Students receive McDonald’s scholarships

ALBANY — For their academic achievement, leadership and community involvement, 14 South Georgia high school seniors were awarded $1,000 scholarships on behalf of McDonald’s and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Georgia.

The students were honored Thursday at the Merry Acres Inn Events Center where they were presented certificates and recognized for their accomplishments.

Albany State University President Art Dunning was the event’s keynote speaker, and he gave the students advice for the next chapter of their lives. He encouraged them not only to remain focused as they attended their respective institutions of higher learning, but to pay it forward as well.

“Nothing happens in society unless people give back,” he said.

The 14 seniors were selected from some 115 nominees, and Michael Harris of McDonald’s Albany said their accomplishments show him the potential and talent in the area. He encouraged the scholarship winners to use their talents to help improve their community.

“We’re always talking about creating change and moving Dougherty and all these counties forward,” he said. “One of the best things to do with that is to partner and try and get the youth to college, and have them come back and contribute. And this is our part.”

Dunning said that McDonald’s and Ronald McDonald House Charities’ investment in students’ futures is what helps make communities stronger.

“It’s always good for communities to celebrate our achieving students,” Dunning said. “This event today represents the best and brightest among our students, and it’s good that a business such as McDonald’s has chosen to invest their time and resources. It gives us the continuity we need to keep our communities alive and vibrant.”

Scholarship winners, their high schools and their colleges of choice were:

Madison Armona, Westover High School, Mercer University

Oesha Bivens, Turner County High School, Georgia Southern University

Jasmine Cox, Albany High School, Columbus State University

Cheryl Dedmon, Westover High School, Howard University

DeMarcus Graham, Tift County High School, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

Elizah Huff, Tiftarea Academy, Young Harris College

Arnelle Konde, Westover High School, Spelman College

Logan Littleton, Terrell Academy, Darton State College

Michaela Lubbers, Tift County High School, ABAC

Kenslee Mathis, Fitzgerald High School, Valdosta State University

Daughtry Melton, Tift County High School, Valdosta State University

Billie Mills, Colquitt County High School, Georgia College & State University

Daisy Perales, Colquitt County High School, Valdosta State University

Laura Ramirez, Colquitt County High School, Valdosta State University