$19,000 in Student Scholarships Awarded to Pickens High Graduates
The Bent Tree Foundation, partnering with the Bent Tree Tennis Community and the Bent Tree Golf Lady “Niners” awarded $19,000 in scholarships to nineteen deserving graduates of Pickens High School. The Foundation raised funds for its scholarships through donations, wine tasting events, the Longest Day of Golf and Fatz pancake breakfasts. The Bent Tree Tennis Community held a very successful tennis tournament supported by many enthusiastic sponsors and the Bent Tree Lady Golf “Niners” sold mulligans to fund their scholarships.
The scholarship recipients, accompanied by their parents, were honored at a reception held at Club Tamarack on Sunday, April 26. Also present were special guests, Dr. Lula Mae Perry, Superintendent of Pickens County Schools, Dr. Chris LeMieux, Principal of Pickens High School, Ms. Lynda Wallace, Principal of Harmony Elementary School, and Ms. Nancy Teague, Gifted Coordinator from Tate Elementary School. In his opening remarks, Jesse Hunter, Chairman of the Bent Tree Foundation, informed those present that teacher/school grants would not be awarded at this time but instead would be awarded in September of the upcoming school year. Those applying for grants should do so by the deadline of August 29, 2015. Additional grant information may be found on the Foundation website, benttreefoundation.org.
Foundation scholarships were awarded by Jesse Hunter to the following graduates of Pickens High School: (1) Kaylee Hope Cash (Armstrong State University), (2) Johnson Anna Collins (Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College), (3) Jodie Alicia Downs (Chattahoochee Technical College), (4) Ryan Thomas Evans (Southern Polytechnic State University), (5) Shelbi Reagan Fowler (Kennesaw State University), (6) Abygayle Christine Gibson (Mercer University), (7) Andrew C. Haygood (Vanderbilt University), and (8) Emma Jade Shipley-Schmitt (University of North Georgia). Two designated scholarships requiring attendance at the University of North Georgia were awarded to (1) Madeline Rae Hoffbauer, sponsored and funded by Colin and Sheila Thompson in honor of their sons, Christopher C. Thompson and Stephen W. Thompson, both alumni of the University of North Georgia, and (2) Anna Sophia Jewell Walker, sponsored and funded by Martha B. Stephens in honor of her sister, Linda Brown August, a former University of North Georgia professor.
The Bent Tree Tennis Community partnered with the Foundation in awarding scholarships to the following students: (1) Jesse Reese Brooks (University of Georgia), (2) Claire Alyssa Callahan (University of North Georgia), (3) Joshua C. Golden (Armstrong State University), (4) Peyton L. Heath (University of North Georgia), (5) Kari Elizabeth Henke (University of Georgia), (6) Makayla Elizabeth Payne (Maryville College), (7) Paula Jane Pickett (Gordon State College), (8) Brittany Allison Weaver (Kennesaw State University). The Bent Tree Golf Lady “Niners” partnered with the Foundation in awarding Haley Marre Lacuesta a scholarship to the University of Georgia.
Nancy Teague, Tate Elementary Gifted Coordinator, presented a power point program on the $290 grant she received last year entitled “Hatching Eggs”. Students experienced hands on activities helping to explain life cycles and genetics in 2nd and 5th grade classes as they observed the hatching of chicks using an incubator.
Lynda Wallace, Harmony Elementary School Principal, explained the value of her school’s $4000 grant for establishing a S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Lab. Students were able to multi-task in four important disciplines and meet many state standards as well as increase their ability to think critically and solve problems. The lab is a great motivator and helps develop student interest in these specific areas as well as their education in general.
By the end of this year and after five years of existence the Bent Tree Foundation, along with its partners, will have awarded more than $100,000 in student scholarships and teacher/school grants to our Pickens County Schools and students. Please join us in helping our schools and expanding educational opportunities for our young people by going to our website, benttreefoundation.org, and finding information on tax deductible donation opportunities. The Foundation extends special appreciation to Lori Morrow an d Rock Creek Manor for providing refreshments for the reception. The Foundation thanks the many donors who have participated in its fund raising projects this year. It needs your help to continue what it feels to be important to this community and its children.