2016 ET tab, Meet our Scholars

Meet the 2016 Education Together Scholars

EDUCATIONMIDDLE GA PARTNERS FOR HIGHER

TOGETHER!

Enriching the lives

of young people in

Middle Georgia

2 EDUCATION TOGETHER


TOGETHER!

JAMI GAUDETProgram Manager

Education Together

Simply put, Middle Georgia can’t grow and flourish without educated and well-trained young people. Improving and expanding educational levels and opportunities in Middle Georgia is a decades-old challenge. Equally challenging is convincing bright, ambitious students raised in the mid-state to stay in the region to “live, work and play.”

Education Together tackles those daunting tasks by providing needs-based scholarships to defray the cost of college or advanced training for Middle Georgia students whose financial needs are the greatest, with preference given to first generation college students.

Our inaugural year of Education Together has been exciting and fast-paced. In less than 12 months we assembled partners, laid the program’s foundation, created a selection process, and chose our first class of scholars – who recently launched their college careers!

Education Together demonstrates its commitment to the betterment of Middle Georgia in several ways:

First, it brings community-minded leaders together to help enterprising students pay for college or training.

Second, Education Together provides scholarships for a range of academic endeavors – from technical training to traditional degree programs.

Third, Education Together scholarships remain local, and must be used at one of seven designated colleges and universities in Middle Georgia.

In March, Education Together published a magazine in The Telegraph, similar to this one, entitled, “Dream Makers: Meet Our 2016 Partners.” In it, we introduced you to our first Education Together partners, the generous community leaders who provided the original funding for our program. If you missed it, you may read it online at: www.macon.com/together.

Fast forward six months. In this tab, we invite you to read about our groundbreaking inaugural year and we introduce you to our first class of scholars – 18 delightful, hard-working and goal-oriented students from an array of high schools in Middle Georgia. We think you’ll be as impressed and inspired by them as we are.

Additionally, our partners share their impressions of the scholars they’re funding, and the reasons for their participation in Education Together.

On behalf of Telegraph publisher Don Bailey and our 2016 partners, congratulations to our first Education Together scholars. We look forward to helping local scholars’ educational and professional dreams come true – in 2017 and beyond.

Warm regards -

Jami GaudetProgram Manager Education Together

Photograph by Amanda Elliot of A. Elliott Photography, 478.957.3653.

Program Manager’s Letter .................................................... 2

About Education Together .................................................... 4

Education Together Results.................................................. 5

Scholarship Information and Guidelines ........................ 6

March 2016 Tab - Dream Makers:

Meet Our 2016 Partners .................................................. 7

Our Inaugural Year in Review

Inaugural Partners Reception .......................................... 8

Board Meeting ........................................................................ 9

Golden Eagle Awards ........................................................ 10

Teacher Excellence Awards ........................................... 11

Scholarship Announcement Luncheon ..............12-13

2016 Education Together Scholars ....................14-19

2016 Education Together Partners ....................20-21

What Our Partners Are Saying

About Our Scholars ....................................................22-23

Education Together 2016, Designated Colleges

and Partners ........................................................................ 24

Table of Contents

EDUCATION TOGETHER 3

What is Education Together?Education Together is a collaboration among community leaders throughout Middle Georgia who provide needs-based scholarships to help enterprising high school seniors with the desire and drive to further their education.

Why Education Together?Because Middle Georgia needs talented professionals in every career field, and through education and training, we are committed to enticing bright, talented young people to live in Middle Georgia after college.

The MissionEducation Together scholarships help Middle Georgia students earn a two or four-year degree, or a diploma or technical certificate at one of seven designated colleges or universities in Middle Georgia.

Eyeing Middle Georgia’s FutureIt is our fervent hope, that upon completion of their formal education, our scholars will remain in Middle Georgia to live, work and play – and ultimately, to contribute to the continued growth and betterment of our region.


TOGETHER!


