2024 Seniors receive scholarships
Published 9:04 am Wednesday, May 8, 2024
MOULTRIE — Colquitt County High School’s soon to be graduating seniors received scholarships, awarded by a variety of civic organizations, individuals and businesses, during Senior Recognition Night.
The ceremony was held at Withers Auditorium Thursday, May 2, with each scholarship being presented by a representative of the organization or business it was given by.
Superintendent Dan Chappuis opened with, “The faculty, staff, and administration of Colquitt County High School strongly encourage our students to pursue various post-secondary options. For many, that option is to further their education. We are grateful that this view is shared by fellow Moultrie/Colquitt County citizens as is evidenced by the number of community-based honors and scholarships awarded tonight.”
Scholarship committee awards
The Debra H. Boyd Scholarship is given to a senior who has demonstrated leadership abilities in the Family and Consumer Sciences. Willard Harper presented the scholarship to Mitzi Enriquez-Matias.
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The Dr. F. Lamar Demott Memorial Scholarship fund was established by friends and colleagues of one of Colquitt County’s most beloved and outstanding educators. Teachers from the Visual and Performing Arts departments nominated students for this scholarship. Marlon Baker presented the scholarship to Jackson Ballard.
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The Ellen Payne Odom Scholarship is awarded to a student with the highest GPA in their world language courses. Marlon Daniels presented the scholarship to Haggith Martinez.
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The Steve and Teresa Hufstetler Scholarship is given in memory of Frank and Lucy Flowers. Students who applied for this scholarship must be pursuing a college degree and show a financial need. Marlon Baker presented the scholarship to Quince McCloud.
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The Jim Buck Goff Memorial Scholarship is given by friends of the longtime director of the Moultrie Recreation Department to an athlete who displays excellence, leadership, and character. Marlon Baker presented the scholarship to Cayden Parker.
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The Jim Mack Odom Award for Excellence is given to a student who will pursue a career in education and who submitted an essay on what inspired their career choice. Marlon Daniels presented the scholarship to Maris Hopper.
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The Moultrie Housing Authority presents a scholarship to a deserving resident with good grades who won an essay competition about overcoming obstacles in life. Rondesha Williams presented the scholarship to Deidra Spry.
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The Vereen Family Scholarships are given to students on the basis of academic performance, test scores, and an essay in which the applicant described their financial need, community service involvement, and future academic plans. The scholarships are a total of $8,000 each and Lisa Vereen Zeanah presented them.
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The W. C. “Bud” Vereen Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Cam Cook.
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The W. J. Vereen Scholarship was awarded to Jackson Ballard.
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When longtime sports editor Wayne Grandy retired from The Moultrie Observer in 2016, the local newspaper established a scholarship in his name to encourage students to pursue a career in journalism. The recipient of this year’s Wayne Grandy Journalism Scholarship was Summer Allbrooks.
Colquitt County Schools scholarships
Charlie A. Gray Junior High School presents a scholarship to a graduating senior who excelled academically and demonstrated outstanding character throughout his/her high school career. Pamela Heidelberg presented the scholarship to Kayla Scroggins.
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The Cox Elementary School Scholarship is presented to two seniors that attended Cox Elementary School and demonstrated academic excellence. Kristi Gonzales, principal of Cox Elementary, presented the scholarships to Jason Juan-Thomas and Jamya Moore.
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Doerun Elementary School awards a scholarship each year in memory of Verna Hollingsworth, who was the principal of Doerun Elementary from 1979 to 1990. Doerun Elementary SGA Advisor Hannah Hollandsworth and SGA President Riley Stallings presented this scholarship to Alyssa Blair.
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The Funston Elementary School Scholarship is given to the former student of the school who is an honor student and who has earned the highest grade point average. This award was presented by SGA President Allie Strickland Yadhira Alvarez.
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The GEAR Scholarships are given to former students of the program who are all-around assets to the school. Allen Edwards, Cooper Edwards, and Coleman Croft presented the scholarships to Charimaine Dauphin and Maris Hopper.
