13th Annual ‘Waves of the Future’ Raises $28,000 for Student Fine Arts Programs & More

On April 13, 2025 at 4pm, the Chicora Rotary Club of Myrtle Beach presented the 13th annual “Waves of the Future – Rotary’s Celebration of Horry County Schools (HCS). The live event hosted at The Carolina Opry Theater in Myrtle Beach showcased the theatrical talents of more than 500 students from 20 schools grades K – 12. Congratulations to all the talented students, teachers and faculty who shined at this year’s Waves.

All proceeds from the event go to non-profit causes, including funding Fine Arts programs throughout Horry County Schools.Through ticket sales and sponsorships, the 2025 Waves event raised $18,000 to HCS Fine Arts Department and $10,000 for Rotary service projects. What’s more, since its inception, Waves has raised $166,000+ for HCS Fine Arts Dept. and $211,000+ for Rotary service projects.

2025 Performing Schools

Volunteers Make It An Unforgettable Evening

While Waves is Chicora Rotary’s biggest annual fundraiser and service project, requiring all club members to rally together in order to make it successful, the event could not happen without the dedicated leadership of Rich Scott, general manager of The Carolina Opry and long-time Rotarian. Rich and his spectacular team at The Carolina Opry work with the talented teachers at HCS to make sure the event is a top-notch display of student talent.

With hundreds of students taking the stage to perform, the multifaceted endeavor requires meticulous coordination from rehearsal the day before to the two-hour live show. Theater and School staff, students and Rotary volunteers come together to orchestrate the event from audio/visual technical setups, backstage flow, and scriptwriting to parking and ticketing, program and concession sales, and ushering, each component plays a vital role in ensuring the event’s success.

Special Thanks to These Volunteers:

• Producer: Rich Scott, General Manager, The Carolina Opry
• Director: Scott Scrivner, HCS Fine Arts Directory, Horry County Schools
• Choreographers: Kraig McBroom of Carolina Forest H.S. and Farrah Beaudry of Socastee H.S.
• Master of Ceremony: Diane DeVaughn Stokes
• Backstage Leaders: Jeff Mense and Jeremy Withers of Chicora Rotary
• Front of House Leaders: Marc Smith and Gina Brown of Chicora Rotary

Supporting Youth Art Programs & More

On the evening of the event, a full house of family and friends pack the state-of-the-art theater to support the talents of our youth. Through their ticket sales, thousands are raised to pour money back into support the arts in our schools.

“Keeping fine arts programs operating in our schools is imperative as the creative arts are essential to a thriving community. Scientific evidence has proven that youth who participate fine arts are more successful in other subject matters. Yet, while most recognize art’s transformative impacts, its place in K-12 education has become increasingly scarce. Providing this funding to the Horry County Schools Fine Arts Department, allows us to help keep arts alive among our youth.”

Rich Scott, general manager of The Carolina Opry and member of the Chicora Rotary Club

By supporting the arts in our schools, we empower our students to explore their passions, express their unique voices, and develop skills that transcend the classroom. And just to be clear, this isn’t a competition. Everyone is a winner as the students have their opportunity to perform under the bright lights of The Carolina Opry.

Plus, the event — or “fun-raiser” — provides support for many other local and international projects that the Rotary supports, including Polio eradication, the Dictionary Program, and Project Happy Feet.

Talent Selection Process

For those wondering how the acts are selected, schools submit their YouTube videos of their performances for audition. Out-of-state judges then reviewed and selected the performing arts groups for today’s program. It is a very competitive process and an honor to participate.
Congratulations to all those who were selected and thank you to all students who submitted acts.

Students Compete to Design the Program Cover

Thank You, Community Sponsors

Thank you to our generous community sponsors, including these 2023 Waves of the Future sponsors who are local supporters of youth arts programs:

Anchor Sponsor:

 

Gold:

Silver:

Get Ready for Next Year’s Waves on April 19

As the Chicora Rotary Club gears up for the 14th annual Waves of the Future—set for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at The Carolina Opry Theater—the call for community sponsors is more vital than ever. Sponsorships not only help sustain these impactful programs but also offer businesses meaningful recognition through digital program ads, on-stage mentions, and video screen placements during the show. Now is the perfect time for local businesses and organizations to invest in the creative future of Horry County’s youth.

For more information, visit: https://chicorarotary.org/projects/wavesofthefuture/