2016 Education Together Results

$10,000 SCHOLARSHIPS$180,000 ($2,500 for 4 years, renewed annually)

$1,000 TEACHER EXCELLENCE AWARDS$5,000

SUPER SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED BY MERCER UNIVERSITY $15,000

RECIPIENTS5 males • 13 females

COUNTY OF RESIDENCEBibb – 12 • Houston – 3 • Monroe – 1 • Peach – 1 • Twiggs – 1

HIGH SCHOOLSCentral – 5 • Rutland & Southwest – 2 each • First Presbyterian

Howard, Hutchings, Mary Persons, Northeast, Northside Peach County, Warner Robins and Westside – 1 each

COLLEGE CHOICEMercer University – 6 • Georgia College & State University – 5

Middle Georgia State University – 4Fort Valley State University – 2 • Wesleyan College – 1

About Our 2016 Scholars

18 5 1 TOTAL MONEY AWARDED IN 2016: $200,000


BACKGROUNDEducation Together is a collaboration among community leaders to provide needs-based educational scholarships to high school seniors in Middle Georgia. The renewable annual awards defray the cost of higher education or technical training one of seven designated colleges or universities in Middle Georgia.

PURPOSETo provide college scholarships to graduating seniors of public or private high schools, or a homeschool in Bibb, Crawford, Houston, Jones, Monroe, Peach and Twiggs counties enrolled at one of seven, colleges or universities in Central Georgia.

ELIGIBILITY• Must be a graduating senior of a public or private high school,

or a homeschooled student in Bibb, Crawford, Houston, Jones, Monroe, Peach or Twiggs County.

• Must be accepted to and planning to enroll at one of seven designated colleges or universities in Central Georgia. Eligible schools include Central Georgia Technical College,

Fort Valley State University, Georgia College & State University, Georgia Military College, Mercer University, Middle Georgia State University, and Wesleyan College.

• Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to apply.

CRITERIAApplicants are selected based on the following:

• Demonstrated financial need.• Preference is given to first generation college students. • Positive record in academics, community service, or service to

others.

SELECTION COMMITTEEThe selection committee shall recommend scholarship recipients to the Community Foundation of Central Georgia for fund disbursement. The scholarship disbursement shall be made directly to the educational institutions for the benefit of the scholarship recipients.

The selection committee is comprised of a representative from the Macon Telegraph (currently, Program Manager Jami Gaudet) and two representatives from the Community Foundation of Central Georgia.

AWARDSScholarship Amount: $10,000 total. $2,500 per year for up to four years. Number of Awards in 2016: 18

RENEWALA recipient of the Education Together Scholarship Fund is eligible to renew each subsequent year of his/her undergraduate education (up to four years total). In order to renew, a student must: • Complete the online renewal application by the designated date

each year. • Submit an unofficial transcript at the end of each fall and spring

semester for which he/she receives the scholarship. • Maintain enrollment as a full time student at Central Georgia

Technical College, Fort Valley State University, Georgia College & State University, Georgia Military College, Mercer University, Middle Georgia State University, or Wesleyan College.

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

If a recipient faces unique circumstances that require him/her to take time off, or take a reduced course load for a semester, the student should contact the Community Foundation to determine if he/she is eligible for continued funding. The scholarship selection committee evaluates these cases on an individual basis.

APPLICATION DEADLINETo be determined for 2017

HOW TO APPLYYou will need a User ID and Password to access the online application at www.cfcga.org/spectrumwebportal. The information required to complete the online application is outlined below for your convenience. Please visit www.cfcga.org/EducationTogether for more information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONAs part of the online application process, applicants will be asked to upload the following: • Resume • Transcript • Current submitted FAFSA Student Aid Report indicating the

value of the applicant’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) in the upper right hand corner.

• The name and email address of a teacher, coach, or mentor willing to submit a letter of recommendation on behalf of the student.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCEIf you experience technical difficulties or need assistance, please contact the Community Foundation of Central Georgia at (478) 750-9338, Ext. 101 or [email protected].

NOTEWe are unable to award a scholarship to any student who fails to submit all required information.

