Jonathan Bethel presents the Bethel-Guidry scholarship to Hunter Reaux.
The first Bethel-Guidry scholarship has been awarded to a meritorious student. Now we are challenged to continue building the fund for the future
The scholarship fund was established last September to honor Georgia Bethel and Turner Guidry, both of whom were retiring from the Clay County School System. This award is one more example of the way we at Good Shepherd seek to share God's blessings with others.
According to Jonathan Bethel, who chairs the scholarship committee, 19 well-qualified students from Clay and Towns County applied. Jonathan says that the winner, Hunter Reaux, is a community-driven young man who showed real seriousness in his volunteer services and
wrote one of the best essays. His record shows volunteer work at Murphy Medical Center, Habitat for Humanity, and Valley River Humane Society. In addition, he did a Beta Club service project and cleaned trash along the roads near his church. Jonathan describes him as “a fine example for his classmates and future applicants. He has distinguished himself as a leader in making our local communities and the world a better place.” Hunter plans to attend Clemson University, where he will study engineering.
Hunter's scholarship has a value of $500 the first year and is renewable at $500 per year for the next three consecutive years, for a potential of $2000. Any student graduating from Clay or Towns County High can apply. The scholarship is awarded to the student who has the most distinguished record of making the world a better place through volunteer service and who, through his or her academic record, shows a high likelihood of completing a college degree.
Besides Jonathan, the committee that chose Hunter this year comprises Georgia and Turner, Jim and Trish Reynolds, Sanford Freeman, and John Breazeale. Jonathan says that he accepted Father Bill's nomination as chairman “to honor my parents and the legacy they built at Clay County Schools. Our church has always needed more youthful involvement, and my doing this, I hope to glorify God.”
Just as we did last year when the fund was established, we will use Founders' Day, September 17, to solicit donations to grow the fund. Parishioners can donate at Founders' Day or at any time by making out a check with Bethel-Guidry scholarship in the memo. In this way, we can continue sharing the many blessings that God has given to us.