Newspaper Page Text
Page 12— Wednesday, December 27, 2023, The True Citizen
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Seated (L-R): Christopher Carswell, Jr., Skylar Collins, Ja’Carius Harden, Colton Sowell, and
Tahlia Williams
BCMS Eighth Graders
REACH For Success
Middle school students have
already made the incredible
steps necessary to benefit their
collegiate careers.
Five Burke County Middle
School eighth graders were
each awarded a scholarship
during a special signing cer
emony November 7, 2023, as
a part of Georgia’s REACFI
Program.
Beginning now, in 8th grade
and through high school, these
students will be paired with
a mentor and an academic
coach. They must maintain
good grades, behavior, and
attendance. Upon completion
of the program, each student
will receive $2,500 per year
to be used toward the cost of
attendance at a four or two-
year institution in Georgia.
The public-private scholarship
program, launched by Gov.
Nathan Deal in 2012, offers
needs-based scholarships that
give students the financial sup
port and motivation to finish
high school and college.
Many of the state’s major
universities, such as the Uni
versity of Georgia and Georgia
Tech, will match the grant
should those students enroll
there. A handful of universities,
like Mercer University, will
double the scholarship’s value
for scholars who enroll.
Recipients are selected by
a committee of community
members, whose decisions are
based on a combination of fac
tors, including academic per
formance and financial need.
The REACFI ceremony was
attended by representatives
from the schooFs community
partners, Augusta Technical
College, Blanchard Equip
ment, Ingevity, and the Family
Y. Opening hearts and minds,
the Burke County High School
Gospel Choir set the stage for
the Reach Scholars' special
signing ceremony with a mov
ing musical selection. Retired
educator Emanual Larkin, Jr.'s
inspirational words then fueled
their journey onward.
“The unwavering support
of our families, community
and scholarship partners is a
testament to the power of col
laboration in shaping a brighter
future for our students. Their
contributions have not only
enriched the school's environ
ment, but have also instilled in
students a sense of gratitude
and a commitment to recipro
cating their generosity,” stated
BCMS Principal, Dr. Willie
Adkinson.
(Lto R) Waynesboro Primary School Principal, Anthony Chiles, and WPS Pre-K Family Service
Coordinator, Jessica Roberson.
Angel cut-outs connect community
members with WPS children in need
Thanks to the generosity of
local organizations and com
munity members, more than
100 families affiliated with
Waynesboro Primary School
received Christmas gifts for
their children. Angel cut-outs
were created that included
basic information about 103
children at the school in need.
Those who adopt angels
supported the children with
clothes, shoes and toys for
Christmas. WPS Pre-K Family
Service Coordinator Jessica
Roberson, created her list and
checked it twice to make sure
the gifts purchased for each
child were received by the
families.
On behalf of Waynesboro
Primary School, Jessica Rober
son thanks the following spon
sors for their generosity: Latina
Dukes, Julie Jones, Sheila Rob
erson, Karen Roberson, Deon
Roberson, Sean Kirkland, Ken-
tielle Walker, Lester Walker,
Lily Tolbert, Kina Coleman,
Waynesboro Police Depart
ment, Burke County Board of
Education-Central Office, Di
anne Quick, Sarah Lowe, Carol
Lowe, Laura Nelson and Oasis
Church Fellowship Group,
Amy Nunnally, Kelly Quick,
Brittany Jones, Lynn Parrish,
Schylea Williams, Michelle
Olver, Christy Blanchard, Gary
Jenkins, Suzanne Sharkey and
Southern Nuclear Company.
BQC rejects
Continued from front
of paying for six deputies hired
at approximately $18/ hr. He
also pointed out that the Sheriff
agreed previously to discuss
grants that involved hiring of
personnel with the County
prior to applying for them.
Martin estimated it would cost
the County approximately $1
million just in salaries to em
ploy the six deputies, despite
the approximate $700k grant.
A short argument ensued
over how many employees
the BCSO employed that day.
County figures showed close to
140, while the sheriff’s figures
indicated closer to 130. Sheriff
Williams reiterated his claim
that the County continuously
underfunds his budget. Evans
pointed out that Williams re
peats that point every year.
“It’s almost like a preacher
on Sunday,” the sheriff stated.
“If he keeps preaching the
same sermon, maybe you will
get it at some point. I am hop
ing the same will happen.”
Communicating over a
speaker, Commissioner Art
Lively repeated what he said
about the accepting the grant
last month. Pointing to ongoing
FBI, GBI and District Attorney
investigations surrounding the
mishandling of grant funds, he
adamantly expressed the panel
should not accept anymore
grant funding.
All the commissioners were
present during this month’s
meeting, including Chairwom
an Terri Lodge Kelly who was
absent and did not vote last
month. Commissioner Lively
appeared by video chat this
month. Commissioner Lucious
Abrams moved to approve
the grant money, however the
motion died when no one sec
onded the motion.
Planters Electric
Membership Corporation
A Touchstone Energy Partner
GIRARD. t,A 30426
Lights for the Holidays Campaign
The Relevant Word Church in Girard generously contributed $6,000 to support accounts at
risk of disconnection in Burke and Screven Counties. Recently, these funds were utilized to
cover expenses for 37 Planters Electric Membership Corporation (PEMC) accounts, ensuring
that families can maintain their electric service during the holiday season. In the photo, Pastor
Jermaine Clare Sr., Mary Lee Price, Victoria Stewart, Jermaine Clare Jr. and Dr. Mary Clare
are seen presenting the donation to PEMC’s Whitney Zeagler. (Not pictured: Madelyn Brown).
Festival of
trees winner
The City of Waynesboro Youth
Council won the most unique tree
by receiving the highest number of
votes during the Mayor’s Festival
of Trees competition. The people’s
Choice award went to Clark Drug
Company. “We had good participa
tion this year. A lot of folks came in
and looked at those trees and we
had more people vote for the trees
than voted for me,” Mayor Bill Tinley
said jokingly.
Southern
Bank
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4.88
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APY
FOR 8 MONTHS
Effective Date: August 21, 2023
Special offer available at:
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855 Liberty St., Waynesboro, GA 30830
2455 Highway 88, Hephzibah, GA 30815
21 College St., Gibson, GA 30810
706-437-9977
thesouthern.bank
*The annual percentage yield (APY) assumes that interest remains on deposit until maturity. APY accurate as of 8/21/2023 and is
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SMELLIE SMITLEY p EMC