Fourth grader steps ahead
Although he's only in the fourth grade, Gage Davis is one step closer to achieving his dream of becoming an orthodontist.
On Saturday, the Hephzibah Elementary School pupil was one of four 9- to 12-year-olds to have their names drawn in the Make Kid Count $10,000 scholarship competition.
His dad, Jimmy Davis, said he hopes that Gage will choose the University of Georgia to start his college career.
"We always go there to watch football games," Mr. Davis said.
Gage said he is still undecided on what school he'd like to attend.
"Make Kids Count is a program to recognize the youngest in our community and all the wonderful things they do," said Julian Miller, president of The Augusta Chronicle at the drawing which was held at halftime of the women's basketball game between Armstrong Atlantic State University and Lander University during Peach Belt Conference play at Augusta State University's Christenberry Fieldhouse.
Two more drawings will be held with the $10,000 winner being selected during the Augusta Lynx home game March 21.
Anne Velky of North Augusta, Bria Birt of Hephzibah and Christina Bussey of Augusta will be part of the next drawing March 16 at Knology.
Greg Davis, Augusta, Elizabeth Lawson, North Augusta, Xavier Myers, Edgefield, S.C., and Davonta McCloud of Hephzibah will each receive a $500 savings bond for making it to the round of eight.
The Chronicle kicked off the Make Kids Count scholarship contest last June. So far, two children, one in the infant to 3 age category and one in the 4-8 age group, have received $10,000 savings bonds.
Since then, additional sponsors have joined in the effort to Make Kids Count. Other sponsors include Georgia Bank & Trust Co., Platt's Funeral Home, Taylor Auto Group, SCANA, the Augusta Lynx, Fat Man's and Dillard's.
Entries currently are being received for the next age group, 13-18 year-olds. The deadline for entries in the 13-18 year-old category will be received until 5 p.m. March 29. A legal birth certificate plus a photograph of the child must accompany the entry which can be mailed to The Augusta Chronicle, P.O. Box 1928, Augusta, Ga. 30903-1928 or dropped off at the news building, 725 Broad St.