Foundation Awards $2,500 Scholarships To 10 Cherokee Students

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA — The Jason T. Dickerson Family Foundation has awarded 10 Cherokee County seniors with $2,500 scholarships each.

It is the second year of the annual college scholarships presented by the foundation, which have expanded from the inaugural awarding of two scholarships to 10.

The class of 2021 recipients are:

• Cherokee High: Olivia Barger, Dylan Mahoney, Braesen Parker and Abigail Taylor
• Etowah High: Christian Deneka
• River Ridge High: Stephanie Felonta, Victoria Kershaw and Legacy Guider
• Sequoyah High: Jordan Campbell
• Woodstock High: Annisabelle Aguilar

“These scholarships honor the recipients’ dedication to studies and service and are an important investment in their future and our community’s future,” Superintendent Brian Hightower said. “Jason has built upon the outstanding education he received as a CCSD student to grow a successful business and, with his family, is giving these graduates the opportunity to do the same. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to Jason and his family’s foundation.”

The scholarships are open to students planning to continue their education in Georgia and study education, agriculture, veterinary medicine, religion or theology, or a related field. The foundation also considers applicants’ community service and their references’ recommendations.

Cheerleader, volunteer coach and Vacation Bible School teacher, Cherokee High graduate Olivia Barger will study education to become a teacher.

An Eagle Scout and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta volunteer, Cherokee High graduate Dylan Mahoney plans to study history education.

Braesen Parker, who played football at Cherokee High and volunteered with service clubs including Alpha Gamma, will build upon his work experience on family farms by studying agricultural science.

Abigail Taylor, who was active at Cherokee High in its Beat Out Cancer service club and National Honors Society, will study education to pursue a career as a teacher.

A talented musician, Christian Deneka plans to study ecology, building upon his experience as a Vet Explorer and success in Etowah High agriculture and science classes.

A Northside Hospital Cherokee Volunteen and Science Olympiad winner in herpetology (zoology), River Ridge High graduate Stephanie Felonta plans to study neuroscience and biochemistry.

A standout in the River Ridge High drama program and the yearbook editor, Victoria Kershaw aspires to become a teacher and will study elementary education and technical theatre.

A top River Ridge High volleyball player and volunteer coach, Legacy Guider will study biology on a pre-vet track to pursue a career as a veterinarian.

A multi-sport athlete who excels at football, soccer, cross country and track and field, Sequoyah High graduate Jordan Campbell plans to study elementary education to become a teacher.

Annisabelle Aguilar plans to become a veterinarian and, while a Woodstock High student, interned at the Georgia Aquarium and worked for a veterinary hospital.

The scholarship winners recently were congratulated by the School Board and Hightower with a School Board meeting virtual recognition.