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Each year the Student Government Association of Hamilton Elementary School presents the Trell Coleman Memorial Scholarship to a former Hamilton student. The scholarship is funded jointly by the Coleman family, Hamilton PTO, and the Hamilton SGA. Amy Hardigree presented the scholarship to Carolyne Turner.
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The Norman Park Elementary Scholarship goes to the senior with the highest grade point average who attended Norman Park Elementary School. Principal Michelle Daniels presented the scholarship to Rylee Wiard.
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The Odom Elementary School Scholarship is given each year in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Mack Odom. This scholarship was presented by Principal Marlon Daniels to Emma Carter.
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Okapilco Elementary School and the Okapilco Junior Beta Club established a scholarship to honor the Colquitt County High School graduating senior with the highest GPA who attended Okapilco at least three years, is a former member of the Okapilco Junior Beta Club, and who has made continuing educational plans after high school graduation. Tremaya Scott, Okapilco Junior Beta Club president, presented the scholarship to Kaitlyn Bowers.
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The O. Marcus Bell Memorial Scholarship is given in memory of Marc Bell, who served as principal of R.B. Wright Elementary School from 2001 through 2015. This scholarship is offered to graduating seniors who attended R. B. Wright from kindergarten to 5th grade. Three scholarships were presented this year by R.B. Wright’s BETA Club, PTO and SGA. Each recipient will be receiving a $1,500 scholarship.
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Representing the BETA Club, Taylor Mae Thompson presented the scholarship to Ava Brooks.
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Representing the PTO, Tristyn Hardin presented the scholarship to Elizabeth Costin.
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Representing the SGA, Noah Sims presented the scholarship to James Glenn.
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Stringfellow Elementary School gives a scholarship to a graduate who has excelled academically and participated in extracurricular activities. Stringfellow Assistant Principal Tiffany Richey presented the scholarship to Ameris Johnson.
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The Sunset Elementary Scholarship was established in 1998 in honor of former principal Jimmy N. Taylor. It is awarded to the Colquitt County High senior, with the highest GPA who attended Sunset Elementary from kindergarten through fifth grade, has been involved in various school and community activities, and has been accepted to a college or technical institution. Rondesha Williams presented the scholarship to Brisafernanda Gallardo.
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The SGA at Williams Middle School follows students who made a difference at Williams Middle School and who have continued to do so at CCHS. Josh Purvis presented the award to Eli Meads.
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Randy Saturday was a beloved math teacher for over 20 years. In his honor and memory, the Randy Saturday Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a former student who exhibits some of the characteristics he was best known for: hard work, a love of learning, and kindness. Josh Purvis presented the scholarship to Noah Henderson.
Community partners and civic clubs scholarships
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has impacted countless lives locally, nationally and internationally through its mission to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of “Service to All Mankind.” Elaine Daniels and Lykesa Bridges presented the Lambda Xi Omega Scholarship and the Mildred W. Newton Scholarship to Karmen Singletary.
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The next scholarship awarded was in honor and memory of the late Becky Bevacqua. This scholarship is awarded to a student who has shown academic excellence demonstrated by their membership in the National Honor Society and/or Advanced Placement courses, as well as a strong interest in higher learning and high quality education — all of which were so important to Bevacqua. Cindy Smith presented the scholarship to Summer Allbrooks.
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Colony Leadership Academy, in collaboration with the University of Georgia’s J.W Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, is an 11-month program designed to recognize and develop leadership skills. Upon completion of the program, participants receive up to a $1,000 scholarship to the college/university of their choice. Jon Schwalls presented scholarships to Elizabeth Costin, Eva Kirbo and James Kirbo.
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Colquitt County Retired Educators’ Association presents scholarships to deserving students who have expressed a desire to become classroom teachers. Walter Harrison III presented The Sarah Mashburn Memorial Scholarship to Chandler Horne, The Dorothy Roberts Memorial Scholarship to Ashley Almond and the CCREA Educational Scholarship to Gracie Gay.
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Colquitt County Association of Educators, the local affiliate of the Georgia Association of Educators, presents scholarships to seniors who plan to have a career in education and whose parents are educators. The people receiving this scholarship consider teaching an opportunity to serve others. GAE President Sterling Brantley presented the scholarships to Ashley Almond and Cayden Parker.
