Area students receive scholarships
The Merchant Association of Columbia County awarded $12,000 in scholarship money to eight high school graduates at their monthly meeting June 23.
Michael McGhee (from left), Elyse Vannoy, Brandon Zapata, Tyler Sims, Chistopher Waters and Sara Newman received scholarships from the Merchant Association of Columbia County.
Photo by Quandra Collins
The meeting, which was held at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, included a reception in honor of the following recipients, who received a $2,000 scholarship from money raised from the organization's annual golf tournament: Tyler Sims, Evans High School; Christopher Waters, Greenbrier High School; Jacob Gray, Greenbrier High School; and Sara Newman, Harlem High School.
Waters said the money will help him in more ways than one.
"It will help me as well as my parents," he said, adding that he will attend the University of Georgia in the fall to major in pre-business. "It makes it much easier on my parents."
Other students received a $1,000 scholarship during honors' night at their schools. They are: Miles Todd, Evans High School; Michael McGhee, Harlem High School; Elyse Vannoy, Lakeside High School; and Brandon Zapata, Greenbrier High School.
Pam Randall, the organization's secretary, said the $1,000 scholarships are given to graduates who wish to obtain a technical degree, while the $2,000 scholarships are for students attending a college or university.
Ruby Lane, a member of the organization, said being able to give back to the community is a treat.
"It's a good feeling knowing we are working for these kids," she said. "I have one child myself, and I know that an education is very expensive."