Hers is a story of perseverance and determination. 

Airport High School’s Autumn Farris has struggled, but she is going to the College of Charleston in the fall because she took it upon herself to dream about a better future.

She is an honor roll student who can play four instruments.

Autumn has been associated with the Scooter Scott Project at Airport High School since the sixth-grade. It’s a Christian-based organization helping kids in middle and high school become future leaders of tomorrow.

One of the group’s projects is making and marketing soap. This year, with the COVID-19 crisis, Autumn broke the record for sales  and she got something out of it.

“It helped teach me to be independent and responsible,” she said.

“She knocked it out of the park,” said Scooter Scott Project Director Jeff Jones. Autumn, in the process, earned $3,166 in scholarships. That’s more than anyone has earned, ever, said Jones. Autumn said the program helped her learn public speaking skills. She also received a scholarship from the Cayce-West Columbia Lions Club.

“After discovering Autumn’s story, I could not think of a more deserving student,” said Bill Mooneyhan of the C-WC Lions. He also helped Autumn market soap products from his auto repair shop on B Avenue.

Getting to where she is, has not been easy for Autumn. She has had to overcome some obstacles. 

She is described as: “bright, outgoing, kind, respectful, energetic, passionate and driven.” Also: “She hasn’t been handed anything she’s achieved. She has earned it.”

In college, Autumn plans to major in psychology and minor in music. Some of her goals include being a music therapist or an Air Force pilot. and there’s more.

“I want to grow up and get married, have two children, and live in a nice house,” said Autumn in her affidavit. “I want to strive for success and to never give up no matter how hard it gets.”