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The Colquitt County Teachers Federal Credit Union offers a variety of financial services for the faculty and staff of Colquitt County schools and their families. The scholarship recipient is the child of a credit union member, has demonstrated strong academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and submitted an essay regarding their career aspirations. Colquitt County Teachers Federal Credit Union Manager Sally Yarbrough presented the scholarship to Chandler Horne.
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The Colquitt County Young Alumni scholarship, created by CCHS alumni classes of 2001-2013, embodies the spirit of fellowship, networking, and most of all, fun. Tevores Sumlin and Octavia Lambright, presented the scholarship to Cayden Parker.
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Colquitt Regional Medical Center awards scholarships to students who have maintained a GPA of 3.0 and volunteered required hours through YoVo, Colquitt Regional’s Youth Volunteer Program. This year, the YoVo Scholarship was presented by Colquitt Regional Medical Center representative Katie Bell to Charimaine Dauphin.
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Rev. J. E. Moak was the Chaplain for many years at Colquitt Regional Medical Center. Colquitt Regional Medical Center Volunteer Services honors his memory by presenting scholarships to students with a grade point average of at least 3.0 and are pursuing a career in the field of medicine. On behalf of CRMC Volunteer Services, Scholarship Chairman Brenda Foy presented the scholarship to Elizabeth Costin and Jaina Turner.
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The Daniels Scholarship is awarded to a recipient that has at least a 3.25 GPA, is involved in extracurricular activities, and is considering education as a major. This scholarship is given in honor of the Daniels Family. Representing the family, Marlon Daniels presented the scholarship to Marlie Daniels.
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The DAR Good Citizens Award is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. This student must exhibit the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism to an outstanding degree. It consists of a certificate, lapel pin and a scholarship. Rondesha Williams presented this scholarship to Marlie Daniels.
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The Diane and Jim Lowry Scholarship is being awarded to a student continuing their education either pursuing a vocational trade or college degree. Mr. and Mrs. Lowry presented the scholarship to Cam Cook.
This year, the Diane and Jim Lowry Scholarship is also being awarded to an ROTC student going towards a post-secondary education. Mr. and Mrs. Lowry presented this scholarship to Michael Marshall.
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First National Bank of Moultrie provided Colquitt County High School seniors with a $1,000 scholarship. Marybell Hernandez and Edith Buendia presented the scholarships to Cesar Buendia and Carolyne Turner.
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Georgia’s Own Credit Union has awarded over $215,000 in scholarships through their Jump Start Scholarship program. The credit union is committed to honoring students who work hard to better themselves and strive for higher education. Greg Tillery presented the scholarship to Elizabeth Costin.
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HOSA, a future health care professional organization at Colquitt County High, honors the HOSA members for his/her excellence in academic achievement and leadership in the organization with a monetary scholarship. Melissa Culpepper and Shannon Jones presented the scholarship to Charimaine Dauphin.
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The James Eunice Legacy Scholarship is presented to young people who exemplify the ideals of James Eunice, a 17-year-old senior from Valdosta High School who went missing while duck hunting on January 15, 2011. The scholarship continues James’ goal in life and is presented to young people who make a difference in their world. Greg Tillery presented the scholarship to Carolyne Turner.
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Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Jeter donate scholarships in memory of their daughter Kate Jeter, a former student of Colquitt County High School. In addition to excelling academically and serving in community activities, the recipients were required to write an autobiography. Jimmy Jeter present these scholarships to Ava Brooks, Cam Cook, Elizabeth Costin, Quince McCloud, Cayden Parker and Nyla Thompson.
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Kay Holloway presented a scholarship in memory of her daughter, Katelyn Renee Holloway, to a former J.M. Odom Elementary student who has displayed academic excellence during his/her high school career. The recipient of the Katelyn Renee Holloway Memorial Scholarship is Emma Carter.
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On behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Moultrie, Andy Bush presented three scholarships.