The Education Together Scholarship Fund


Special Section in The Telegraph

March 13, 2016



Inaugural Partners ReceptionEducation Together kicked off its inaugural year with a partners reception at the historic Hay House, providing an opportunity for the partners to gather, meet and hear a brief overview of the year ahead from Telegraph publisher Don Bailey and Program Manager Jami Gaudet.

Hay House February 5, 2016

MIDDLE GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITYhosts the first Education Together board meeting in the Charles H. Jones Building.

Board Meeting Middle Georgia State University

March 17, 2016


Inaugural Teacher Excellence Awards Golden Eagle Awards

Grand Opera House – April 19, 2016

Education Together partners serve as presenters at the 2016 Golden Eagle Awards ceremony.

Education Together partners and community presenters.

Central Georgia Tech’s Rick Hutto (left) and the Macon Bibb Industrial Authority’s Cliffard Whitby with Stratford Academy’s Dylan Ogle (Honorable Mention, Technology) and First Presbyterian’s Richon Watson (Technology).

Dr. Raymond Carnley of Middle Georgia State University with Golden Eagle Foreign Language winner, Thomas Slocumb, Stratford Academy.

GEICO’s Rhett Rayburn with Science winner, Michelle Tang,Stratford Academy.

United Way’s George McCanless with Howard High School’s Journalism winner, Ashlynn Kilcrease.

Education Together scholar and Golden Eagle winner, Miriam Grant, with Karen Lambert, Peyton Anderson Foundation.

Peach County High School math winner, Tyler Messer, with Dee Dee Cote, Robins Financial Credit Union and Pamela Berry-Johnson, Fort Valley State University.

Northeast High School winners, Kendrick Washington (Golden Eagle Honorable Mention – Citizenship) and Darryl Silas (Teacher Excellence Award).

Telegraph publisher Don Bailey and Education Together Program Manager Jami Gaudet with Teacher Excellence Award winners Melinda Powell (Howard High School) and Darryl Silas (Northeast High School).

Parrish Construction’s Dave Cyr and Central Georgia Technical College’s Michael Engel with Industrial/Vocational winner, Leo Finkley, Warner Robins High School.


Double winner: Warner Robins High’s Leo Finkley, a Golden Eagle winner, also won the Education Together super scholarship, sponsored by Mercer University. With Don Bailey and Dr. Kevin Bucholtz, Mercer University.

1st Annual Super Scholarship, sponsored by Mercer University. Presented to Leo Finkley, Warner Robins High School.

Inaugural Teacher Excellence Awards


DANIEL BROWN – CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOLAMANDA CLIETT – PEACH COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

MIKE KELLEY – STRATFORD ACADEMY MELINDA POWELL – HOWARD HIGH SCHOOLDARRYL SILAS – NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL

DANIEL BROWN CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

International Baccalaureate Program Coordinator and TeacherNote: Daniel Brown left Central High School during the summer to accept a teaching job in another city. We reached out to Central High School to learn about the school’s use of the award money.

“In addition to being an excellent math teacher, Mr. Brown was our IB coordinator. We will use the award to fund training for our new IB coordinator. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is synonymous with rigor and excellence, and encourages students to think critically and consider global implications. IB offers a holistic learning approach, emphasizing writing, research, foreign language, creativity, action, and service. Most students earn advanced degrees in fields such as medicine, law, and public service. We are tremendously proud of our IB program at Central, and through this award, we can continue a program that helps students see beyond possibilities and create their own future.”

Emanuel Frazier, Principal, Central High School

DARRYL SILAS NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL

Economics TeacherWith the Education Together Teacher Excellence Award money I purchased several items for my classes and classroom: (1) Economics games and simulations, (2) Teacher Success Tool Kits that provide, strategies needed to improve classroom management and instruction; teach how to create a disciplined environment needed for effective learning, and help integrate critical thinking into lesson plans, (3) 25 Advanced Placement macroeconomic student workbooks for my students, (4) Laser jet cartridges for my classroom printers.

MELINDA POWELL HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL

English Department Chair and TeacherI’m so excited to use the Education Together award money to purchase novels for my students and to supplement our curriculum. I’m also looking forward to ordering instructional resources that correlate with our state standards. These resources include writing workshop materials and resource guides for teaching literary and informational texts in the high school English classroom. My students will most certainly benefit from this award. Thank you, Education Together!

