KBA SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO HARRISON STUDENTS

Marlon Longacre, Chair of the Education Committe and the Big Shanty Festival is proud to share the HARRISON HS students that were awarded scholarships at the April meeting of the Kennesaw Business Association.  KBA members get to know many of these students as they are interns at our meetings and volunteers at our various functions.  Funds for these scholarships are raised by the Big Shanty Festival.

THE MICHAEL EVERHART COMMUNICATIONS SCHOLARSHIP

The Michael Everhart Communications Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who demonstrates excellence in the field of communications. Michael Everhart was President of KBA in 2005 and 2013, and the Cobb Chamber of Commerce Kennesaw Citizen of the Year in 2014. He is widely known as “the voice of Kennesaw”, not only announcing at the KBA events including 17 years of announcing the Big Shanty Festival parade, but also providing his skills at many of the city of Kennesaw public events. Michael Everhart is the chair of the Taste of Kennesaw annual event, co-owner of Great Gig Dance Co. in Kennesaw, and manager of Southern Office Machines.

THE MICHAEL EVERHART COMMUNICATIONS SCHOLARSHIP IS AWARDED TO: CATHERINE BOFF

Catherine is graduating from Harrison High School with a 4.6 grade point average. During high school, she was Captain of Varsity Sideline Cheer, participated in Varsity Competition Cheer, HoyaVision broadcasting, was a member of Mu Alpha Theta, Beta Club, Hoyas For Hounds, and Link Crew Leadership.

Catherine received the Scholar Athlete Award for 10th, 11th and 12th grade, as well as UGA’s Certificate of Merit. She volunteered on the youth leadership committee and church, and also by reading to elementary school students. Catherine also started and operated an online jewelry business, crating handmade necklaces.

Catherine plans to attend the University of Georgia to major in Broadcast Journalism, and hopes to become a sports reporter.

THE RON SUMPTER TRAILBLAZER SCHOLARSHIP

The Ron Sumpter Trailblazer Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Harrison High School who demonstrates the ability and fortitude to make a difference in the community through positive endeavors. Ron Sumpter was President of KBA in 2006 and is the Development Director, Church Relations for MUST Ministries.

THE RON SUMPTER TRAILBLAZER SCHOLARSHIP IS AWARDED TO: MICHAELA DUNCAN

Michaela is graduating from Harrison High School with a 4.6 grade point average. She is a member of National Honor Society, Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Key Club, and Secretary of Spanish Honor Society. Michaela is an AP Scholar with Distinction, and received the Georgia Seal of Biliteracy. She has done extensive mission work with Marietta First Baptist Church. She volunteered with Big Game Outreach feeding the homeless and giving them access to watch the Super Bowl. Michaela wants to make a positive difference and a lasting impact on those in her community. She plans to pursue a career in Nursing and attend Berry College.

THE TERRY CHANDLER TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS SCHOLARSHIP

The Terry Chandler Taking Care of Business Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated excellence in the pursuit of leadership in the local business community. Terry Chandler served as President of the KBA in 1993 and 1999. He served as Chairman of the Big Shanty Festival for 10 years and helped develop the guidelines for KBA’s additional activities including the very popular Alive After 5 evening events. Terry Chandler is retired from his long-time position as Manager of the Jennie T. Anderson Theater in Cobb County.

THE TERRY CHANDLER TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS SCHOLARSHIP GOES TO: KENDALL WILKES

Kendall graduates from Harrison High School with a 3.8 grade point average. She was a member of Student Council, Octagon Club, Harrison Miracle, Yearbook Staff, Spark Club, Happy Hearts Club, Hoyas for Hounds, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Sanctuary Youth and Hoya Helpers.

Kendall is one of 10 in 592 seniors at Harrison to be selected “Outstanding Senior.” She was in the Cobb Youth Leadership Class of 2019-2020, and was nominated for Student of the Year through the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.

Kendall believes that a trailblazer is a community activist who supports others in a time of need. During the pandemic, she organized and founded “Hoya Helpers.” She recruited dozens of other Harrison students to serve the local special needs community of students by spending several hours each week helping them with online learning. She was spotlighted on WSB’s People2People and honored on CBS Surprise Squad. Kendall plans to attend Auburn University in the Fall.