Four South Georgia Technical College Automotive Technology students awarded the Phil Jones – Alfred “Foots” Harris Scholarship

October 24, 2019
South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford (seated right) is shown above with Mrs. Ruth Jones (seated left) and other members of the Jones – Harris family and the student scholarship recipients and their instructor. Standing (l to r) on the back row are: SGTC’s Vickie Austin, Al Harris, and Tom Jones along with the Phil Jones – Al Harris Scholarship recipients, Jacob Hobbs of Ashburn, GA; Rashad Walden of Leary, GA; John McArthur Manuel of Montezuma, GA: and Brandon Laethem of Vienna. SGTC Automotive Technology Instructor Brandon Dean is also shown.
South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford (seated right) is shown above with Mrs. Ruth Jones (seated left) and other members of the Jones – Harris family and the student scholarship recipients and their instructor. Standing (l to r) on the back row are: SGTC’s Vickie Austin, Al Harris, and Tom Jones along with the Phil Jones – Al Harris Scholarship recipients, Jacob Hobbs of Ashburn, GA; Rashad Walden of Leary, GA; John McArthur Manuel of Montezuma, GA: and Brandon Laethem of Vienna. SGTC Automotive Technology Instructor Brandon Dean is also shown.

Four outstanding South Georgia Technical College Automotive Technology students were recognized recently with the Phil Jones – Alfred “Foots” Harris Automotive Scholarships. The four students are: Jacob Hobbs of Ashburn, GA; Rashad Walden of Leary, GA; John McArthur Manuel of Montezuma, GA: and Brandon Laethem of Vienna, GA. Their instructor is Brandon Dean.

   South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford and SGTC Foundation Executive Director Su Ann Bird made the scholarship certificate presentations on behalf of the South Georgia Technical College Foundation in the John M. Pope Center on the college’s Americus campus.

   Ruth Jones, wife of the late Phil Jones, and their son, Tom Jones, along with Vickie Austin and Al Harris, daughter and son of the late Alfred “Foots” Harris, were on hand to congratulate the four students on their academic success and for being selected to receive the Phil Jones – Alfred “Foots” Harris Scholarship in memory of their loved ones. Tom Jones, Vickie Austin, and Al Harris are all employed at South Georgia Technical College and Ruth Jones is a dedicated volunteer with the college and the Foundation.

   “My husband, Phil, and “Foots” Harris were lifelong friends,” explained Ruth Jones. “And they were good men. They both shared a passion for automobiles and this scholarship is a way to remember them as well as give back to others who share their love of cars.”

   Vickie Austin and Al Harris echoed Ruth’s comments and added that they hoped that each of these young men will think about the type of impact that they will have on others that they come in contact with today as well as tomorrow. “Our father and Mr. Jones were well-respected and well-loved in this community. It is our hope that each of you will carry that type of reputation forward in your lives,” said Mrs. Austin. “We congratulate you on your accomplishments and wish you the best in the future,” added Al Harris.

   Each of the students thanked the family members for the scholarship opportunity and also presented them with written notes expressing their gratitude. The four scholarship recipients have elected to use the scholarship funds to purchase tools to help them as they enter the workforce. One of the requirements for most automotive technology careers is to have tools. This scholarship has allowed them to purchase tools that can be used while they are in college and throughout their career.

   The Jones-Harris Scholarship is designated for Automotive Technology students who excel academically. This scholarship endowment was established by Ruth Jones as a tribute to her late husband, Phil Jones, and his close friend, Alfred “Foots” Harris. Mr. Harris passed away recently and the Harris family added to the endowed scholarship with the South Georgia Technical College Foundation.

   Harris and Jones began their friendship as teenagers when they worked together and continued to be close friends and work associates until Jones’ death in 2003. Their mutual love of cars led to a long-lasting friendship and ultimately to a scholarship specifically designated for Automotive Technology students at SGTC. This was the first scholarship opportunity dedicated specifically for students in the Automotive Technology program. Mr. Harris passed away earlier in 2019.

   Each year, Automotive Technology students are awarded scholarships to help defray the costs associated with college such as books, tuition, tools, dorm expenses, and other fees. Applicants are selected from the President’s list and recipients are chosen based upon a points system.

   For more information about establishing an endowed scholarship with the South Georgia Technical College Foundation contact SGTC Executive Director Su Ann Bird at sbird@southgatech.edu or 229-931-2110. Donations to the foundation in honor or memory of loved ones can be sent to the SGTC Foundation, P.O. Box 6102, Americus, GA 31709.