SANTEE, S.C. - U.S. Sixth District Congressman James E. Clyburn on Saturday awarded each of the 75 Canzater Scholarship recipients $1,000, a laptop computer and a software package at the 17th Annual Rudolph Canzater Memorial Classic golf tournament in Santee. The scholarship awards for this year total a quarter of a million dollars.

"We could not have made this remarkable evening possible without the generous donations by Dell, Lenovo and Microsoft," Clyburn said. "Their generosity will make a tremendous difference as these 75 deserving students begin their college journey in the coming weeks. These companies represent the best in corporate citizenship and philanthropy and deserve great commendation for the efforts on behalf of these sons and daughters of South Carolina."

Clyburn also thanked the presidents of South Carolina State University and the University of South Carolina for supplementing the awards to the students who will be attending their respective institutions.

Dell Vice President Kevin Brown was on hand to award 75 laptop computers, and he encouraged the scholarship recipients to use this opportunity to better their future. "Each of you have demonstrated you are committed to your education. I hope these computers will make that dream more attainable," Brown said.

"I am overwhelmed by the corporate and community support for this annual event," Clyburn said. "It is all about the students, and we are truly making a difference in their lives."

Lenovo donated 30 Think Pads to this year's scholarship recipients, and Microsoft donated software packages worth $1,079 to each of the scholarship winners for the third year in a row.

This year, more than 550 golfers registered for the two-day tournament that raises money for the scholarships. There are more than 100 corporate sponsors for the event.

The Canzater Classic is a tradition that serves as the largest economic engine in Santee annually. Activities associated with the Canzater Classic, including a health fair and a spouses' luncheon, take place over three days. This year special guests, 12-time PGA tour winner Calvin Peete and actress Ruby Dee, lent star power to the festivities.    

In addition to the 75 Canzater Scholarship winners, 21 other students will receive $500 scholarships through the proceeds raised at the Canzater Classic to defray their college expenses.

This year's cash and awards bring the total contributions to college-bound students to $650,000 over the history of the Canzater Classic. More than 450 students have received college assistance through this annual event.

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