Valdosta City Schools Foundation, Inc.

THANK YOU to Chick-fil-A St. Augustine Road for helping us kick off the 2026-2027 school year in the best way possible by providing breakfast for more than 1,300 Valdosta City Schools employees before this morning’s Convocation!

We are incredibly grateful to Mrs. Tracy, Mrs. Jean, Braydon, Brandi, Andre, Chris, and the entire Chick-fil-A team who started their day long before sunrise to make sure every employee felt welcomed and appreciated.

As we launch this year’s Foundation campaign, BelieVe. GiVe. NeVer Quit. Because every opportunity begins with someone who believed!, this act of generosity is the perfect reminder that making a difference starts with people who choose to serve others.

Thank you for believing in our educators, our staff, and the students they serve every day. We are proud to partner with businesses like Chick-fil-A St. Augustine Road that continue to invest in the future of Valdosta City Schools.

❤️🐾

🎓🖤💛 What an incredible year for the Valdosta City Schools Foundation!

During the 2025-2026 school year, the Foundation facilitated the awarding of 46 scholarships totaling $33,500 to graduating seniors from Valdosta High School and Valdosta Early College Academy, along with five REACH Georgia Scholarships totaling $10,000.

In all, more than $43,500 was awarded through the generosity of 30 different businesses, organizations, schools, families, and individuals who believe in investing in the future of our students.

Congratulations to all scholarship recipients, and thank you to every sponsor, donor, volunteer reader, and community partner who made these opportunities possible.

To view the complete list of scholarship recipients and their college plans, visit our website. You can also view photos and scholarship winner spotlights on our Facebook and Instagram accounts. Links are in the comments below.

🎓🐾 Congratulations to the 2026 Ella’s Way Scholarship Recipients!

We are proud to recognize Sarika Rahman and Kentraven Major as the recipients of the 2026 Ella’s Way Scholarships.

Presented by Ella's Top Corral in partnership with Citizens Community Bank, CJB, Inc., Farmers and Merchants Bank, GAF, Georgia Power, and Langdale Vallotton, this annual scholarship honors students who demonstrate strong academics, financial need, and a commitment to service.

Sarika plans to attend the University of Southern California, where she will pursue a future in public health and medicine with a focus on serving others and improving access to healthcare. Her academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to making a difference set her apart.

Kentraven will attend the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where he plans to study Film and Television while also pursuing Acting. Through his involvement in the IB Diploma Programme, AVID, and Career and Technical Education courses in Audio, Video, Film, and Technology, he has demonstrated perseverance, creativity, and a passion for storytelling that inspires others.

Join us in congratulating these outstanding Wildcats and wishing them continued success as they pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world! 🐾🎓✨

🎓🐾 Congratulations to the 2026 WG Nunn Elementary School Scholarship Recipient!

We are proud to recognize Zonique Scott as the recipient of the 2026 W.G. Nunn Elementary School Scholarship.

Presented by W.G. Nunn Elementary School, this $500 scholarship honors a graduating senior who spent their foundational years at W.G. Nunn and continues to exemplify the values learned there.

Zonique shared that being a student at W.G. Nunn meant being part of a foundation that shaped not only her education, but also her character. She described W.G. Nunn as a place where curiosity was encouraged, questions were welcomed, and every student was reminded that their potential mattered. The lessons of determination, respect, and confidence she learned there have remained with her throughout her academic journey.

Through her commitment to excellence, service, and leadership, Zonique has continued to build upon that strong foundation and represent her school community with pride.

This fall, she will continue her educational journey at Savannah State University .

Congratulations, Zonique! We are proud of your accomplishments and excited to see all that you achieve in the years ahead. 🖤💛

🎓🐾 Congratulations to the 2026 Valdosta Early College Academy Scholarship Recipient!

We are proud to recognize Zonique Scott as the recipient of the 2026 Scholarship.

This $500 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who has completed the full 6th through 12th grade experience at Valdosta Early College Academy and who exemplifies the values, resilience, and vision of the VECA program.

Throughout her educational journey, Zonique has demonstrated remarkable perseverance. While balancing the demands of high school coursework with college-level classes through Dual Enrollment, she faced challenges head-on, adapted to change, and remained focused on achieving her goals. Her determination, resilience, and commitment to success embody the qualities that define so many VECA scholars.

This fall, Zonique will continue her educational journey at Savannah State University.

Congratulations, Zonique! We are proud of your accomplishments and excited to see all that you will achieve in the future. 🖤💛

🎓🐾 Congratulations to the 2026 Superintendent’s Leadership Scholarship Recipient!

We are proud to recognize Braeden Lampkin as the recipient of the 2026 Superintendent’s Leadership Scholarship.

Presented by Superintendent Dr. Craig Lockhart, this $1,000 scholarship honors a graduating senior who exemplifies the leadership, vision, and commitment that Valdosta City Schools strives to cultivate in every student.

Braeden has distinguished himself as a scholar, servant leader, and student-athlete whose character, humility, and purpose have positively impacted those around him. Through leadership roles in athletics, service organizations, church ministry, and community outreach, he has consistently used his influence to uplift others and serve his community.

