Melinda Mihlbauer Obituary, Death – Sumter, South Carolina mourns the loss of a dedicated educator and community leader, Melinda Mihlbauer, who passed away on September 15, 2023. Ms. Mihlbauer, aged 68, was the founder of the PACE Scholarship Academy, an institution that has transformed the lives of countless students in Sumter and beyond.
Born on July 2, 1955, Melinda dedicated her life to education. She earned her teaching degree from the University of South Carolina and went on to impact generations of students as a beloved teacher for over three decades. Her passion for education led her to establish the PACE Scholarship Academy in 1998, a school committed to providing educational opportunities to underprivileged youth.
Under her visionary leadership, the PACE Scholarship Academy flourished, offering scholarships and mentorship to academically gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Melinda’s dedication to her students and the academy’s mission was unwavering, and her impact on the Sumter community was immeasurable.
Beyond her educational contributions, Melinda was an active member of numerous charitable organizations and a respected figure in the community. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched, the dreams she helped realize, and the brighter future she helped create. Melinda Mihlbauer’s passing leaves a void in Sumter, but her spirit and dedication to education will forever inspire generations to come. She is survived by her loving family, friends, and the many students she mentored and inspired over the years. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her, and her work will continue through the PACE Scholarship Academy.
