Athens students receive StepUp Scholarships

The Athens StepUp Scholarship has announced its winners this year.

The Board of Trustees awarded eight scholarships for the 2017 -18 academic year to high school graduates from Clarke Central and Cedar Shoals high schools.

This year's scholarship recipients were David Seth Adams, Freddie Ortiz, Andre Hardy, Mia Henderson, Tanderius Flint and Tyreka Smith of Cedar Shoals High School; and TaQueria Robinson and Ilianis Solis of Clarke Central High School. Each received a scholarship in the amount of $500.

"The Athens StepUp Scholarship is a wonderful example of committed community members mobilizing support for the greater good. The Athens Area Community Foundation serves as a conduit, holding and growing the Athens StepUp Scholarship Fund and releasing scholarships as directed by their leadership, allowing them to focus time growing the program," said Sarah McKinney, president and CEO of Athens Area Community Foundation.

The Athens Step Up Scholarship, in collaboration with local nonprofits the College Factory and the Athens Area Community Foundation, has bestowed 13 scholarships to worthy students in the past two years.

"The College Factory is a nonprofit dedicated to providing college and career planning resources to youth and families in Athens. The partnership between Athens Step Up and the College Factory truly shows the difference that can be made when organizations work together," said Lawrence Harris, president of College Factory Inc.

The Athens StepUp Scholarship recognizes students who have overcome significant obstacles to pursue their educations.

The Program is dedicated to advancing the education of exceptionally promising students who have financial needs. By offering scholarships to students in the Athens community, the goals of the Athens StepUp Scholarship Program is to assist low-income students in developing their talents and excel academically.

"We are excited to be supporting the next generation of leaders within our community. With more support and donations, we're hoping to enable more students who are financially disadvantaged to continue on a successful path to a prosperous and happy future," said founder Hattie Thomas Whitehead.

Source: Athens students receive StepUp Scholarships