SAVANNAH — Two Colquitt Countians were among 44 high school students from across Georgia who graduated from Colony Bank’s Colony Leadership Academy during a ceremony at The Westin in Savannah on Nov. 16. In recognition of their achievements, each student received up to a $1,000 scholarship to the college or university of their choice.

Graduates included Carolina Brown and Andrew Strickland from Colquitt County.

Founded in 2021, Colony Leadership Academy is a unique, yearlong program that equips students with leadership skills, career insights, and community connections to prepare them for future success. To date, the program has invested more than $150,000 in scholarships to 156 participants. This initiative underscores Colony Bank’s commitment to investing in Georgia’s future by nurturing the next generation of leaders.

This year’s program included hands-on experiences through visits to key regions across Georgia, including Albany, Moultrie, Warner Robins, and Savannah, Colony Bank said in a press release. Students explored topics such as healthcare, economic development, public safety, and the arts while connecting with local leaders and learning about the unique challenges and opportunities in their communities.

In addition to experiences in the communities visited, students also received leadership training from the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development.  Participants were selected based on academic performance and extracurricular achievements, representing counties across the state.

“At Colony Bank, we believe in building stronger communities by investing in our youth,” said Heath Fountain, CEO of Colony Bank. “Colony Leadership Academy reflects our commitment to empowering students to develop leadership skills and tackle community challenges. We are incredibly proud of this year’s graduates and look forward to seeing their contributions as they lead Georgia into the future.”

Colony Leadership Academy provides a unique platform for students to explore future careers and develop skills in teamwork, problem solving, and civic engagement, the bank’s press release said. For more information about the program, visit colony.bank/leadership.