Game Changer Scholarship Established at Piedmont Tech

Susan Thompson is a legend in Greenwood County for her accomplishments at Greenwood High School, where she coached the girls’ basketball team to 299 wins, eight region crowns and two upper state titles. And now a scholarship has been established in her honor at Piedmont Technical College that aims to continue her legacy.

Susan and her husband John, a PTC graduate and Foundation Board member, wanted to find a way to give back to the community. They looked at several options, but wanted to find something that would continue with their children and grandchildren. Establishing a scholarship was one possibility, but the Thompsons wanted to give something that would be ongoing. Being involved with the college, John had seen the opportunities that were available. So they established The Game Changer Scholarship.

“Susan was retiring, and she gave so much to the girls to help them prepare for their future in life,” John said. “So often when we retire, we are forgotten. I hope this is a way for her legacy to live on.”

The scholarship will begin small, aimed at the female student athletes at Greenwood High School who have been passed over for athletic scholarships. Students must also be involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. John says eventually they want to grow the endowment to help not only the student athletes at Greenwood High School, but all athletes in Greenwood County.

“Susan’s had a big impact county-wide through the FCA,” John said. “Our prayers are that the legacy of the scholarship recipients will be that they become the servant leaders of tomorrow and an inspiration to others.”

John said his hopes are to grow the endowment with the help of not only his family, but members of the community who have been touched by Susan’s years of service.

“By giving to the Piedmont Technical College Foundation to support scholarships at the College, we have a great way to return the blessings we have been given,” John said. “I believe Susan’s fan base can help us grow the endowment even larger.”

According to Fran Wiley, assistant vice president for development at PTC, The Game Changer Scholarship will join the numerous scholarships available to help Piedmont Tech students achieve their goal of completing a college degree.  

“The establishment of the Game Changer Endowed Scholarship is a fitting way to honor Susan for the many years of service and support to her students,” said Wiley. “The scholarship will be a game changer in the lives of Piedmont Technical College students who will benefit from the generosity of Susan and John Thompson.”

For more information on The Game Changer Scholarship or how to donate to the endowment, contact Wiley at (864) 941-8351 or wiley.f@ptc.edu. 

Photo Caption: Susan and John Thompson have established The Game Changer Scholarship at Piedmont Technical College to honor the legacy of Susan’s coaching career in Greenwood County where she was a servant leader and a game-changer for so many young athletes.