MIKE KELLEY STRATFORD ACADEMY

History Department Chair and TeacherI have relocated to our Center for Innovation, where I am teaching a design class. I have used approximately half the award money on supplies to build two large lab tables for my classroom. The tables will be used by the class as an example of design decisions made and as an inspiration for the students to design items of use to them. The rest of the money will cover expenses for training so I can better work with students in the “makerspace” we are creating.

AMANDA CLIETT PEACH COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

Social Studies Department Chair Teacher and Pep Club AdvisorThank you so much for the award money, which was deposited into the pep club account for the 2016 school year. Already, we donated to the families of two seniors who were in a terrible car accident. We have purchased spirit items for our fall sports, and have grown a “Trojan Bandit” spirit group from the pep club focusing on community involvement, and a school grounds beautification project that includes a “Trojan Spirit Memorial.” We are a nonprofit club whose sole purpose is to generate school spirit and unify the school and community. We are so excited to have this opportunity to expand our club and outreach activities.

Mercer University hosts Education Together Announcement Luncheon.

Welcome by Mercer President Bill Underwood.

Telegraph publisher Don Bailey thanks partners.

Scholar Antravaya Couch and his aunts, with Don Bailey and Jami Gaudet. Middle Georgia State University’s Margo Woodham talks about college life with the Barker and Parrott families.

2016 Education Together partners and designees. Bill Underwood chats with Sam Hart and Penny Elkins.

Mercer congratulates the scholars in a unique and special way.

Scholar Announcement LuncheonDrake Field House, Mercer University

June 28, 2016


The Education Together partners with the 2016 scholars.

Program Manager Jami Gaudet explains Education Together.

Wesleyan College’s Patty Gibbs shares a laugh with the Grant family. Education Together lunch totes.

Publix’s Brenda Reid with scholar Filmore Thomas.

AT&T’s Terry Smith with scholar Walter Fuller and his dad. A warm exchange between Spencer Strickland of State Bank, and the Freeman family.


After college, I’m planning a career in film or in the entertainment industry. My short-term goal is to become a film editor. My long term goal is to become a producer or director. In the digital world, I want to create amusing and educational videos to entertain or teach people.

The Education Together scholarship has been a gift. It has helped me to learn that hard work pays off and not to give up. It has given me the confidence to see what other great awards might be out there for me.

VADA AMERSONHutchings Career Center

Middle Georgia State University

After College, I plan on working in Macon, possibly in the neonatal field, and then completing a master’s degree to become a Nurse Practitioner through Georgia College’s online program. I want to organize educational medical fairs at high schools to inform students about working in the medical field.

Receiving the Education Together scholarship means financial stability and a dedication to my community to make it better. My family is proud of me and my accomplishments, and thankful for the scholarship.

MAGAN BARKERHoward High School

Georgia College & State University

After college, my career and professional goal is to work for a big company like NASA, Northrop Grumman, or Norfolk Southern, designing a machine to help make the world an easier place to live.

The Education Together scholarship means hope and inspiration, knowing other people care about my education and are willing to help. Without it, attending Mercer University, with its positive, friendly atmosphere and determination to change the world, wouldn’t be possible. It helps my family financially and allows us breathing room these four years.

GABRIEL BURGOSRutland High School

Mercer University


2016 Scholars

After college, my career goal is to become an animator. I have had a childhood dream of working for my favorite cartoon company to do what I love - drawing. I feel this scholarship will be my stepping stone to that dream.

Before receiving the Education Together scholarship, I had no other big way to finance my college education. I thought I wasn’t going to be able to go to college, until my aunt found the Education Together scholarship.

ANTRAVAYA COUCHSouthwest High School


After undergraduate school at Mercer University, my goal is medical school, where I can pursue my future aspirations of becoming a dermatologist. I would love to make people feel confident in their own skin.

