The Bulloch Retired Educators Scholarship Foundation celebrated four future teachers on Tuesday, awarding each of them a $2,000 scholarship to support their college education and career path in teaching. Three of the recipients were recognized during the Bulloch Retired Educators Association (BREA) luncheon held at Pittman Park United Methodist Church.
Each of the students initially received letters stating they would receive a $1,500 award, but luncheon organizers surprised them with the news that an anonymous $3,000 donation had allowed the foundation to increase the scholarships to $2,000 apiece.
“We are so glad to have three of our four recipients here today,” said Gwen Yarbrough. “The fourth had a conflict, but we’ll see her tomorrow night at Southeast Bulloch’s Honors Night.”
Katie Gardner, a senior at Southeast Bulloch High School, plans to attend the University of Georgia to major in Elementary Education. Gardner currently serves as a site coordinator with the Bulloch County Afterschool Program, an experience she said helped her see the value and impact of becoming a teacher. She was joined by her mother, Melissa Schuber, and a close friend.
Makayla Jones of Portal High School was inspired by her art teacher, Deena Scarborough, to pursue a degree in Art Education. She will attend Georgia Southern University this fall. Her parents, Brandon and Yvonne Lane, both Portal alumni, attended the luncheon in support.
Carolyne Petkewich, also from Southeast Bulloch, will study high school science education at Georgia Southern. Both of her parents—Mark and Becky Petkewich—are teachers. “She’s following in their footsteps,” Yarbrough said proudly.
Valery Manville, the fourth recipient, could not attend due to a scheduling conflict but will be recognized at her school’s awards ceremony. She is set to attend the University of North Georgia to major in Elementary Education. Her application reflected on the powerful role teachers play in shaping a child’s intellectual and social development.
“Our scholarships require recipients to sincerely declare their intention to pursue teaching as a career,” said Julie Lanier, Secretary-Treasurer of the Scholarship Foundation. “Our goal is to help outstanding students become outstanding teachers.”
