2024 Bent Tree Foundation Scholarship Awards
By Mike Moffitt
The Bent Tree Foundation, in partnership with the Bent Tree Tennis and Golf Communities, awarded $19,000 in scholarships this year with funds raised through a variety of successful fundraising efforts and the many generous donations from Bent Tree residents and Pickens County community supporters. The Bent Tree Foundation wishes to congratulate all the scholarship recipients on their hard work and dedication to their educational aspirations and goals.
Bent Tree Foundation scholarships were awarded to the following graduates of Pickens High School: 1) Caitlin Atkins (University of Alabama) funds donated by the Sandell Golf Group; 2) Emery Bryant (Berry College) funds donated by the Mab Francis Scholarship Fund; 3) Sosanna Cluley (University of Georgia) funds donated by the Bent Tree Foundation; 4) Paige Elwarner (Vanderbilt University) funds donated by Calvert and Madeline Huffines; 5) Heather Fernandez (University of Georgia) funds donated by the Monte Davis Scholarship Fund; 6) Read Fernandez (Georgia Tech) funds donated by the Monte Davis Scholarship Fund; 7) Charlie Gibbons (University of Alabama) funds donated by the Monte Davis Scholarship Fund; 8) Luke Green (Kennesaw State University) funds donated by the Monte Davis Scholarship Fund; 9) Kinsley Hamilton (Truett McConnel University) funds donated by the Bent Tree Foundation; 10) Ally Long (University of West Georgia) funds donated by Marty Stephens; 11) Katie Morgan (University of Georgia) funds donated by the Bent Tree Foundation; Molly Stout (Georgia College State University) funds donated by the Bent Tree Foundation; Lauren Quarles (University of North Georgia) funds donated by the 18 Holers Golf Group.
A designated scholarship requiring attendance to the University of North Georgia was awarded to Dani Ziegler 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. Also, a UNG scholarship was awarded to Brook Quarles (a 2022 graduate of PHS) and to Lauren Quarles (a 2023 graduate of PHS) funded by Marty Stephens in honor of her sister, Linda Brown August (a past professor at the University of North Georgia).
The Bent Tree Tennis Community, in partnership with the Foundation, awarded two scholarships to the following students: 1) Courtney Crowe (University of North Georgia); 2) Isabella Lowe (Abraham Baldwin).
The Bent Tree Foundation was established in 2009 and with its partners has awarded over $300,000 in student scholarships and teacher/school grants to our Pickens County students and schools. The Bent Tree Foundation Board members would like to thank all of the many volunteers and donors who have made these awards possible for the students of Pickens County. Those who wish to join us in this endeavor or to honor a loved one may do so by going to our website, www.benttreefoundation.org. to find information on tax-deductible donation opportunities. As always, we continue to be grateful for your past support as well as seeking your future support to further the Foundation’s mission regarding student scholarships and teacher/school grants.
2023 Bent Tree Foundation Scholarship Awards
By Mike Moffitt
The Bent Tree Foundation, in partnership with the Bent Tree Tennis and Golf Communities, awarded $21,000 in scholarships this year with funds raised through a variety of successful fundraising efforts and the many generous donations from Bent Tree residents and Pickens County community supporters. The Bent Tree Foundation wishes to congratulate all of the scholarship recipients on their hard work and dedication to their educational aspirations and goals.
Bent Tree Foundation scholarships were awarded to the following graduates of Pickens High School: 1) Jansen Abner (Truett McConnell University) funds donated by the Crain Golf Group; 2) Brandon Bell (Georgia Tech) funds donated by the Monte Davis Scholarship Fund; 3) Anslee Bridges (Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College) funds donated by Richard and Kathy Hall; 4) Jackson Flatt (University of North Georgia) funds donated by Calvert and Madeline Huffines; 5) Alex Gibson (University of Tennessee) funds donated by Richard and Kathy Hall; 6) Grant Hooker (University of Georgia) funds donated by the Monte Davis Scholarship Fund; 7) Isabel Lipscomb (University of North Georgia) funds donated by the Sandell Golf Group; 8) Rebekah Nichols (Chattahoochee Tech) funds donated by the Bent Tree Foundation; 9) Lauren Quarles (University of North Georgia) funds donated by the 18 Holers Golf Group; 10) Mitchell Rice (University of Georgia) funds donated by the Four Aces Golf Group; Sierra Robertson (Kennesaw State University) funds donated by the Bent Tree Foundation.
