CARROLLTON, GA — The Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation celebrated its 2022 scholarship awards at its first scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station. Approximately 150 students, parents, and donors gathered to recognize 33 students who received awards.

Through the generosity of private benefactors, the foundation added six new scholarship opportunities for students this year and awarded more than $43,000. 

Two of the new scholarships offer multi-year awards that provide funding to students who will attend West Georgia Technical College or pursue an engineering degree at a four-year institution. 

“We are excited to celebrate our scholarship recipients for the Class of 2022,” said Laurie Fleck, the foundation’s executive director. “These seniors are selected through an application process by a committee consisting of board, community, and school faculty members. It was a record year with more than 400 applications submitted. The scholarship program is one of our most celebrated each year, and these students have worked hard to reach this milestone. We wish them the best of luck and hope that these awards will serve as a launching pad for continued success in college.”

This year’s CCS Education Foundation scholarships and recipients are:

The Akoye Winston Warrior Scholarship 

Carrollton High School senior Ashontae Okoua was awarded the Akoye Winston Warrior Scholarship. This scholarship honors the memory of Akoye Winston. He was a seventh-grade student at Carrollton Junior High School in 2013. His mother, LaSonya Heard, his family, and the Pleasant Grove church family chose to honor his life by awarding a scholarship to a deserving Carrollton High School student. The scholarship award was presented at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station in Carrollton. Pictured are Lasonya Heard, Ashontae Okoua, Fred Ricks and Ben Garrett.

The Carrollton High School Alumni Scholarship

Carrollton High School senior Andy Herndon was awarded the Carrollton High School Alumni Scholarship at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station in Carrollton. Established by the Class of 1966, the purpose of the Carrollton High School Alumni Scholarship is to recognize and reward the CHS tradition of excellence. The scholarship honors graduating seniors who exemplify a high level of success during their time at CHS in the areas of academics, leadership, service to the community, humanitarianism, creativity and career aspirations. Scholarship recipients should show promise for continuing to advance those ideals throughout their lives and careers. Pictured from left are Ben Garrett, Jimmy Tuggle and Andy Herndon.

The Ben Stallings Football Scholar Award

In 2009 a scholarship at Carrollton High School was established in memory of Ben Stallings, a 2005 graduate of CHS and third-generation Trojan. Ben was an exceptional student who played football all through high school. He was the 2004 Chevron/Texaco Scholar-Athlete for Region 6AAA for having the highest SAT score of any athlete in the region. The scholarship recognizes a senior football player who is one of the top performers in the classroom and a loyal team member. This year’s recipient is Tucker McLeod. Janis Stallings, Ben’s mother, presented the award at the CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19. Pictured from left are Ben Garrett, Tucker McLeod and Janis Stallings. 

The Bennett Reed Stedwell Memorial Scholarship 

The Bennett Reed Stedwell Memorial Scholarship was established in 2018 by family and friends to honor the memory of 2010 Carrollton High School graduate Bennett Reed Stedwell. Stedwell was an exceptional student who was a founding member and captain of the internationally-recognized and award-winning CHS Trojan Remotely-Operated Vehicle (R.O.V.) Team. Preference for this scholarship is given to a member of the ROV program, with consideration given to applicants involved in a related field. This year’s recipient is Josh Hansen. The scholarship award was presented at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station in Carrollton. Pictured from left are Ben Garrett and Josh Hansen.

The Bryson-Caylor Family Scholarship

The Bryson-Caylor families established the Bryson-Caylor Family Fund Scholarship in appreciation for the Carrollton City School System’s contributions since 1968.  This scholarship aims to encourage students who have met difficult challenges in their lives with uncommon determination by supporting the students as they further their education. This year’s recipient is Keanna Jackson. The scholarship award was presented at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station in Carrollton. Pictured from left are Ben Garrett, Earlene Bryson,  Keanna Jackson, Dr. Jewell Bryson, David Bryson and Mark Bryson.

The Coach Charlie Grisham Memorial Scholarship

Carrollton High School seniors Ace Williamson and Josie Godwin were awarded the Charlie Grisham Memorial Scholarship at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19. The scholarship was created from community donations made in memory of the legendary Trojan football coach, who died in 1999. The scholarship awards were presented at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station in Carrollton. Pictured from left are Ben Garrett, Sherri Grisham Bruce, Ace Williamson, Josie Godwin, and Betsy and Bart Grisham.

The Charles Richard Mehaffey Scholarship

The Charles Richard Mehaffey Scholarship was established in 2021 to honor Richard Mehaffey, a 1950 graduate of Carrollton High School. Mr. Mehaffey proudly served in the United States Marine Corps and then attended Georgia Tech with assistance from the GI Bill. After college, he worked at Southwire and later was the director of the solid waste management department with Carroll County. This multi-year scholarship encourages students who aspire to become an engineer or pursue a STEM-related career. This year’s recipient is Jeb Jackson. The scholarship award was presented at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station in Carrollton. Pictured from left are Ben Garrett, Mark Bryson and Jeb Jackson.

