Marlon Longacre, Chair of the Education Committe and the Big Shanty Festival is proud to share the NCCS 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 OLIVIA SMATHERS PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIP
The Olivia Smathers Performing Arts Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who demonstrates talent and excellence in the performing arts, and seeks to further and promote the arts in the local community and beyond. Olivia Smathers was the co-founder of The Little General Cloggers in 1972 to celebrate the homecoming of the General, a steam locomotive stolen by Union spies in the Great Locomotive Chase, an attempt to cripple the Confederate rail network during the American Civil War. The Little General Cloggers were so popular that they became the Ambassadors of the city of Kennesaw, as well as the state of Georgia. Under Olivia Smathers’ leadership the group danced in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry every year for over 40 years. Through the energy and vision of Olivia Smathers, The Little General Cloggers spread goodwill and good wishes from both the city of Kennesaw and the state of Georgia for 41 years. Representing Olivia Smathers is Tammy Everhart, owner of Great Gig Dance Co., the 2014 KBA Business of the Year.
THE OLIVIA SMATHERS PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIP GOES TO: BAILEY CERIO
Bailey graduates from North Cobb Christian School with a 4.1 grade point average. She is a member of National Honor Society, National Arts Honor Society, Chaplin of the National French Honors Society, Vice-President of National Honors Society for Dance Arts, a member of Beta Club, the Global Impact Program, and a Varsity Cheerleader.
Bailey has danced at every Big Shanty Festival, Taste of Kennesaw, North Georgia State Fair, Pigs and Peaches Festival and several others since she was 6 years old. She volunteers weekly at Great Gig Dance Co. as an assistant teacher and also serves as a Student Leader at NorthStar Church. Bailey will attend Ole Miss to study Elementary Education.
THE PAUL CHASTAIN CITIZEN SCHOLARSHIP
The Paul Chastain Citizen Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from North Cobb Christian School who demonstrates principles of high moral integrity, excellent academic performance, and strength of character. Paul Chastain was President of KBA in 1989. He was the first chairman of the Kennesaw Museum Foundation and was very involved in our community for many years. Presenting for Paul Chastain today is Jeff Drobney, City Manager of Kennesaw.
THE PAUL CHASTAIN CITIZEN SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT IS: NATE WATSON
Nate is graduating from North Cobb Christian School with a 4.5 grade point average. He was Captain of Varsity Football, Captain of Varsity Wrestling, a member of National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Vice-President of National Spanish Honor Society.
Nate is a Georgia Certificate of Merit Winner, GHSA Wrestling State Champion, Marietta Daily Journal and Cobb Wrestler’s Association All-County for 10th, 11th and 12th grade, North Cobb Christian’s Most Outstanding Wrestler for 4 years in a row, GHSA Football All-Region team member for 10th, 11th and 12th grade, Marietta Daily Journal Football All-County for 10th, 11th and 12th grade, Defensive Player of the Year in 11th and 12th grade, Positive Athlete Scholarship Finalist, and the Homecoming King. He has volunteered for MUST Ministries, Operation Christmas Child, Cedarcrest Church and Mt. Olivet Baptist Vacation Bible School. He has served as a NCCS All Sports Camp Counselor. Nate will attend the University of Georgia Honors Program to study Business Management with a concentration in Finance.