Sharonda Coleman-Singleton Memorial 5K and Scholarship Fund

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In Memory of Sharonda Coleman-Singleton

Honoring a Life of Service, Advocacy, and Inspiration

Sharonda Coleman-Singleton was a woman of deep purpose, boundless energy, and unshakable compassion. As a speech-language pathologist, educator, coach, minister, and devoted mother, she poured herself into helping others grow — whether in their voices, their faith, or their future.

Sharonda worked in the Berkeley County School District in South Carolina, where she served as both a speech-language pathologist and head girls' track coach at Goose Creek High School. In her role as an SLP, she worked with students to develop their communication skills, helping them find their voices — both literally and figuratively. Her work was deeply personal, often one-on-one, and always guided by her belief in the potential of every child.

Outside the classroom, Sharonda was a respected coach and mentor. She motivated her athletes to go beyond their limits while offering the care and encouragement that defined all of her relationships. She was also an active minister at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, where she nurtured her community through faith and service.

On June 17, 2015, Sharonda’s life was tragically cut short during the mass shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church. While her absence is deeply felt, her legacy lives on — not only through her children and students, but also through initiatives that reflect her values and passions.

The Sharonda Coleman-Singleton Memorial Scholarship & 5K

Supporting the Next Generation of Speech-Language Pathologists

To honor Sharonda’s enduring impact, the South Carolina Speech-Language-Hearing Association (SCSHA) established the Sharonda Coleman-Singleton Memorial Scholarship — a lasting tribute to her life’s work and her commitment to education, equity, and excellence in the field of speech-language pathology.

This annual scholarship provides financial assistance to minority students in South Carolina pursuing degrees in speech-language pathology, helping reduce barriers for future professionals in the field Sharonda loved and served so faithfully.

In conjunction with the scholarship, SCSHA also hosts the Sharonda Coleman-Singleton Memorial 5K, a virtual and in-person run/walk event held across the state. This event brings together colleagues, families, students, and community members to run in Sharonda’s honor and raise funds that directly support the scholarship. Local meet-ups are held in cities such as Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Fort Mill, creating a statewide day of unity, remembrance, and impact.

The scholarship and 5K are more than commemorations — they are living extensions of Sharonda’s work. Each donation, each mile walked or run, and each student supported is a continuation of her legacy of compassion, service, and empowerment.

Join Us in Honoring Sharonda

You can help carry forward Sharonda’s legacy by:

• Participating in the annual Sharonda Coleman-Singleton 5K (virtually or in person)
• Donating to the SCSHA Foundation to support the scholarship fund
• Spreading the word about the importance of diversity and representation in the field of speech-language pathology

Together, we can ensure that Sharonda’s life continues to inspire, uplift, and open doors — just as she did every day.

You can donate to the Sharonda Coleman-Singleton Memorial Scholarship Fund at any time:

Make A Donation