August 23 2018

Georgia Baptists award scholarships to 23 college freshmen; 2019 applications now being accepted

Joe Westbury college scholarships, SAA, Student Achievement Awards

Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon is one of three Georgia Baptist educational institutions accepting scholarships through the Scholarship Achievement Award program. JOE WESTBURY/Index

Myra Ashley Gray is thankful to Georgia Baptists for providing a competitive college scholarship program for incoming freshmen. She is one of 23 students statewide who have just been awarded financial assistance through the Student Achievement Award program.

The young men and women are chosen from among a large number of applicants as a result of their scholastic achievement and outstanding involvement in both their churches and communities.

Gray, who is in her first week at Truett McConnell University in Cleveland, said she chose the school for its music program, which she may eventually use in some form of ministry down the road. But she has plenty of time to make that decision as the classes help her refine her calling. Her scholarship will help fulfill that calling.

“I love the campus, the faculty, and students here,” she told The Index. “I have found some good Jesus loving people to have some fun with.”

Gray says she is no stranger to the campus, having grown up around it because both of her parents – Johnathan and Andrea – are both alums and have stayed in touch with the school. Her father serves as president and chief executive officer of the Georgia Baptist Foundation.

The scholarships – amounting to $4,000 each and paid over four years – are funded through the Cooperative Program and provided jointly by Georgia Baptist colleges and universities and the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. Of the recipients, 2 are attending Brewton Parker, 10 are students at Shorter, and 11 are enrolled at Truett McConnell.

Nominations open for high school seniors

Current high school seniors are eligible for consideration and nominations are now being received for 2019 awards. Recipients must be active members in churches cooperating with the Georgia Baptist Convention. Students must first be nominated by their pastors or other staff members. After that, application packets are sent to the nominees. Pastors may also write letters of recommendation for students they wish to nominate.

Award winners are chosen in January by the Scholarship Committee of the Education Commission. Awards are based on academic achievement, but church and community involvement also plays a significant role in the selection process.

State Missionary Support Pam Schildecker, who oversees the processing of applications for Education Commission scholarships, noted that now is the time for pastors and other church staff to consider which high school seniors they want to nominate for the 2019 Georgia Baptist Student Achievement Award.

Nominations may be made by accessing and completing the nomination form at the Georgia Baptist Education Commission website and by clicking on Student Achievement Nomination Form under the “Quick Links” heading. A downloadable, printable form is also available in the link for those preferring to mail or fax nominations.

For more information call Schildecker at (800) 746-4422 x240 or (770) 936-5240.

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