There are no words to describe how thankful I am for the Education Together Scholarship. It means a lot to know that our community is investing into our education. This scholarship aides me financially and gives me opportunities to be a part of programs that will enable me to become more well-rounded, which is crucial in this constant changing society.

JULEVA DOANWarner Robins High School

Mercer University

I plan on gaining experience in the field of mechanical engineering before opening my own business. Currently, I am also minoring in political science. I’m considering public service, but the future is not written.

The Education Together scholarship has lifted some of the financial burden off my family’s shoulders. Everyone who is willing, deserves an education. I plan on using all of my blessings to their fullest.

JAIRA DYECentral High School


Future Plans and Gratitude for Education Together


Confucius wrote, “Choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life.” Being a nurse is something that I always wanted to do. My plan, after I complete my Bachelor’s degree, is to work and gain experience in all areas of nursing. Then, I will return to school to earn a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Nursing. My long term goal is advanced training to become a Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Midwife. Someday, I would love to own a midwife practice here in Middle Georgia.

College is expensive. My parents have encouraged me and my siblings to finish college with as little debt as possible. I applied for scholarships to offset my expenses. Thanks to the Education Together scholarship, the goal of completing my four-year degree in as little debt as possible is a reality.

ZATORIA FREEMANNortheast High School


After I complete my first four years of college, I plan to attend medical school where I will officially begin my journey to become a surgeon.

The Education Together scholarship shows me someone else believes I can make it in life. It has helped my family by helping me afford college. I am truly grateful.

WALTER FULLERCentral High School

Mercer University

My goal after college is to become a specialist in addiction, to help addicts in Middle Georgia reduce the use of drugs. However, I want to work with all kinds of addicts, not just drug addicts. People with addictions can feel judged and out of place, I want to teach them they are more than their addiction.

Education Together means the world to me. When I heard I had received the scholarship I was ecstatic. This scholarship has taken a lot off of my family. If I didn’t receive this scholarship, I would be paying for college out of pocket, which means I could not attend Wesleyan College. I could not be more thankful for the scholarship and for those who made it possible.

MIRIAM GRANTPeach County High School

Wesleyan College


2016 Scholars

I want to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, along with a Doctor of Pharmacy from Mercer’s College of Pharmacy. My career goals consist of becoming an entrepreneur and opening a pharmaceutical company that offers affordable prescription medicine to the people in my local community.

Receiving the Education Together scholarship means the world to me and has allowed me to go to the university of my choice with few financial worries. It allows me to focus on my studies and continue to approach college with determination and diligence, as I did in high school.

DEANNA MCCOYCentral High School

Mercer University

After college, I plan to become a software engineer for Microsoft. I desire to make programs that many people use in their day-to-day lives.

Receiving the Education Together scholarship was encouraging to me, as I thought it would be difficult to win. The scholarship eases my family’s financial burden of paying tuition, especially because they also have to pay for my brother’s college education.

TYLER NGUYENNorthside High School

Mercer University

My career and professional goal is to have my own neonatal nursing practice and to host community events and give motivational talks.

Receiving the Education Together scholarship means I have accomplished amazing things to help me pursue my career goal and expand my mind. I am able to learn something new every day and am open to new ideas. The scholarship means a great deal to my family because I am the first grandchild to have the opportunity to go to college. I can make my family proud, without worrying about finances.

TARZALYN OUTLAWSouthwest High School

Fort Valley State University



I’m currently a biology major and am thinking about medical school after graduation. If I stay with my current plan, I’d like to work in the field of genetics.

The Education Together scholarship makes a huge difference to me. It’s nice to know there are people besides my friends and family that have a genuine interest in helping me get a college education. My parents also are thrilled that I received the scholarship, which improves my chances of getting through college free of student loans.

JULIA PARROTTMary Persons High School


Although my career goals are not concrete, I hope to go into the medical field and make medicine more accessible for people of all ethnicities and cultures by breaking language barriers.

Receiving the Education Together scholarship has greatly helped me, because instead of worrying about how to pay for my tuition, I can focus on my studies.

NEHA PATELCentral High School

Mercer University

After college I plan to continue my education in law school. My goal is to become a bilingual attorney and help under-represented people.

