The Golden Isles College & Career Academy Foundation is committed to supporting continuing education. The Foundation offers scholarship opportunities for the graduating Class of 2023 from Glynn County high schools who attend(ed) the Golden Isles College & Career Academy (GICCA). On Wednesday, May 10, the Foundation awarded 11 scholarships totaling $6,500.
The qualifications to apply for a scholarship:
- Student has completed two semesters at GICCA (this can include work based learning and dual enrollment courses), has a minimum weighted GPA of 2.5, and is a student in good standing (e.g. positive attendance and behavior).
- Students are accepted to and will attend a technical college, 2- or 4-year college or university in the United States in the fall of 2021
"We're very proud of these 11 exceptional students who have been actively engaged in our career pathways and are pursuing higher education to continue their growth in their chosen professions,” said Brian Weese, CEO/Workforce Strategy Leader for GICCA.
To apply, students needed to complete an application; provide recommendations from two individuals (a GICCA instructor, a high school teacher/counselor, or a member of the community); submit a two-paragraph statement on their future education and career plans; and a one-page resume. A scholarship review committee selected the students based on the strength of their application package, academic success and commitment to career exploration and development.
The Scholarship Selection Committee consisted of Brian Weese, CEO of GICCA; Tom Norton, VP of HR for King and Prince Seafood and former GICCA Foundation Chair; Brad Shanks, GICCA Board Member and President/CEO of White Star Supply; and Greg Smith, GICCA Engineering Pathway Instructor.
This year, all of the GICCA Foundation Scholarships were co-sponsored by GICCA community partners who have invested in our programs and students. The scholarships and recipients are:
- Thaw’s Electric Scholarship – Sean Fitzgerald
- Barbara Hanzlik-Burton Scholarship – Sierra Watson
- Chief Carl Alexander Memorial Scholarship – Gerald Cope Jr.
- Adam & Jenny Wainwright-Rod Sawall Memorial Scholarship – Isaiah Thomas
- Brunswick Elk’s Lodge Scholarship – Aidan Philipbar
- Brunswick Elk’s Lodge Tools/Equipment Grant – Ethan Redanz
- Kiwanis Club of Brunswick Scholarships – Litzy Joaquin-Martinez and Jamie Davis
- Southeast Georgia Health System Scholarship – Hayven Amick
- King and Prince Seafood Scholarships – Demetrius Hart Jr. and Caitlin Tigani
"We're appreciative of our community partners who invested in the GICCA Foundation and allowed us to provide $6,500 in scholarships and grants this year,” Weese said.
"Ethan Redanz, who has been hired by Jered/PAR, is the recipient of our first ever Tools and Equipment grant. This grant rewards students who are going straight into the workforce by giving them the means to purchase items like clothing, safety gear and professional tools they can use to begin their career. We hope to offer more of these grants in the future so we can recognize not just our college-bound, but our career-bound students as well.”