Scholarship Funds Second Chance for Student
A scholarship from the Western Piedmont Foundation helped a first-generation college student go back to school and earn a degree after time away due to challenges.
Darian Bouley grew up in Indian Land, South Carolina and graduated from Fort Mill High School in 2010. He attended Clemson University as a biochemistry major, until he was involved in a car accident the night before he was scheduled to take his final exams at the end of his freshman year. He was rushed to the hospital with a broken neck and ended up leaving school to focus on his recovery.
“I was in a neck brace for four months,” Bouley said. “I had to learn how to do everyday tasks without using my neck or moving my shoulders. I had to rely heavily on people around me to help me get dressed and take showers. Afterward, I had to do some physical therapy to help with moving neck and shoulders.”
After allowing his body to heal as much as possible, he contemplated his options. Going back to Clemson was out, because his medical leave caused him to lose his financial aid package. Over the next several years, he worked a variety of jobs, got married, purchased a home in Morganton and adopted a child. In 2024, he started his current position as an IV fill operator with Baxter Healthcare in Marion.
But he still dreamed of going back to school to earn a degree and considered Western Piedmont Community College.
“I wanted to get a degree in IT (information technology) so I could start a career in tech that would help me provide for my family,” Bouley said.
He applied for scholarships though the Western Piedmont Foundation and was awarded the Riley Thomas Greer Scholarship.
“Financial aid relieves an incredible burden for paying for these classes and books,” Bouley said. “I don’t have much extra income to cover the cost of school right now, so grants and scholarships are the lifeblood of my ability to be in school.”
He earned an Associate in Applied Science in Information Technology from WPCC in the fall of 2025 and is now taking classes toward an Associate in Science degree at the college.
“My goal is to either become a programmer or work in cybersecurity,” Bouley said.
He shared his gratitude for people in the community who funded the scholarship that empowered him to take his life and career to the next level.
“I appreciate everyone’s participation in supporting the Western Piedmont Foundation,” Bouley said. “Without these scholarships, people like me would not be able to fund their education.”
Published: 04/01/2026