In his scholarship essay, Braeden shared that great leaders build a clear vision, instill strong values, and remain connected to the village they serve. Those beliefs reflect the very heart of the 3V Way: Vision, Values, and Victory, making him an outstanding recipient of this award.

This fall, Braeden will continue his educational journey at Morehouse College.

Congratulations, Braeden! Thank you for leading by example and for representing Valdosta City Schools with excellence. 🖤💛

🎓🐾 Congratulations to the 2026 Valdosta High School Scholarship Recipients!

We are proud to recognize Lauren Grace Ball and Jack Bishop as the recipients of the 2026 Valdosta High School Scholarships.

Presented by Valdosta High School, these scholarships honor seniors who have spent all four years on campus while demonstrating academic excellence, character, leadership, and Wildcat pride.

Lauren has excelled both in and out of the classroom while serving in numerous leadership roles, including Beta Club President, Senior Class Treasurer, and captain of the varsity cheerleading squad. Her commitment to service, school spirit, and excellence has made a lasting impact on the VHS community.

Jack has distinguished himself through exceptional academic achievement, leadership in mathematics and science organizations, varsity athletics, and a strong work ethic. He credits VHS with teaching him the balance of competition, independence, and community that will guide him throughout his future endeavors.

This fall, Lauren will attend the University of Georgia, and Jack will attend the Georgia Tech.

Congratulations to these outstanding Wildcats! We are proud of your accomplishments and look forward to seeing all that you achieve in the future. 🖤💛

🎓📚 Congratulations to the 2026 Stacey N. Grady Scholarship for VECA Scholars Recipients!

We are proud to recognize Sarika Rahman, Alana Wilcox, and Alex Betz as the inaugural recipients of the Stacey N. Grady Scholarship for VECA Scholars.

Established by Stacey N. Grady, a proud Valdosta Early College Academy Class of 2018 graduate, this scholarship celebrates continuous learning, curiosity, collaboration, and community. Created to honor the values that helped shape his own educational journey, the scholarship recognizes students who embrace learning, challenge themselves to grow, and help others along the way.

🥇 First Place ($1,500)
Sarika Rahman – University of Southern California
Sarika demonstrated a deep commitment to learning and service through leadership as Interact Club President, tutoring younger students, and conducting independent research on global health issues. Her passion for using education to create positive change made her an outstanding choice for this award.

🥈 Second Place ($1,000)
Alana Wilcox – Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Alana's educational journey reflects perseverance and personal growth. Through challenging coursework and a willingness to embrace new perspectives, she developed strong critical thinking skills and a desire to use education to create opportunities for herself and others.

🥉 Third Place ($500)
Alex Betz – Georgia Tech
Alex's curiosity extends far beyond the classroom. Through rigorous academics and a passion for coding and technology, he has consistently sought opportunities to learn, grow, and apply knowledge in meaningful ways.

Join us in congratulating these outstanding Valdosta Early College Academy scholars and thanking Mr. Grady for investing in the next generation of learners, leaders, and innovators! 🖤💛

🎓💼 Congratulations to the 2026 Southeast Capital Investment Group/Raymond James Scholarship Recipient!

We are proud to recognize McKinley (Mack) DeLoach as the recipient of the 2026 Southeast Capital Raymond James Scholarship.

Presented by Southeast Capital Investment Group and Raymond James, this $500 scholarship recognizes a Valdosta High School senior who has demonstrated academic promise, leadership, and a strong interest in finance or a related field.

Mack has excelled both in the classroom and on the athletic field, serving as captain of the Valdosta High School varsity baseball team. Through his leadership, responsibility, strong character, and commitment to excellence, he has demonstrated the discipline and work ethic that will serve him well in the future.

This fall, Mack will continue his education at Georgia College & State University.

Congratulations, Mack! We are proud of your accomplishments and look forward to seeing all you achieve in the years ahead. 🖤💛⚾

🎓🩺 Congratulations to the 2026 SGMC Health Scholarship Recipients!

We are proud to recognize Samantha Barham and Jackson Ortmeyer as the recipients of the 2026 SGMC Health Scholarships.

Established through the generosity of the SGMC Health Foundation, these $1,000 scholarships are awarded to Valdosta High School students who demonstrate academic excellence, a passion for healthcare, and a desire to return to South Georgia to serve their communities.

Samantha has already explored the healthcare field through volunteer service, HOSA, CPR certification, and health science coursework. She plans to attend Augusta University, majoring in biology on the pre-med track, with hopes of helping patients facing cancer and mental health challenges through compassionate care and advocacy.

Jackson has transformed personal experiences into purpose. Inspired by years of traveling for specialized medical treatment, he plans to study biology at Valdosta State University before pursuing a career in medicine. His goal is to become a urologist and help expand access to pediatric and adult specialty care throughout South Georgia.

Congratulations to these outstanding Wildcats! We look forward to seeing the difference they will make in healthcare and in the lives of others. 🖤💛