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COM student wins Hispanic scholarship

The Circulo Hispanoamericano de Charleston has awarded MUSC medical student Erik Myhrer with the group's annual scholarship award.

Myhrer, who is a second-year College of Medicine student, was recognized for his endless dedication to health projects supporting the Crisis Ministries for the Homeless, the Sea Island Clinic and Charleston County Health Department. He received a certificate and check for $400 during the group's annual award ceremony held on Oct. 21. 

Myhrer helped to create a working plan to support migrant farm workers who've settled in Orangeburg, Calhoun and Bamberg counties. He helped map houses, confirmed patient lists, noted seasonal migrant activities and organized volunteer physicians to provide medical care to these populations.

“I wanted to be involved in something that made a difference,” said Myhrer. “A lot of these people don’t realize the true benefits of health care. We've taught them how to take better care of themselves by introducing basic health prevention techniques. This is something that needs to be continuously done.”

Each year since 1992, the 500th anniversary celebration of Columbus' arrival to America, the group has presented this award to a student of Hispanic origin who has demonstrated noteworthy community service and additionally served the area's Hispanic populations. The Ecuadorian-born Myhrer was also recognized for teaching English and his participation in health maintenance and disease prevention education to migrant workers in various regions of the Palmetto state on behalf of the South Carolina Department of Health. 

“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” Myhrer said. “I'm really just one of many people in the community helping others. I'm grateful to see organizations like Circulo Hispanoamericano de Charleston focus on individuals who are committed to serving the community.”

The award has been presented alternatively to recipients from the College of Charleston, MUSC and the Citadel. The 50-plus member group supports the award based on funds generated through  the Circulo Hispanoamericano de Charleston's Silent Auction fundraising event which takes place at the group's annual end of the year party. The organization also recognized MUSC College of Medicine student Wayne Harra for his humanitarian work in Ecuador.