Governor Henry McMaster Proclaims May 8, 2026 as Bridge Builder Excellence Award Day Across South Carolina

For Immediate Media Release

Greenville, SC | May 8, 2026 — The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame (SCFHOF) proudly announces that May 8, 2026, has been officially proclaimed Bridge Builder Excellence Award Day (“BBEA Day”) in South Carolina by Governor Henry McMaster.

This statewide celebration honors 71 outstanding student‑athletes from 50 South Carolina high schools who were nominated for the 2026 Bridge Builder Excellence Award. Now in its sixth year, the annual #BBEA26Day Celebration, presented by The Leadership Minute, recognizes students who exemplify excellence not only on the football field, but also in the classroom and their communities.

What the Bridge Builder Excellence Award Represents

Each nominee is evaluated using a comprehensive, values‑driven scorecard:

• Football Excellence – 40%
• Academic Achievement (minimum 3.2 core GPA) – 30%
• Character, Leadership & Community Citizenship – 30%
  Including nonprofit service and school leadership

“These young men represent the very best of South Carolina,” said SCFHOF Executive Director, David S. Wyatt. “They are building bridges between athletics, academics, and service—and shaping the future of our state.”

May 8 Celebration and Programming

SCFHOF will host a private, live celebration on May 8, 2026, at the South Carolina Public Charter School District in Columbia, SC, welcoming nominees, their families, and coaches from across the state.

The day’s program will include:

• Media training for nominees with Film Director and Producer, Sam Sokolow and SCFHOF Executive Director, David S. Wyatt.
• Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Q&A for parents and supporters with fundraising professional and college professor, Bobby Couch and Executive Director and attorney, David S. Wyatt.
• Encouragement from Governor Henry McMaster and South Carolina Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver
• A Leadership Minute Live Presentation for the Liberty STEAM Charter Flag Football Team (Sumter, SC)
• A Certificate of Excellence Ceremony for attending nominees
• After lunch we will be naming the 2026 Bridge Builder Excellence Award finalists and winner. Heisman Trophy winner and South Carolina Gamecock, George Rogers will be on hand for the presentation.

Lunch for nominees will be provided by Whataburger, and Vapor Apparel will supply official event shirts.

Community Partners Make It Possible

This celebration would not be possible without the generous support of:

• Leadership Minute
• South Carolina Public Charter School District
• Wyatt Sports and Entertainment (WSE)
• Wyatt Law, P.A.
• Vapor Apparel
• Whataburger
• NFLPA – South Carolina Chapter
• NFL Alumni Association – South Carolina Chapter
• South Carolina Department of Education
• The family of William B. Sturgis
• Joe Bostic

A Mission Bigger Than One Day

The Bridge Builder Excellence Award is central to SCFHOF’s mission to help move South Carolina students into the Top 10 nationally in college and career readiness by December 31, 2030.

“Imagine how awesome this will be,” David S. Wyatt says. “These students are the proof that excellence on and off the field changes lives.”

A complete list of the 71 nominees is below. Every nominee is a winner.

About the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame

The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) For Impact organization dedicated to honoring football leaders while building bridges for student success statewide. Through recognition, encouragement, and leadership development, SCFHOF promotes excellence in athletics, education, and life. Join us in this worthwhile legacy. Give today at scfootballhof.org
#SCTop10N2030