The Elsie Creech Memorial Scholarship is given to a student who has demonstrated the ability to undertake college work and participate in extracurricular activities. The recipient is Eugenia Guevara-Rodriguez.
The William B. Withers Memorial Scholarship is presented to a student who has proven to be an outstanding leader. This recipient is Karson Smith.
The Nita Belle Scarbrough Memorial Scholarship is presented to a student who has achieved exemplary grades and test scores and also participated in extracurricular activities. The recipient is Jenna Reed.
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The Kurt Lee White Memorial Scholarship is presented to a senior each year in memory of a smart, kind and generous 13-year-old whose life was cut short on November 19, 2021. Kurt was the epitome of kindness towards everyone he knew, a friend to many, and a light to his family. He was his mama’s best friend. This scholarship was presented by Kurt’s mom, Jennifer White, and his siblings to Joseph Jackson (mother Miranda Jackson accepted on his behalf).
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Every year, the Moultrie Board of Realtors has a fundraiser where money is collected to fund a scholarship for a high school senior. There was a terrible loss within the board and community with the passing of Judy Burnham, who was very involved in the Moultrie Board of Realtors, among other organizations. Regina Giles and Tori Murray presented the Moultrie Board of Realtors Judy Burnham Scholarship to Riley Parker.
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The Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce and the Agricultural and Rural Services Committee sponsor a scholarship awarded to a student who plans to major in an agriculture related field. Allen McCorvey, the chairman of the chamber’s Ag and Rural Services Committee, presented the scholarship to Carolyne Turner.
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The Moultrie Federated Guild presents scholarships to seniors with excellent academic qualities and school attendance. Students must also have a history of community service and extracurricular activities. Sheila Griner presented these scholarship to Langley Bennett, Alexa Kinsey and Carolyne Turner.
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The Moultrie Junior Woman’s Club awards scholarships to seniors who excel academically and serve their community. Applicants were required to have a minimum GPA of 85 or above, write an essay about the importance of community service, and provide evidence of their community service involvement. President, Jordan Howell and Tanna Knight presented the scholarships to Ashley Strange and Ada Sutton.
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The Moultrie Service League’s mission is to serve the community in economics, education, culture, civics, and social areas. This organization offers a scholarship to a senior who took classes in the fine arts and who plans to pursue a degree in fine arts. Carrie Lasseter, Moultrie Service League past president, presented the scholarship to Rylie Everson.
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This year’s applicants for the scholarship did such a good job with their submissions that the Moultrie Service League decided to award an additional four students for their efforts. Those students are Summer Allbrooks, Anabele Gonzales, Ian Rumley and Ada Sutton.
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The mission of the NAACP is to ensure that the political, educational, social, and economical rights of all persons are achieved. It is also to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination. The Colquitt County Branch of the NAACP is offering scholarships to seniors seeking postsecondary education. Vice President Felicia Carr and Secretary Stacey Davenport presented the scholarships to Jaylen Bradley, Shannon Hosey, Langston Jordan and Nyleigha Knighton.
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The REACH Georgia Scholarship Program was launched on February 6, 2012, and was created for students who demonstrate true academic promise, but may experience barriers preventing them from obtaining a postsecondary degree, diploma, or career certificate. Today, REACH serves all 180 school systems across Georgia and more than 3,600 scholars, committing over $36 million in scholarships. Shatarra Brown recognized the 2024 REACH Scholars. They are Fatima Allen, Sandy Barerra-Cruz, Nayeli Cruz and Chad White.
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The Richard Fulford Agricultural Achievement Scholarship is awarded to a senior with a strong passion for the agricultural industry who also plans to pursue a degree and career in the field. Fulford’s granddaughter, Keri Dukette, presented this year’s $1,000 scholarship to Kenneth Williams.
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The James Ray “Rocky” Jones Foundation was established in 2009 to assist young adults in their academic and athletic pursuits. As participants remembered Jones, they also recognized many fine young men and women for their hard work and determination in the classroom and on the field of play. This year’s winner carries on a legacy for everything that Jones stood for. Wendy Horne presented the scholarship to Kayla Scroggins.
