Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Foundation South awarded nearly 200 students with scholarships during fall semester to help them enhance their skills and graduate with a valued credential. Funds for scholarships were donated by supporters throughout the community, including some very generous people, organizations, and businesses. The Foundation trustees and College faculty and staff appreciate the many gifts and commitment to workforce education at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.
 
Scholarship recipients must meet established criteria in order to receive the assistance.  Some scholarships are based on academic excellence and others are based on both academic performance and financial need.  In both cases, the funds help cover the gap between the cost of higher education and the amount covered by financial aid.  That allows more students the opportunity to attend and complete college so that they are better prepared to enter the workforce in their chosen profession.
 
Recipients of named scholarships during fall semester include the following students: Jacob Bennett (Ben Copeland Scholarship), Kaitlyn Ahner (Benjamin James Herron Memorial Scholarship from Mr. and Mrs. David Herron), Erica Stickland (CJB Industries Scholarship), Caitlyn Duren (Clarence Smith Memorial Scholarship), Demetra Teele (Dan Hatfield, Jr. Scholarship from donors Thomas and Susan Putnam), Brittany Dasher (Johnson Distributing ‘Go Back’ Scholarship), Jana Wojcik and William Fricks (Mary Catherine Coffey Memorial Scholarship from Southern OB/GYN), Michelle Clark (Ricky Dollar Scholarship), Sammie Carlisle (Sabal Trail Technical and Industrial Scholarship), Jazmine Wiseman (Valdosta High School Alumni Scholarship), and Brandy Bolme (Wiregrass Signing Day Scholarship). More than 180 additional students received scholarships from the general fund or were loaned textbooks, including the following: Lisette Lehman, Heather Brady, Amy Robinson, Cynthia Cain, Julia Castillo, Rosena Roberts, Kenyetta Roberson, Tasha Jenkins, Macy Moses, Samantha McMillian, Rebecca Hawke, Jessica Loveless, Yolanda Crockett, Jaime Faircloth, Sandy Harris, Brittany McGee, and Travis Carter.
 
Gifts to the Wiregrass Foundation South have a significant impact on students, their families, and our community. Emergency Services student Jaime Faircloth said, “The Foundation provided excellent help in a time of real need.” Patient Care Assisting student Yolanda Crockett said, “Knowing that the staff at the college and in the foundation believe in me makes me work even harder in class. I am so thankful.  Doing well in school is a way I can currently give back to those who have helped me.”  Business technology student Amy Robinson said, “The Foundation provided a book so that I could take an additional class” which will allow her to graduate more quickly. Business Management student Cynthia Cain stated, “The Foundation made graduation possible!”   Following graduation, almost 90% of alumni work within 50 miles of the College. An investment in student scholarships at Wiregrass is an investment in our community.