A designated scholarship requiring attendance to the University of North Georgia was awarded to Ryaen Cantrell 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. Also, a scholarship funded by Marty Stephens in honor of her sister, Linda Brown August (a past professor at the University of North Georgia) was awarded to Kellie Morris. Also, Jaiden Leach, daughter of John Leach, Bent Tree Golf Superintendent, is receiving a scholarship to Georgia Tech from the Scott and Dudley Price Scholarship Fund. Additionally, Carter Smith, son of Angela Carroll, a Bent Tree resident, is receiving a scholarship to the University of Alabama from the Foundation.
The Bent Tree Tennis Community, in partnership with the Foundation, awarded three scholarships to the following students: 1) Maggie Bautista-Velasquez (University of North Georgia); 2) Levi Kuyper (Reinhardt University) and 3) David Satterfield (Young Harris College).
The Bent Tree Foundation was established in 2009 and with its partners has awarded over $280,000 in student scholarships and teacher/school grants to our Pickens County students and schools. The Bent Tree Foundation Board members would like to thank all of the many volunteers and donors who have made these awards possible for the students of Pickens County. Those who wish to join us in this endeavor or to honor a loved one may do so by going to our website, www.benttreefoundation.org. to find information on tax-deductible donation opportunities. As always, we continue to be grateful for your past support as well as seeking your future support to further the Foundation’s mission regarding student scholarships and teacher/school grants.
2022 Bent Tree Foundation Scholarship Awards
By Mike Moffitt
The Bent Tree Foundation, in partnership with the Bent Tree Tennis and Golf Communities, awarded $16,000 in scholarships this year with funds raised through a variety of successful fundraising efforts and the many generous donations from Bent Tree residents and Pickens County community supporters. The Bent Tree Foundation wishes to congratulate all of the scholarship recipients on their hard work and dedication to their educational aspirations and goals.
Bent Tree Foundation scholarships were awarded to the following graduates of Pickens High School: 1) Piper Duncan (University of Georgia) funds donated by Wayne and Vicki Wilson; 2) Georgia Fernandez (Kennesaw State University) funds donated by the Aces Golf Group; 3) Will Finney (Brevard) funds donated by Jay Biddle; 4) Sarah Holland (Kennesaw State University); 5) Mary (Tori) Kleinberg (Augusta University) funds donated by the Crain Golf Group; 6) Marlayna Macking (Kennesaw State University) funds donated by the Purdy Golf Group; 7) Katherine Perez (Middle Georgia State University) funds donated by the Sunday Couple’s Golf Group; 8) Kylie Pinson (University of South Florida); 9) Brooke Quarles (University of North Georgia) funds donated by the 18 Holer’s Golf Group; 10) Reece Williams (Georgia College and State University) funds donated for the Courtney Smith Memorial Scholarship (the wife of long-time Bent Tree Golf Professional, Rusell Smith.
A designated scholarship requiring attendance to the University of North Georgia was awarded to Emma Reece, 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. Also, a scholarship funded by Marty Stephens in honor of her sister, Linda Brown August (a professor in the University of Georgia system) was awarded to Allyson Thrasher who will attend the University of Georgia.
The Bent Tree Tennis Community, in partnership with the Foundation, awarded two scholarships to the following students: 1) Griffin Cantrell (University of Georgia); 2) McKayla Kirchoff (Georgia College & State University).
The Bent Tree Foundation was established in 2009 and with its partners has awarded over $258,000 in student scholarships and teacher/school grants to our Pickens County students and schools. The Bent Tree Foundation Board members would like to thank all of the many volunteers and donors who have made these awards possible for the students of Pickens County. Those who wish to join us in this endeavor or to honor a loved one may do so by going to our website, www.benttreefoundation.org. to find information on tax-deductible donation opportunities. As always, we continue to be grateful for your past support as well as seeking your future support to further the Foundation’s mission regarding student scholarships and teacher/school grants.