The Chase McDaniel “Chase the Victory” Memorial Scholarship

The Chase McDaniel “Chase the Victory” Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Carrollton High School student Chase McDaniel, who passed away on Nov. 16, 2019, during his senior year after a long battle with cancer. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to students who exhibit the qualities Chase portrayed in his daily life. Chase inspired and encouraged others with an unwavering positive attitude and immense courage while sharing hope and spreading kindness to all he met. This year’s recipients are Jordyne Berry, Jaycie Hand (finalists) and Cam McLendon (overall winner). The scholarship award was presented at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station in Carrollton. Pictured from left are Ben Garrett, Kiki McDaniel, Jaycie Hand, Cam McLendon, Jordynne Berry, and Tracy McDaniel.

The Carrollton High School National Honor Society Scholarship

The CHS National Honor Society Scholarship was formed to recognize senior NHS students who have upheld the four pillars of NHS, including acting as a leader in the school and community, serving others through community involvement, and setting an example of high integrity and moral character for their peers. This year’s recipient is Tobey Barden. Pictured from left are Ben Garrett Tobey Barden and Laurie Fleck.

The Clay Robinson Family Scholarship

The Clay Robinson Family Scholarship was established in 2021 by Carrollton native Clay Robinson. The scholarship will benefit students attending West Georgia Technical College to pursue a trade certification or degree program. This year’s recipient is Berwyn Perez-Ramos. The scholarship award was presented by Clay Robinson at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station in Carrollton.

The Don Hall Band Scholarship

Carrollton High School senior Elise Joswick was awarded the Don Hall Band Scholarship at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19. The scholarship was created from community donations made in honor of the legendary CHS band director, who retired in 1998, and band booster support. Pictured from left are Ben Garrett, Elise Joswick and Chris Carr, CHS band director, who presented the scholarship award.

The Dr. Jerry Robinson Scholarship

Carrollton High School senior Tania Turcios-Navarette was presented the Dr. Jerry Robinson Scholarship, established in 2018 to honor Dr. Jerry Robinson, valedictorian of the Carrollton High School Class of 1958. Before retiring, Dr. Robinson was a successful radiologist in the Carrollton community for 29 years. Dr. Robinson’s family established this scholarship to honor his achievements at Carrollton High School and the Carrollton community. He and his wife Alice presented the scholarship at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station in Carrollton.

The Officer Jason Rowell #208 Memorial Scholarship

Carrollton High School senior Kyla Smith was presented the Officer Jason Rowell #208 Memorial Scholarship, which honors the life and legacy of Rowell. Jason grew up in the West Georgia area, where he served in law enforcement. Rowell was a fixture at Friday night Trojan football games and a daily friend and role model. In addition, he had a love of music and volunteered his time with Bert’s Big Adventure, mentoring children with chronic and terminal illnesses. The award was presented by Jason’s wife, Amy and their daughter, Ava, at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station in Carrollton.

The Mr. and Mrs. Joseph B. McGinnis Memorial Scholarship

Carrollton High School senior Karly Lawler was awarded the Joseph B. McGinnis Scholarship at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station. The McGinnis family established the scholarship to honor McGinnis for his decades of public service on the Carrollton Board of Education and as Carrollton’s mayor. In addition, his wife, Carole Copeland McGinnis, also a native of Carrollton, was a devoted partner and mother for more than sixty-one years. This scholarship was established to honor Joe and Carole’s pride in the Carrollton City School System. Pictured from left are Ben Garrett, Glen McGinnis, Karly Lawler and Joe McGinnis Jr.

The John Wesley Tanner, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Carrollton High School senior Will Mason was awarded the John Wesley Tanner Jr. Memorial Scholarship at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station. The scholarship, funded by the Tanner family, is presented to a student of high moral character who also is involved in community and church activities. The scholarship was presented by Ben Garrett, president of the CCS Education Foundation. 

The Joshua Roy Mabry Memorial Scholarship

Carrollton High School seniors Taiwo Obasuyi and Trinity Pless received the Joshua Roy Mabry Memorial Scholarship, presented on April 19 at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast at City Station. Mabry’s family established the scholarship as a memorial tribute to the long-time Carrollton Board of Education member who died in November 2008. Pictured from left are Ben Garrett, Elaine Mabry, Trinity Pless, Taiwo Obasuyi, Janay Holland and Mallory Ingram.

The Kyle Liam Barry Scholarship

The family of Kyle Liam Barry, a 2008 honor graduate of Carrollton High School, has established a scholarship to honor the memory of the son, brother, cousin, teammate and friend.  Barry played with distinction for the Trojan Varsity Soccer Team all four years of his high school and continued to play soccer at the next level on an academic/athletic scholarship at Reinhardt University. He completed his studies at the University of Georgia in 2012. This scholarship recognizes soccer players who distinguish themselves in the classroom, on the field, and most importantly, in their character. This year’s recipients are Jaiden Sosa and Kayla Watts. Pictured with Kayla and Jaiden from left are Ben Garrett, Brain Hungerford, Jackie Marshall and Glen Barry, Kyle’s father.

