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ORANGEBURG, S.C. – After winning the title Miss Kappa Kappa Psi in 2022, South Carolina State University
senior biology student Taryn Sparkman wanted to show appreciation by raising money
for an important cause.
The funds she collected over the past two years were used for a water drive to fuel
the university’s Marching 101 Band.
Sparkman is a transfer student from Georgetown, South Carolina. She is a percussionist
and ambassador of the Marching 101 Band with ambitions of becoming a research physician
specializing in obstetrics and gynecology.
Sparkman arranged multiple drop-off locations for the water drive in the hometowns
of the contestants from the 2022-2023 Miss Kappa Kappa Psi pageant. After establishing
locations in various cities across the state, she reached out to the Marching 101
Alumni Association for support and was assisted with a drop-off location in Columbia,
South Carolina.
In 2022, 175 cases of water were turned into the Marching Band program, which exceeded
Sparkman’s goal of 101 cases. But she didn't stop there.
With the incoming freshman class doubling the size of the band, Sparkman decided to
host another water drive for 2023-2024. This time, she gained support from various
departments and organizations on campus, including Whittaker Library, the Department
of Biological and Physical Sciences and United Voices of Christ Gospel Choir, as well
as administrative staff.
Sparkman’s initiative surpassed the band’s needs for the duration of the marching
band season with supporters from all over hauling trailers filled with cases of water
to the SC State campus.
The water drive brought in over 700 cases of water for the 2023-2024 school year.
Cases of water lined the halls of the Fine Arts building and around the band room
for the entire season. And supporters continue to donate.
The impact of the drive inspired students from the program to not only be leaders,
but to be the change they want to see in their perspective programs and departments.
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