Cordele Evening Lions Club endows new scholarship at South Georgia Tech

July 10, 2020
Shown above with South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford (far left) are the members of the Cordele Evening Lions Club organization that endowed a scholarship through the South Georgia Technical College Foundation for Crisp County students who enroll in the Law Enforcement Academy, Medical Assisting, or Criminal Justice programs. Shown with the endowed certificate are Mrs. Alton Churchwell, widow of long-time member Alton Churchwell, and Lions Club President Mac Hancock. Also shown are members Tommy Stephens, Scott Conn, Tommy Simmons, Sonny Dowell, and Earle Jones. Not shown is Bobby Benson.
Shown above with South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford (far left) are the members of the Cordele Evening Lions Club organization that endowed a scholarship through the South Georgia Technical College Foundation for Crisp County students who enroll in the Law Enforcement Academy, Medical Assisting, or Criminal Justice programs. Shown with the endowed certificate are Mrs. Alton Churchwell, widow of long-time member Alton Churchwell, and Lions Club President Mac Hancock. Also shown are members Tommy Stephens, Scott Conn, Tommy Simmons, Sonny Dowell, and Earle Jones. Not shown is Bobby Benson.

     “Kindness in action” is more than a slogan for the 1.4 million caring men and women serving together as members of the Lions Club Organization and that is certainly true of the Cordele Evening Lions Club group that has endowed a new scholarship for individuals in their community who would like to continue their education at South Georgia Technical College.

   The Cordele Evening Lions Club celebrated its 50th year of service in March of 2020, but has recently decided to disband.  It was the desire of Alton Churchwell, longtime member who passed away in August of 2019, to establish an endowed scholarship at South Georgia Technical College to benefit individuals in the Crisp County area who wanted to start or continue their education at South Georgia Technical College.

   “Alton Churchwell planted the idea for the Cordele Evening Lions Club Scholarship,” said President Mac Hancock.  “Alton had a lot to do with keeping the club active during the later years.  Our club celebrated our 50th year of service during March 2020 and that was something that was very important to Alton as well as our other members.  Unfortunately, Alton passed away August 30th, 2019 and didn’t live to see that anniversary date, but we are following through on his wishes to establish a scholarship at South Georgia Technical College.”

   The members of the Cordele Evening Lions Club include Sonny Dowell, Tommy Simmons, Scott Conn, Tommy Stephens, Earle Jones, Bobby Benson and Mac Hancock.  The scholarship was established in honor/memory of all members, past and present of the Cordele Evening Lions Club.

    The Lions believe that when caring people join together, roll up their sleeves and take action to make their community better, it’s an incredible feeling for everyone involved.  Being a Lion is about leading by example, building relationships, and improving the world through kindness.  By serving together, Lions can make a lasting impact and change more lives.  That is exactly what the Cordele Evening Lions Club is doing through the endowed scholarship with South Georgia Technical College.

     “On behalf of South Georgia Technical College and the South Georgia Technical College Foundation, I would like to thank the Cordele Evening Lions Club for their generosity” said SGTC President Dr. John Watford.  “Your willingness to partner with our college and foundation serves two very important purposes.  First, you have the opportunity to honor your club’s memory as well as have the opportunity to help students pursue their dreams of getting a great education in a career field that is in demand by business and industry partners and our communities.  We are so appreciative of your willingness to make a lasting impact and change more lives through educational opportunities.”

     The endowed Cordele Evening Lions Club scholarship will provide at least one scholarship annually to deserving South Georgia Technical College students from the Crisp County area enrolled in the Law Enforcement, Medical or Criminal Justice programs at South Georgia Tech.  This scholarship will also guarantee indefinite educational opportunities that will impact deserving students at South Georgia Tech for many years. 

     “This endowed scholarship is a wonderful way for the Cordele Evening Lions Club to give back to their community,” said South Georgia Technical College Foundation executive director Su Ann Bird.  “We were honored that the Lions Club chose to provide additional assistance to deserving young people seeking an education at South Georgia Technical College.  This is truly kindness in action!”

    For more information about this or other endowed scholarship opportunities, contact SGTC Foundation Executive Director Su Ann Bird at 229-931-2110 or sbird@southgatech.edu.