WINNSBORO — Winnsboro native Maggie McManus has been named a recipient of the 2026 Stanford Award at Erskine College, a prestigious honor recognizing high school seniors for their commitment to the Gospel and ministry excellence.
Maggie, a homeschooled student and daughter of Rev. James McManus, pastor of Bethel Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Winnsboro, was one of two students selected for the award. Harrison Bult of Columbia was also recognized.
The Stanford Award is named for the Rev. Henry G. Stanford Jr., a 1967 Erskine graduate and longtime pastor and missionary. It is awarded to students who demonstrate a heart for service during their high school years.
In his nomination, McManus highlighted his daughter’s consistent faith and her role as a spiritual leader within their family.
“The Lord has truly blessed her with a faith that she is open about and shares with others,” McManus wrote.
McManus said Maggie’s dedication to her faith includes a strict morning routine of devotions, Bible reading and prayer. Beyond her personal study, Maggie has spent her high school years serving at Camp Joy, a ministry for individuals with special needs. Since her freshman year, she has volunteered for multiple weeks each summer at three of the camp’s four locations across the Southeast.
While Maggie had already committed to attending Erskine before receiving the award, she noted that the scholarship helped solidify her final decision. She plans to major in business at the Due West college this fall.
“I’m very excited to learn things from a Christian worldview,” Maggie said.
In addition to her academic goals and interest in campus ministries, Maggie will be a member of the Erskine College cheerleading team.
The Stanford Award was initiated by Jamie Williams, Erskine’s Director of Campus Ministries and External Relations, to celebrate and provide financial support for students who have a love for gospel ministry.