The Ogeechee Technical College Foundation celebrated a record-breaking year for student scholarships during its annual Scholarship Banquet, held Tuesday night in the Oak Room of the Jack Hill Building at the College. With more scholarships awarded than ever before, the event grew so large that it was split into two seatings at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. to accommodate all recipients, donors, and guests.
“This year marked an incredible milestone for Ogeechee Tech and our Foundation,” said Larry Mays, Vice President for College Advancement. “To see the generosity of our donors translate into a record number of scholarships is remarkable. Splitting the event into two dinners was a good problem to have, it shows just how much this community believes in supporting students as they pursue their career dreams.”
One of the evening’s highlights were the keynote remarks from student scholarship recipients Calvin Holloway and Catherine Schroeder.
“Interestingly enough, my path to becoming an EMT started in a place I never expected—working in plasma centers,” said Holloway. “That experience led me into phlebotomy, and from there I discovered a true passion for helping people in their most vulnerable moments. That passion is what inspired me to take the next step—to become an EMT and continue advancing in this field. And now, I am proud to share that I have recently received an offer from East Georgia Regional Medical Center, where I will begin my career as an ER Technician.”
“While completing the necessary physicals for enrollment into my Echocardiography program my physician had me get a lump examined that turned out to be cancerous,” admitted Schroeder. “As you can imagine my world was turned upside down, but I knew the only path for me was forward. This scholarship goes a long way toward helping me recover finances I’ve lost in medical bills, and the faculty and my classmates at OTC have been incredibly supportive and flexible helping me navigate around my treatments.”
Scholarship applications are accepted prior to the start of each semester and are reviewed by Ogeechee Tech board members and community volunteers, along with faculty and staff. Through the funding of endowments and annual iGot donations, scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, and books.
