2025 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Miss Meagan Stafford is a graduate of  Utopian Academy for the Arts  in  Morrow, GA , who graduated with a 3.8 GPA!  As a very active high school student she participated in numerous extracurricular activities including: 

• Acting Club/ Plays 
• Bible Study 
• Cheer Team 
• Film Club
• Poetry/ Write
• Step Team 
• Soccer Team 
• Student Ambassador

Community Service & Awards:

• A.Y.J. Entertainment, Jonesboro, GA 
• Venus Purpose Inc, Fayetteville, GA  

Special Honors, Awards, and/or Recognitions 

•  All A student 
•  Dean's List  
•  Dual enrollment/ Ap classes 
•  Honor Roll 
•  Salutatorian 
•  Top 2 (3.8 GPA) 

Major:  Speech Pathology and Audiology 

Meagan in her own words:   I live with single-sided deafness, and this experience has shaped how I connect with the world. I know what it’s like to feel unheard or excluded, and that’s what sparked my passion for helping others especially those who face challenges in expressing themselves. My own journey has made me deeply empathetic, and I want to be a source of understanding and support for others. I also love volunteering and working with children, especially those who struggle to find where they fit in. I’ve seen how powerful it is when someone feels seen and supported, and I want to be that person for others. Looking ahead, I plan to major in speech pathology and audiology at South Carolina State University. My goal is to become a speech-language therapist who not only helps people communicate more effectively but also reminds them they are worthy, valued, and never alone. 

As a future leader in my field, I want to advocate for those who may not feel confident using their voice and help promote empathy and awareness in our communities. Together, we can build a world where everyone has the support they need to succeed. This is my way of sharing who I am and what I hope to do. Receiving this scholarship would bring me closer to my goals and allow me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. With dedication, compassion, and resilience, I’m determined to create change. Even in hard times—when life feels uncertain or lonely—I remind myself: growth can happen in unexpected ways. 

Mr. Canard Scott is a graduate of  Newton High School in  Covington, GA, who graduated with a 3.3 GPA!  As a very active high school student he participated in numerous extracurricular activities including: 

• Concert Band 
• Marching Band  

Community Service & Awards:

• Covington Square Black History parades 
• Covington Square Thanksgiving parades 
• Covington Square Christmas parades 
• Performed for the United Nations

Special Honors, Awards, and/or Recognitions 

• National Society of High School Scholars 

Major: Bachelor's of Arts in Music 

Canard  in his own words:  I believe the purpose of college is to elevate ones learning in the profession of their choice.  I want to be the person that everyone comes to for music information and production; not only because I will know plenty of information, but because I learned it first hand form collegiate professionals.

 My second goal is to become a well known music producer. I plan to collaborate with other up and coming and well known artist to produce hit records all over the world.

My third and final goal is to start my own scholarship fund for music industry majors that attend South Carolina State University. Currently there are no music industry scholarships available in the music department. I would like to give back to the students coming to the same degree program as I am that will need the same funding that I certainly needed as an incoming freshman. 

In conclusion I hope my goals and ambitions can make an impact on not only the institution but the music industry as a whole.