Marketing, involved in a financial literacy club, and embracing a variety of opportunities he once never thought were possible. He refers to the scholarship as “light in the darkness,” sharing that receiving the scholarship has given him faith in himself and that he recognizes the benefits it has not just for him, but for generations to come.
Established by Franklin Hines and continued by his son and owner of Hines Funeral Home, Khalfani Hines, the Hines Scholarship was created to help students in Hartsville and surrounding communities continue their education and pursue opportunities.
Franklin believed deeply in education, giving back, and lending a helping hand to his community. The scholarship continues that legacy by supporting rural, minority students who may not receive other scholarships awarded solely on academics. Through recipients like Kammaren, the Hines Scholarship demonstrates how philanthropy is more than financial assistance – it can create hope, open new possibilities, and empower students to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Read more about the organizations, community members, and donors strengthening the Midlands, including those making an impact in the Black community. Learn more about scholarship opportunities or how to start a scholarship fund.
