How a Meeting Street school and scholarship set one student on a path to success

March 8, 2026

Briana Holmes, a junior at Claflin University, is a testament to what’s possible when students have a strong academic foundation and life-changing support.

Briana started attending Meeting Street Academy – Charleston as a 3-year-old in 2009. Her mother, Kamaria Holmes, had enrolled Briana’s older sister the previous year because the school offered the opportunity for an exceptional education. 

“I loved the school because of the family feel and how hands-on the teachers were,” Kamaria said. “And how involved the parents had to be and wanted to be.”

The Academy developed grit and perseverance in Briana that has served her ever since then. Since fifth-grade graduation, Briana has taken full advantage of the support and resources offered through alumni services. Because of her persistence, she has built a strong foundation.

“Her journey reflects what’s possible when someone shows up, works hard and fully takes advantage of the opportunities in front of them,” said Kat King, managing director of admissions and alumni services. Kat has known Briana since her early days at the Academy and continues to support her as an alumna.

Briana leveraged her education at the Academy to earn acceptance into Allegro Charter School of Music for middle school.

“Early on, (the Academy) taught students to be prepared and organized,” her Mom said. “It made it easier for her to transition into college to where she’s more accountable and not having to rely on someone else.”  

During her senior year of high school, Briana was awarded the Meeting Street Scholarship, which goes to high-achieving students with demonstrated financial need. She has not had to worry about how she will pay for school because of the Scholarship, and she will graduate from Claflin University debt-free.  

“College is already really hard, especially the first two years,” said Briana, now a junior majoring in marketing. “The Scholarship took a lot of stress off my plate.”

In addition to financial support, the Meeting Street Scholarship has given her a sense of community, she said. The Scholarship’s leaders are attentive, and she said she’s found meaningful connections on campus with the other Meeting Street Scholarship recipients. 

This year, the Meeting Street Scholarship Fund selected 10 of its top recipients to be Campus Leaders, and Briana was chosen to be a leader for Claflin. In this role, she’s a mentor to peer recipients and helps them maintain their scholarship eligibility.

In addition to her work as a Campus Leader, Briana co-founded an organization called Community United Resources For Inspiration Success and Education, or C U R.I.S.E. The organization focuses on preparing children for kindergarten and boosting reading scores in Orangeburg County. 

Briana dreams of working at a marketing firm after graduation and one day starting her own business. 

“She gets what she needs done because she has perseverance, and that’s what a business owner needs,” Kamaria said. “She has flourished so well in college and continues to amaze me every day.”

Categories: Scholarship Recipients