Receiving the Education Together scholarship has been a blessing. I am a full-time student and also work part-time to help pay for college. This scholarship is helping me cover costs and alleviate some financial stress. With both parents deceased and no available family contribution, it is hard to think of paying for everything on my own. However, because of this scholarship, I am able to focus on school and receive the amazing education I have always dreamed of. I look forward to the future!

AURORA PEREZFirst Presbyterian Day School


2016 Scholars18 EDUCATION TOGETHER

My goals include earning dual degrees in computer engineering and mathematics, with a Master’s degree in Information Security to become a cyber-security specialist. I feel obligated to impact my community and my field, and to be a role model. I will fulfill my civic duty to protect our country’s infrastructure and aspire to create a cyber-security firm within the energy sector and defend the globe as a security official.

I am thankful to be a member of this extraordinary class of scholars. The scholarship has alleviated financial hardships in my single-parent home. I’m now able to attend college without debt or financial distress, and can focus on academics. Education Together has given me the opportunity to meet local leaders who have shown me that possibilities for me, and for the City of Macon, are limitless.

FILMORE THOMAS Central High School

Fort Valley State University



Upon completing my undergraduate studies, my goal is to attend at the University of California, San Diego Medical School where I plan to study surgery. My ultimate career goal is to become a fetal surgeon. Receiving the Education Together scholarship means the world to me. Without it, I would not have been able to attend Georgia College. This scholarship has helped me and my family financially, and through this scholarship, I have met amazing people and have been given the opportunity to network and build my resume while having fun. I extend my deepest gratitude to Education Together.

JAYLAN SANDERSWestside High School


Although I’m not sure where I want to work, my goal after completing college is to work as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.

Receiving the Education Together scholarship means a lot to me. It’s helping me work harder in school, never giving up while someone else is helping me pay for my college education.

SHAUNTAE TUCKERRutland High School


Education Together Partners 2016

GEICO

RHETT RAYBURNVice-President of Southeast

Operations

MACON-BIBB INDUSTRIAL

AUTHORITY

CLIFFARD WHITBYChairman

MERCER UNIVERSITY

BILL UNDERWOODPresident

MIDDLE GEORGIA CENTER FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

SAM HARTPresident

MIDDLE GEORGIA

STATE UNIVERSITY

CHRISTOPHER BLAKEPresident

AT & T

TERRY SMITHRegional Manager

CENTRAL GEORGIA

TECHNICAL COLLEGE

IVAN ALLENPresident

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

OF CENTRAL GEORGIA

KATHRYN DENNISPresident

FORT VALLEY STATE

UNIVERSITY

PAUL JONESPresident

Middle Georgia Center For Academic Excellence


CHRISTOPHER BLAKECHRISTOPHER BLAKE

Education Together Partners 2016

MIDDLE GEORGIA

STATE UNIVERSITY

CHRISTOPHER BLAKEPresident

FORT VALLEY STATE

UNIVERSITY

PAUL JONESPresident

NAVICENT HEALTH

DR. NINFA SAUNDERSFACHE

PARRISH

CONSTRUCTION

DAVE CYRCEO

PEYTON ANDERSON

FOUNDATION

KAREN LAMBERTPresident

PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS

BRENDA REIDMedia & Community Relations Manager


Pa ishCONSTRUCTION GROUP

ROBINS FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION

JOHN RHEAPresident & CEO

STATE BANK

SPENCER STRICKLAND

Regional President

UNITED WAY OF

CENTRAL GEORGIA

GEORGE MCCANLESSPresident

WESLEYAN COLLEGE

RUTH KNOXPresident

JOHN RHEAJOHN RHEAPresident & CEO

TERRY SMITH, AT&TI was especially impressed with the enthusiasm of the students, and their appreciation for the scholarship. Each student exhibited readiness and willingness to take advantage of this opportunity. They understand this is just the beginning of a long journey requiring dedication, focus and determination.

Community development happens in numerous ways. Providing the opportunity for students who might otherwise not complete post-secondary education is really about community development. Education Together provides resources to potentially change the lives of individuals and families in our Middle Georgia community.

