At an award ceremony on April 17, 2019, Joe Bonacci, senior vice president for CresCom Bank, presented three Charleston County Public High School students with 2019 John M Settle, Sr./World Affairs Council of Charleston Awards.

The Settle Awards are presented annually to students who demonstrate excellence in their studies of world history and foreign affairs. Through its sponsorship, CresCom Bank also presented the winning students with the latest Kindle devices to assist in furthering their studies.

Spencer Margosian, a senior at Wando High School, pivoted from his Engineering Club focus and VEX Robotics competition to write an award-winning essay. His essay argues that neither China’s economic expansion nor its diplomatic expansion in Asia present challenges that American foreign policy cannot successfully manage.

Bryon Murphy, a sophomore at Burke High School with a desire to practice medicine, and Amyah Wright, a sophomore at Military Magnet Schools, won awards for their evaluation of methods for improving Global Health based on actual results. In both research and access, the two students analyzed the factors of public vs. private funding and multilateral agencies vs. U.S. foreign aid. These outcomes were evaluated in both humanitarian terms and increases in productivity.

“CresCom Bank is happy to continue to sponsor the Settle Awards each year and to honor the students receiving the special recognition,” said David L. Morrow, CEO of CresCom Bank. “Each student should be proud of the hard work they put in and dedication it takes to receive a Settle Award. CresCom Bank is proud of them as well.”

The annual Settle Awards are named after John M. Settle, Sr., a graduate of Charleston High School and the Citadel. Settle was CEO of Community First Bank until 2002, and prior to being CEO he was Chairman Emeritus of Community First Bank, which later became CresCom Bank.

For more information about the John M. Settle Sr. Awards or World Affairs Council of Charleston, please visit WACCharleston.org.