Georgia’s Own Credit Union, recognized as the second‐largest credit union in Georgia, announced the 2020 recipients of its annual college scholarship program. After receiving applications from students in over 16 local high schools and 1 home school student, 23 high‐achieving seniors from the area were chosen to receive $1,000 toward their college education.

“While we know the coronavirus pandemic has prevented graduating seniors from enjoying rites of passage like prom and graduation, we are excited to surprise our winners with this gift toward their future,” said Barry Heape, Southwest Regional President for Georgia’s Own Credit Union. “Academic success is hard‐earned, so we take tremendous pride in supporting the best and brightest in our community with these scholarships.”

Students were selected for the scholarships by a panel that took into consideration: academic record, financial need, school/community service and an essay.  Including the $23,000 committed to this year’s recipients, Georgia’s Own has awarded nearly $140,000 in scholarships to Albany students over the last 16 years.

“While we don’t know exactly what their college experience will look like this fall, we know it remains as critical as ever to support these amazing students as they begin the next chapter of their lives,” added Heape.

A full list of the 2020 recipients and their high schools shown below:

Americus Sumter High School: Michael Harris, Kirby Perry

Arabia Mountain High School: Ashlynn Wright

Baconton Charter School: Bethany Phillips, Lindsey Creech, Makayla Gay

Colquitt High School: Gavin Baker

Deerfield Windsor: Sarah Mullins, Jamia Lofton

Dougherty High School: Amiel Johnson

Fitzgerald High School: Annlyn Royal

Lee County High School: Ayanna Newberry, Alexis Danforth, Hayley Newberry, Tyler Coker, Rhiannon Belcher, Emily McClure

Marion County High School: Alexis Crimes

Pelham High School: Kathrine Smith

Thomasville High School: Elijah Humphries

Westover High School: Amiraica Johnson, Ayania Dudley, Ariana Drake