2021 Bent Tree Foundation Scholarship Awards
By Debbie Davis & Mike Moffitt
The Bent Tree Foundation, in partnership with the Bent Tree Tennis and Golf Community, awarded $16,000 in scholarships this year with funds raised through a variety of successful fundraising efforts and the many generous donations from Bent Tree residents and Pickens County community supporters. Due to health and safety issues that have continued to affect everyone this year, the Bent Tree Foundation Scholarship reception was not held. Even though the students were unable to be officially recognized for their awards, the Bent Tree Foundation wishes to congratulate all of the scholarship recipients on their hard work and dedication to their educational aspirations and goals.
Bent Tree Foundation scholarships were awarded to the following graduates of Pickens High School: 1) Raven Holsenbeck (Kennesaw State University); 2) David Gossett (Kennesaw State University) funds donated by Nancy Davis in loving memory of her husband, Monte Davis; 3) Breana Brooks (Kennesaw State University) funds donated by Richard and Kathy Hall; 4) Brett Menard (Georgia Tech) funds donated by Scott and Dudley Price; 5) Meredith Klein (Kennesaw State University) funds donated by the Women’s 18 Holers Group; 6) Caroline Angelisanti (University of Alabama) funds donated by the Sunday Golf & Grins/Carol Carlsen; 7) Heather Vincent (Georgia College & State University) funds donated by the Women’s Niners Golf Group; 8) Matthew Campbell (University of North Georgia-Oconee campus) funds donated by the “Nine Aces” golf team/Dino Colston; 9) Brooke Bell (University of Georgia); 10) Reagan Harwood (Berry College); and Tucker Lowe (Truett-McConnell College).
Two designated scholarship requiring attendance to the University of North Georgia were awarded to 1) Brooke Quarles, sponsored and funded by Martha B. Stephens in honor of her sister, Linda Brown August, a former University of North Georgia professor; 2) Penelope Hobgood, 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.
The Bent Tree Tennis Community, in partnership with the Foundation, awarded three scholarships to the following students: 1) Chloe Imbriano (University of North Georgia); 2) Sarah Parks (Georgia College & State University); 3) Madison Schultz (Coe College).
The Bent Tree Foundation was established in 2009 and with its partners has awarded over $238,000 in student scholarships and teacher/school grants to our Pickens County students and schools. The Bent Tree Foundation Board members would like to thank all of the many volunteers and donors who have made these awards possible for the students of Pickens County. Those who wish to join us in this endeavor or to honor a loved one may do so by going to our website, www.benttreefoundation.org. to find information on tax-deductible donation opportunities. As always, we continue to be grateful for your past support as well as seeking your future support to further the Foundation’s mission regarding student scholarships and teacher/school grants.
2020 Bent Tree Foundation Scholarship Awards
By Debbie Davis
The Bent Tree Foundation, in partnership with the Bent Tree Tennis and Golf Community, awarded $14,000 in scholarships this year with funds raised through a variety of events including a very successful tennis tournament, a new and very successful golf tournament sponsored by the Bent Tree Foundation, FATZ pancake breakfast events, wine and cheese tastings and the many generous donations from Bent Tree residents and Pickens County community supporters. Due to health and safety issues that have affected everyone this year, the Bent Tree Foundation Scholarship reception was cancelled. Even though the students were unable to be officially recognized for their awards, the Bent Tree Foundation wishes to congratulate all of the scholarship recipients on their hard work and dedication to their educational aspirations and goals.
Bent Tree Foundation scholarships were awarded to the following graduates of Pickens High School: 1) Adam Hunt (Kennesaw State University); 2) Peyton Schmidt (Georgia State University) funds donated by Nancy and Richard Hall; 3) Sarah Bramlett (Valdosta State) funds from the Sundays Golf and Grins Group organized by Carol Carlsen, 4) Jordan Elwarner (University of Georgia) funds donated by “The Nine Aces”; 5) Hannah Landreneau (Georgia State University); 6) Edward Valdovinos (University of North Georgia); 7) Katie Mallett (Reinhardt University); 8) Nathan McEntire (University of Georgia).
Two designated scholarship requiring attendance to the University of North Georgia were awarded to 1) Hailey Shepard, sponsored and funded by Martha B. Stephens in honor of her sister, Linda Brown August, a former University of North Georgia professor; 2) David Zhang, 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.
The Bent Tree Tennis Community, in partnership with the Foundation, awarded four scholarships to the following students: 1) Jacob Kennedy (Anderson College); 2) Emily O’Shields (University of Georgia); 3) Adeline Fitts (University of Georgia); 4) Jacob Gailey (Shorter College).