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The Moultrie Rotary Club is offering two 4-year scholarships to a senior with outstanding grades and a commitment to community service.The club’s president, Julian Griner, presented the scholarships to Eugenia Guevara-Rodriguez and Haggith Martinez.
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The Sha Byrd Soccer Scholarship is given by Sha Missions, a non-profit organization dedicated to continue Sha’s special gift of sharing hope around the world. Sha Wetherington, a former member of the Lady Packer Soccer team, was second-team all-region as a sophomore and first-team all-region as a junior and senior. She was voted team captain her senior year. In her honor, Jeanine Wetherington presented the scholarship to Ellis Turnipseed.
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Southern Regional Technical College recognized one exceptional Dual Enrollment student with a $500 scholarship funded by the Southern Regional Technical College Foundation. Dana Lewis presented this scholarship to Ki’Myra Crawford.
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Southern Regional Technical College students received a graduation cord for completing 30 Dual Enrollment hours of academic classes. Dana Lewis presented cords to Ashley Almond, Megan Avera, Logan Bridges, Kaylee Hall, Chandler Horne and Karla Martinez.
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Tulsa Welding School, located in Jacksonville, Florida, specializes in welding. Curtis Outen and Charles Smallin awarded several seniors. Students that received a scholarship for $500 are Luis Guzman, Joseph Jackson, Aden Sauls, Hector Villalobos. The student that received a scholarship for 50% of their tuition is Juan Cuevas Avila. The senior that received a scholarship for 100% of their tuition is Jose Garcia Lopez.
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William G. “Bill” Edwards was a faithful supporter of Colquitt County and its youth. His family honors his memory by awarding a scholarship to a student who has demonstrated an ability to maintain good grades, who desires to obtain a college degree, and who has submitted an autobiography. Bonnie Edwards presented the William G. Edwards Memorial Scholarship to Yadhira Alvarez.
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Jonathan Edwards was a friend to everyone he met. His family is honoring his memory by awarding a scholarship to a student who has demonstrated an ability to maintain good grades, a desire to obtain a college degree, and submitted an autobiography. Jonathan Edwards Sr. presented the Jonathan Edwards Jr. Memorial Scholarship to Kayla Scroggins.
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The Will and George Barber Packer Soccer Scholarship is intended to support the educational goals of a member of the Packer Boys Soccer Team who has embraced the challenges and opportunities provided by many years of participation in soccer. Greg Tillery presented the scholarships to Bennett Goss and Hudson Glenn.
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Tracy Willis began her career at Colquitt County High School in 1993. She was an extraordinary force of inspiration and dedication in the field of science. Her classroom transcended the conventional boundaries for textbooks and lectures, evolving into a haven where the intricacies of life were explored and celebrated. She was not merely a teacher; she was a guiding light, illuminating the path to a lifelong love of learning and a commitment to being the best version of themselves. Denver Dunn presented the Willis Scholarship to Jackson Ballard.
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The WoodmenLife Focus Forward Scholarship is a unique benefit for members just for doing business with the organization. Being a WoodmenLife member consists of joining with other members who value family, community, and country. Karen Cooper presented the scholarship to Jessie Blair.
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Woodmen Life is a fraternal benefit society that operates a large privately held insurance and investment company for its members. It executes many community projects and is most widely known for contributing American flags to organizations and schools, including Colquitt County High School. Karen Cooper presented its scholarships to Jessie Blair and Rylie Everson.
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The Ultimate Packer Leadership Awards are designed to honor students who embody the characteristics of a great leader and who exemplify the Packer Spirit. Superintendent Dan Chappuis presented the “Ultimate Packer Leadership Awards” to Summer Allbrooks, Yaidanis Fernandez Gessa, Cayden Parker and Karson Smith.
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The Colquitt County Achievement Award recognizes a senior with an outstanding academic record and the desire to pursue a postsecondary degree. Superintendent Dan Chappuis presented the award to Charimaine Dauphin.
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The Principal’s Achievement Award is given to a senior who has shown exemplary achievement in the classroom and has demonstrated the traits of strong character, integrity, and a tremendous work ethic. Chappuis presented the award to Ava Brooks.
