Georgia GCSA names scholarship recipients

The Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association announced the nine recipients of its 2024 Legacy Scholarships, which offer educational aid to children and grandchildren of Georgia GCSA members. The awards are funded by the Georgia GCSA in partnership with Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation.

Scott Slemp of Piedmont Driving Club, Hoyt Ellspermann of The Creek Club at Reynolds Lake Oconee, Mark Hayes of Marietta Country Club, and retired certified golf course superintendent Richard Staughton led the scholarship interviews with help from Jamie Pate of Jerry Pate Turf & Irrigation.

Applications were reviewed independently by the Georgia GCSA scholarship committee. Criteria for selection included academic achievement, extracurricular and community involvement, leadership and outside employment. Students were required to submit an essay stating how traits acquired from their Georgia GCSA member parent or grandparent prepared them for their next chapter in life.

To be eligible, one or more of the applicant's parents or grandparents must have been a Georgia GCSA member for five or more consecutive years and must be a current Georgia GCSA member in one of the following classifications: A, B, C, Retired A, Retired B superintendent or AA Life. Students must be enrolled full-time at an accredited institution for the next academic year.

This year’s recipients include:

Addison Griffith, daughter of Scott Griffith, CGCS, University of Georgia Golf Course (Top Scholar)

Jacy Singleton, daughter of Lane Singleton, Reynolds Lake Oconee

Nicklaus Harkins, son of Jimmy Harkins, Belle Meade Country Club

Lucy Hunt, daughter of Bill Hunt, Athens Country Club

Maxwell Thebeau, son of Tom Thebeau, The Chimneys Golf Course

Jaiden Leach, daughter of John Leach, Bent Tree Country Club

Hayden Santora, son of John Santora, Capital City Club Crabapple

Molly Miller, daughter of Bryan Miller, Cartersville Country Club

Gavin Edwards, son of Jason Edwards, College Park Golf Course