On Sunday, April 16, during the morning worship service, the Dr. Ellen Cauthen Utley Scholarship Committee at Lake Oconee Presbyterian Church introduced the five 2023 scholarship recipients. 

Since 2016, the scholarship committee has awarded 36 scholarships to local high school seniors in Greene and Putnam counties who may need financial assistance to attend a two- or four-year college or a technical school.  

They look for outstanding character, good grades, involvement in the community, financial need, and a strong work ethic. Committee members are Valerie Hunt, Mardel Kolls, Mary Ann Johnson, Steve Larson, Mark Stott and Rush Utley.

Bryce Coker is the son of Bryan and Rebekah Coker and lives in Eatonton. He is a senior at Gatewood School and attends Crossroads Baptist Church. He plans to attend the University of North Georgia with plans to transfer to the University of Georgia and major in chemistry to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical field. He works at FitCo Health Club.  

Emily Ferman is the daughter of Matt and Amy Ferman and lives in Greensboro.  She is a senior at Gatewood School and attends Grace Fellowship Church. She plans to attend the University of Georgia and major in exercise and sports science to pursue a career as an athletic trainer or athletic director.   

Elodie Johnson is the daughter of Chris Johnson and the late Tammy Johnson and lives in Union Point. She is a senior at Nathanael Greene Academy and attends Buckhead Baptist Church. She plans to attend Athens Technical College in the fall and wants to pursue a career as a physical therapist. She has worked at Chick-fil-A for the past three years. 

Eric Surgick is the son of Panzy Jernigan and Brian Surgick and lives in Greensboro. He is a senior at Greene County High School and attends the Kingdom Hall. He  plans to attend Tuskegee University and major in computer science and information technology. He wants to run a business centered around technological hardware.  

 Tifton Willis is the daughter of Hunter and Jessica Willis and lives in Haddock.  She is a senior at Gatewood School and attends First Baptist Church of Eatonton.  Tifton plans to attend Valdosta State University and major in nursing to pursue a career as a pediatric nurse. She has worked at Cuscowilla the past two years.