IVAN ALLEN, CENTRAL GEORGIA TECHNICAL COLLEGEThe 2016 Education Together scholars is an impressive group of young people, with great ambition. They are well-rounded and invested in their educational and career paths. They have an extraordinary opportunity, and we look for great things from these students.

In its first year, Education Together has given area students another option to help them succeed in their postsecondary educational goals. With the emphasis on local higher education institutions, Education Together offers local students a new view of the exceptional educational opportunities close to home. It will have a positive impact in Central Georgia as these students complete their studies and become members of the workforce.

KATHRYN DENNIS, COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL GEORGIA I was especially impressed with the enthusiasm of these scholars, both in their educational achievements and leadership roles. The fact that 14 of the 18 recipients are the first in their family to attend college is uplifting. They are excited to attend college in Central Georgia and want to stay and make our communities stronger. They represent five counties, so their impact will reach a broad portion of the region. It was the Community Foundation of Central Georgia’s honor and privilege to work with the other partners to invest in these 18 outstanding young people.

PAUL JONES, FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITYThe Class of 2016 scholars is a diverse group of engaged, bright and dynamic individuals who clearly represent the best of Middle Georgia.

Our participation in Education Together is extremely important because it provides an opportunity to reward outstanding students for their hard work, and also allows us to stem the tide of brain drain by providing opportunities for them to attend institutions of higher learning here in Middle Georgia.

RHETT RAYBURN, GEICOI was impressed by the accomplishments of the scholars and how they presented themselves in front of a large audience. They are an accomplished, impressive group.

On support for Education Together, contributing to initiatives that improve the availability of education for everyone will always be important to us at GEICO. An education has the power to change a life, or a family, forever.

CLIFFARD WHITBY, MACON-BIBB INDUSTRIAL AUTHORITYI was very impressed with the Education Together Class of 2016. It is a diverse class, full of intelligent, goal-oriented young people who are well-prepared for college.

The mission of the Industrial Authority is job creation. We’re entrusted with building an economic future for Macon-Bibb that yields great jobs. Our partnership with Education Together helps to accomplish this goal by supporting the post-secondary dreams of admirable young people, like the Education Together scholars.

SAM HART, MIDDLE GEORGIA CENTER FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE The 2016 Class of Education Together scholars included a variety of experiences and backgrounds that can impact our community. I look forward to these scholars graduating from college and bringing their skills back to our community. It is important for the Middle Georgia Center for Academic Excellence, Inc. to be a part of a group committed to ensuring students from low-income backgrounds are afforded the opportunity to succeed. Education Together is a strong advocate of expanding college opportunities for low-income and first generation students, a commitment compatible with the Middle Georgia Center’s mission.

BILL UNDERWOOD, MERCER UNIVERSITYThe opportunity these bright, capable young men and women have to stay in Central Georgia to pursue their post-secondary education has benefits not only for the students and their families, but for the community at large.

CHRISTOPHER BLAKE, MIDDLE GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITYOne of the highlights of the summer was spending time with the 2016 Education Together scholars – future doctors, nurses, engineers, artists, teachers, entrepreneurs, and professionals. The students we met spoke aspirationally of their future, expressing pride and gratitude at being named a scholar, and of their excitement about college.

The scholars and families were sincerely appreciative. Two parents shared that this scholarship was the difference in their ability to afford sending their scholar to college. For a few of the students, without the scholarships, they would not have been able to attend college away from home.

What Education Together Partners Are Saying About Our Scholars


NINFA SAUNDERS, NAVICENT HEALTHEducation remains a priority at Navicent Health, and our support of the Education Together partnership encourages local students to reach for their goals and achieve them. Community support of education and strong collaboration, with emphasis on strategic transparency, are critical to a successful, healthy workforce. We are pleased to partner with local businesses and industries to increase community focus on educational achievement and outcomes.

DAVE CYR, PARRISH CONSTRUCTIONMy wife Mary and I were very impressed by every 2016 scholar. We did, however, have several concerns. We did not have any applicants from several local high schools, and no scholarship was awarded to a student to attend Middle Georgia Technical College. We chalk that up to Education Together being a new entity and not on the “radar” yet at some high schools.