The Bent Tree Foundation was established in 2009 and with its partners has awarded over $220,000 in student scholarships and teacher/school grants to our Pickens County students and schools. Jesse Hunter, Chair of The Bent Tree Foundation and the Bent Tree Foundation Board members would like to thank all of the many volunteers and donors who have made these awards possible for the students of Pickens County. Those who wish to join us in this endeavor or to honor a loved one may do so by going to our website, www.benttreefoundation.org. to find information on tax-deductible donation opportunities. As always, we continue to be grateful for your past support as well as seeking your future support to further the Foundation’s mission regarding student scholarships and teacher/school grants.
2019 Bent Tree Foundation Scholarship and Grant Report Reception
By Debbie Davis
On Sunday, April 28, 2019 the Bent Tree Foundation held a reception at Club Tamarack to honor 22 Pickens High School senior scholarship recipients and 8 teacher grant recipients from five Pickens County schools. The Bent Tree Foundation, in partnership with the Bent Tree Tennis Community and the Lady Niners Golf Community, awarded $22,000 in scholarships with funds the Foundation raised through donations, wine tasting events, Longest Day of Golf Tournaments and FATZ pancake breakfasts. The Bent Tree Tennis Community raise their scholarship funds with very successful tennis tournaments supported by many enthusiastic sponsors. The Lady Niners Golf community raises their scholarship funds though golf events and donations as well. The scholarship recipients were accompanied by their parents and family members at the reception. Jesse Hunter, Chairman of the Bent Tree Foundation, recognized each scholarship recipient for their hard work and dedication to their educational aspirations and goals. Also presenting were special guests, Kristie Coleman, President of the Bent Tree Tennis Community and Debbie Ford, President of the Lady Niners Golf Community.
Foundation scholarships were awarded the following graduates of Pickens High School: ) Kyra Biggins (Georgia Southern University); 2) Hannah Fields (Reinhardt University); 3) Emily Robinson (undecided); 4 ) Emilly Johnson (Shorter University); 5) Madilyn Shelton (University of North Georgia); 6) Miles Gregg (University of North Georgia); 7) Laura Swancey (Reinhardt University); 8) Garrett Thompson (Clemson University); 9) Marshall Hulsey (Dalton State College); 10) Bethany Carver (Georgia College and State University); and 11) Emma Barnes (University of North Georgia).
Two designated scholarship requiring attendance to the University of North Georgia were awarded to 1) Elizabeth Kouch, sponsored and funded by Martha B. Stephens in honor of her sister, Linda Brown August, a former University of North Georgia professor; 2) Ana Coriell ( a Bent Tree resident), 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. One scholarship was presented by Jody Robinson and her family to Jacob Kirchoff (Kennesaw State University) from donations made in memory and honor of her husband and their father, Rick Robinson, a Bent Tree resident who passed away in March, 2019, after a heroic battle with lymphoma.
Kristie Coleman, Chair of the Bent Tree Tennis Community, in partnership with the Foundation, awarded seven scholarships to the following students: 1) Olivia Fountain (University of Georgia); 2) Emma DiPuma (University of Georgia); 3) Katie Cowart (Oglethorpe University); 4) Hattie Baker ( Samford University); 5) Cody Manis (undecided); 6) Craig Johnson (Young Harris); 7) Henry Moore (Georgia Southern University).
Debbie Ford, President of the Lady Niners Golf Community, presented a scholarship to Katherine Densmore (Georgia Southern University).
Jesse Hunter, Chairman of the Bent Tree Foundation, also recognized the eight teachers from five Pickens County schools for their teacher/school grants which were awarded in September, 2018, and whose specific information appeared in an ECHO article last Fall.
The Bent Tree Foundation was established in 2009 and with its partners has awarded over $200,000.00 in student scholarships and teacher/school grants to our Pickens County students and schools. The Bent Tree Foundation would like to thank all of the many volunteers and donors for helping our schools expand educational opportunities for our young adults. Those who wish to join us in this endeavor or honor the memory of a loved one may do so by going to our website, www.benttreefoundation.org. to find information on tax-deductible donation opportunities. The Bent Tree Foundation holds fund-raising projects throughout the year and we thank all of you for your past support and need your future support as well to further the Foundation’s mission regarding student scholarships and teacher/school grants.