The Lisa Crawford Love Family Scholarship for the Performing Arts

Carrollton High School senior Carladrian Lawson is this year’s recipient of the Lisa Crawford Love Scholarship for the Performing Arts. Love, a Carrollton High School graduate, is a performing arts professional who operated a successful studio in Carrollton for many years. This scholarship honors a student who exhibits a passion for the arts and a strong desire to pursue a performing arts career. The award was presented at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station. Pictured from left are Ben Garrett, Carladrian Lawson and Laurie Fleck.

The Ra-Lin Memorial Scholarship 

The RA-LIN Memorial Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Ron Patjens and Walt Fleming. Both men were passionate builders committed to the pursuit of excellence. They were stellar models of the RA-LIN’s simple approach to business and enjoyed mentoring others. Through decades of experience in the industry, they touched the lives of many in their field. Carrollton High School senior Joseph Berry is this year’s scholarship recipient. The award was presented at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station. Pictured from left are Ben Garrett, Joseph Berry and Michael Heisey.

The Reico North Scholarship

Carrollton High School senior Crystal Udombon was awarded the Reico North Scholarship at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station. This scholarship was established to honor Reico North, a beloved coach and outstanding alumnus of Carrollton High School. Coach North impacted many young students in the community through his love of tennis and Coach North’s family established this scholarship to honor his legacy. Pictured from left are Ben Garrett, Jarrard Tarrant, Crystal Udombon, Reicia North, Tabitha North, Fathia Reese and Marcus Reese.

The Ronnie Walton Memorial Scholarship

The Ronnie Walton Memorial Scholarship honors the life-long educator at Carrollton High School who spent more than thirty years teaching English and creative writing. The scholarship focuses on students who wish to pursue a career in teaching, writing, or related fields. This year’s recipient is Melissa Calero-Perez. The award was presented by Walton’s wife, Carol, and their daughter, Beth, at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station.

The Sheri Davis Memorial Scholarship

Madison Mosier was awarded a Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation scholarship established in memory of Sheri Davis, a beloved fifth-grade teacher at Carrollton Upper Elementary School. The endowment for this award was established by donations from the Carrollton community and beyond and will benefit a graduating senior who plans to pursue a teaching career. Mrs. Davis’ husband, Dr. Steve Davis, presented the award at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station.

The Sheri Davis Mission Accomplished Scholarship

The Sheri Davis Mission Accomplished Scholarship honors the memory of Sheri Davis, a beloved fifth-grade teacher at Carrollton Middle School. She positively impacted thousands of lives through her caring and creative teaching methods. Her calling in life was to impact kids and improve race relations in our community. She truly accomplished that mission and her legacy will continue through those who knew her. This year’s recipient is Greyson Harper. The award was presented at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station. Pictured from left are Ben Garrett, Dr. Steve Davis, Greyson Harper and Mr. and Mrs. Jason Colquitt.

The Stanley Parkman/Times-Georgian Media Award

Carrollton High School senior Grace Bergquist was awarded the Stanley Parkman/Times-Georgian Media Award at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station. The scholarship, established in 2007, honors the memory of Stanley Parkman, founder and long-time publisher of the Times-Georgian newspaper, sponsor of this scholarship. Mr. Parkman, whose four children are graduates of Carrollton High School, had been a strong supporter of the school system. Students eligible for this award must excel in at least one of the following Carrollton High School media programs: Yearbook, Broadcasting, Journalism, or Graphic Arts. The award was presented at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station. Pictured from left are Ben Garrett, Grace Bergquist and Rachael Raney, publisher of the News Papers of West Georgia.

The Susan W. Gordy Spirit Award

First awarded in 2013, the Susan B. Gordy Spirit Award was established by cheerleading parents as a tribute to the team’s former head coach and Carrollton High School Athletic Hall of Fame member, who led three competitive squads to state titles. The recipient of this award embodies the true Trojan spirit, though it is not exclusively awarded to cheerleaders. This year’s recipient is Khloe Widener. Susan Gordy presented the award at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station. Pictured from left are Ben Garrett, Khloe Widener and Susan Gordy.

The Trojan Spirit & Leadership Scholarship

Carrollton High School senior Justice Ricks was awarded the Trojan Spirit & Leadership Scholarship at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station. The scholarship, honoring Doyle and Margaret Garrett, was established by their children and grandchildren in 2003 as a tribute recognizing their tireless support of Carrollton High School and the Trojan tradition of excellence. Pictured with Justice is Ben Garrett.

The Whitley Morris Scholar-Athlete Award

Carrollton High School seniors Cole Carter and Kayla Pinkard were awarded the Whitley Morris Scholar-Athlete Award at the first CCS Education Foundation scholarship breakfast on April 19 at City Station.  This scholarship honors the memory of Whitley Morris, a 1927 graduate of Carrollton High School. Mr. Morris was a successful businessman who left an endowment to the school system to fund two scholarships awarded to one male and one female student-athlete annually. Pictured from left are Ben Garrett, Cole Carter, Kayla Pinkard and Paul Fitz-Simons.