Georgia United Foundation Awards $30,000 in Scholarships

DULUTH, GA (February 28, 2022) – Georgia United Foundation is pleased to name six Georgia high school seniors as recipients of their 2022 High School Scholarship Competition. A total of $30,000 in scholarships were awarded to the deserving students who plan to attend college or a technical school during the 2022-2023 school year. This marks the 28th year of the scholarship program, named for Georgia United Credit Union’s founder, Vernon E. Carne and notable board members Geraldine Tilson, Dorothy Dusenberry Pirkle, Polly Hinde, Monsignor Stephen Churchwell and T. Randall Dennis.

The foundation’s unique scholarship program encourages college bound students to showcase their creativity through a one-minute video submission explaining how they will use their education to help the community. Additional consideration is given to academic achievement, financial need, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities.

“We are thrilled to recognize these outstanding students for their hard work and achievements,” shared President and CEO Debbie Smith. “The Georgia United Foundation makes it possible for us to continue our long-standing tradition of offering scholarships to high school seniors who are pursuing higher education. We wish this year’s scholars the best of luck and know they will make a difference in their communities.”

Congratulations to the 2022 Georgia United Foundation Scholarship recipients:

$10,000 Vernon E. Carne Scholarship – Asfa Karim, Parkview High School

$5,000 Geraldine Tilson Scholarship – Donovan Muhammad, Heritage High School

$5,000 Polly Hinde Scholarship – Emilia Keesey, Luella High School

$5,000 Dorothy Dusenberry Pirkle Scholarship – Elliot Green, Coahulla Creek High School

$2,500 Monsignor Stephen Churchwell Scholarship – Xitlaly Garcia, Dalton High School

$2,500 T. Randall Dennis Scholarship – Christopher Brown, Salem High School

$10,000 Vernon E. Carne Scholarship

Asfa Karim is a very accomplished young lady who immigrated to America from Pakistan and attends Parkview High School. She has been selected as the Career and Technical Education Department at Parkview High School Student of the Year 2021-2022. She is very active in the DECA program currently serving as Vice President. During the height of COVID, she initiated a mask drive through her community prayer hall and helped neighbors receive the groceries and medications they needed. Additionally, she’s involved in National Honors Society, Beta Club, Student Leadership Team, Cheerleading for basketball, and many other student organizations. In the fall she plans on pursuing a degree in business and environmental science from Georgia Tech.

$5,000 Geraldine Tilson Scholarship

Donovan Muhammad from Conyers attends Heritage High School and is a well-rounded student with varying interest in music, including being the section leader within band, also involved in robotics club and a student ambassador at Heritage High School. Furthermore, he volunteers with Toys for Tots, International Women’s House, community theatre, and in the community garden. He credits his mother for always supporting him, prepare him with strong morals and values, and to press forward in life by working hard for success.

$5,000 Polly Hinde Scholarship

Emilia Keesey has dreamed of attending the University of South Carolina and will pursue a degree in international business as the precursor to a master’s degree in urban and environmental development. She has been heavily involved in the fine arts department of Luella High School as a member of the Marching Lions band as a mellophone player and a member of the choral program and concert band. In addition, she has been the lead in the school musical both freshman and senior year with her sophomore and junior year being disrupted by COVID and no performances occurring. Furthermore, she’s a co-President of the National Honor Society and on the school golf team. She serves in her community through Trees Atlanta, which is a non-profit organization that plants trees in under privileged areas around the metro-Atlanta area and helped spark her interest in urban and environmental development.

$5,000 Dorothy Dusenberry Pirkle Scholarship

Elliot Green plans to attend Berry College for biochemistry heading towards a path in medical research. He comes from a large family with eleven siblings ranging in ages from 21-11. He is captain of the varsity tennis team and also plays USTA tennis, Beta Club, musical ensembles and Student Government Association (Senior Class President). In addition, he completed the Chick-fil-a Leadership Academy and has volunteers with the United Way of Northwest Georgia and Salvation Army.

$2,500 Monsignor Stephen Churchwell Scholarship

Xitlaly Garcia plans on attending Dalton State for two years with the intention to transfer to Georgia Tech for architecture. The scholarship assistance will help lessen the costs for tuition and fees at Dalton State. Additionally, she plans to continue to work her two jobs at Hammon Creek Middle School Nutrition Program and Schlotzskys Deli. She is involved in the National Honors Society, Color Guard and Winter Guard at Dalton High School. Furthermore, she is the Chief Editor of the yearbook club.

$2,500 T. Randall Dennis Scholarship

Christopher Brown comes from a working-class family in Conyers, Georgia. He plans to pursue a degree in psychology in college with the ultimate goal of attending medical school and earning the credentials to practice in the field of psychiatry. He wants his career to focus on helping others deal with stress and other mental health stressors because he believes that healthy minds create healthy people and healthy people create healthy communities. He is very active in school organizations such as National Honor Society, Beta Club, Salem High School Football team as a team captain and 1st Sgt in JROTC. In addition, he is an active member within his community and faith community through the Rockdale Youth Leadership, Salem Youth Leaders and Salem Bible Church Chosen G Ministry Youth Advocate.

Visit gucufoundation.org/scholarships to view the winning video submissions and to learn more about this year’s recipients and program details.  

ABOUT GEORGIA UNITED FOUNDATION:

Georgia United Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life for children and families in the communities they serve through impactful programs funded through corporate contributions and delivered by way of volunteer efforts from team members and community partners. The foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization and is the philanthropic arm of Georgia United Credit Union. For details on volunteering or donating, visit gucufoundation.org. 

ABOUT GEORGIA UNITED CREDIT UNION:

Georgia United Credit Union has had the honor of serving Georgia families and impacting the communities they serve for over 60 years. Headquartered in Duluth, Georgia United is ranked as one of the state’s largest credit unions with over $1.8 billion in assets and serves more than 170,000 members with innovative digital banking solutions and full-service branch locations. As a leader in the financial industry, Georgia United has been recognized by Forbes as a Best-In-State Credit Union for three consecutive years. As a purpose driven organization, they are passionate about supporting causes and impactful programs that enrich the lives of their members, team members and communities. Visit gucu.org to learn more.