Theresa S. Prioleau, a New York native reared in Cross, South Carolina, is the Founder and CEO of CHECK (Communities Helping to Encourage Change in Kids) and has dedicated more than 30 years to education at Cross High and Cross Elementary Schools. Holding both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Elementary Education, she has devoted her career to empowering children, strengthening families, and improving the quality of life for residents in rural communities. Since founding CHECK in 1997, Theresa has expanded the organization into a community-driven nonprofit that serves youth, individuals with autism and special needs, senior citizens, and their families through nine free initiatives. These programs provide educational support, leadership development, cultural arts experiences, mental health awareness, autism acceptance, family engagement, community outreach, and services for the elderly, impacting hundreds of individuals annually across eight rural South Carolina communities. Under her leadership, signature initiatives such as the Annual Kids' Day, CHECKMATES Youth Program, Love & Acceptance of Autism & Special Needs CommUNITY, Special Needs Sneaker Ball, Mental Health Symposium, Cultural Arts Youth Celebration, and CHECK Cares initiatives have fostered inclusion, opportunity, collaboration, and hope for underserved populations. Through her unwavering commitment to service, Theresa continues to be a passionate advocate for education, accessibility, community empowerment, and positive change for generations to come. 

Selena Robinson Aiken

Dena Brown

Jannine Brown

Melody Brown

Ruthie Haskell

Karen Middleton

Quida Polite

Tahje Prioleau

Dr. Dianne Ravenell

Mandy Ravenell

Susan Smith

Alicia Weathers

Shannon Whitten

Yvonne Bradley

Dena Brown

Hernetha Goodman

Antoinette Green

Legretta Hill

Delores Johnson

Sheryl President

Sylvester President

Richardine Smith

Debra Tilley 

22Youth in Grades 6-12 in the Cross, SC & Surrounding Communities