Parrish Construction recognizes that workforce development is the most important issue in the commercial construction industry, and we believe participating in Education Together is a tangible way to get in the game, rather than sitting on the sidelines waiting for others to solve the problem.

KAREN LAMBERT, PEYTON ANDERSON FOUNDATION In reviewing our applicant pool, I was very impressed by the academic accomplishments and diverse interests of the students in our area. I have high expectations for success with this class of scholarship recipients.

We are firmly committed to supporting excellence among the students of Central Georgia. Peyton Anderson’s directive to administer his wealth to the needs of the people of Macon and Middle Georgia is our driving force. Education Together provides the partnering organizations with the opportunity to publicly identify, praise and encourage these students. It was exciting to be a part of the inaugural year!

BRENDA REID, PUBLIX SUPER MARKETSI enjoyed meeting the scholars at the announcement luncheon. There was so much enthusiasm and excitement in their voices when they spoke of going to college. I’m glad that I work for a company, like Publix Super Markets, that believes in helping young people follow their dreams. Organizations want to do business in communities with an educated workforce. Education Together helps provide scholarship funds so that young people can get a better education. This program strengthens the community, not only economically, but socially, as well. That’s a win-win for Middle Georgia. And, I’m proud that Publix supports such a great cause.

JOHN RHEA, ROBINS FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION The scholars are a very diverse and accomplished group and represent multiple area high schools and various courses of study. They are well-rounded in academics, as well as in community involvement.

The scholars demonstrate academic achievement and diverse extracurricular activities. It was also nice to see that they worked while attending high school.

Education Together provides deserving students with the opportunity to attend a local college while lessening the burden of student loans. It also provides an opportunity to reward students with academic drive who need financial support, the chance to make their dreams come true.

SPENCER STRICKLAND, STATE BANK I am blown away with how impressive and appreciative the scholars are. Seeing the quality of the scholars and hearing their stories makes me proud, not only to have State Bank involved, but proud of our community. The scholars are great representatives of their families and schools. Meeting some of the parents and seeing their pride also was touching.

The business community is making a difference in education. It’s extremely important that we support our best and brightest. These scholars have worked hard and sacrificed to be successful in the classroom. We can say, job well done, and everyone in Macon-Bibb wins.

GEORGE MCCANLESS, UNITED WAYI am very impressed by the quality of the 2016 scholars. One of the great things about Education Together, is helping to ensure that finances do not keep deserving young people from pursuing their college dreams.

RUTH KNOX, WESLEYAN COLLEGE The inaugural Education Together scholars represent a wide range of backgrounds, areas of Middle Georgia, high schools, and the colleges they planned to attend. They seem excited and grateful for the scholarships. The families made it clear that these scholarships are making college possible for their students. But for this financial assistance, these students would not be able to attend these institutions.

Like other colleges/universities, Wesleyan wants to attract local, highly qualified students. Education Together provides them with an opportunity to consider colleges in Middle Georgia they might not have considered because of cost. Macon is more vibrant when we have active, engaged college students, and this program helps to keep good students in the area.

What Education Together Partners Are Saying About Our Scholars



AT&TCentral Georgia Technical CollegeCommunity Foundation of Central GeorgiaFort Valley State UniversityGEICOMacon-Bibb County Industrial AuthorityMercer UniversityMiddle Georgia Center for Academic ExcellenceMiddle Georgia State UniversityNavicent HealthParrish ConstructionPeyton Anderson FoundationPublic Super MarketsRobins Financial Credit UnionState BankThe TelegraphUnited Way of Central GeorgiaWesleyan College

Designated Middle Georgia Colleges & Universities

Central Georgia Technical College *Fort Valley State University *Georgia College and State University

Georgia Military College

Mercer University *Middle Georgia State University *Wesleyan College**

Education TogetherPartners 2016


TOGETHER!

* Education Together Partner

Documents

2016 ET tab, Meet our Scholars