Sixteen South Georgia Technical College students receive automotive scholarship established in memory of Erica Scannavino
Sixteen South Georgia Technical College students received the Erica Scannavino Scholarship for students enrolled in the Automotive Technology, Auto Collision and Repair Technology, and High-Performance Engines Motorsports programs. This is the third time this scholarship has been awarded by the SGTC Foundation and a total of 48 students have been recognized this year.
Bud and Mary Scannavino of Kennesaw, GA, established the Erica Scannavino Skilled Trades Scholarship at South Georgia Technical College in memory of their daughter, Erica Scannavino. The scholarship is open to students in the SGTC Automotive Technology, Auto Collision and Repair Technology and High-Performance Engines Motorsports programs. To be eligible, students must have a 2.5 GPA, have a GED or high school diploma, and completed at least 50% of their program.
The 16 students who qualified for the scholarship for fall semester included Automotive Technology students: Kevin Ray of Cordele, Donovan Robertson of Albany, Jonathan Soper of Warner Robins, Gabrielle Wade of Dawson, Greg Hester of Cuthbert, Jaquavius Howard of Americus, Verniecia Johnson of Cordele, Uriah Scott of Conley, and Seth Thomas of Leesburg. The Auto Collision and Repair students awarded the scholarship are: Corey Fulks of Oglethorpe, Dominique Dillard of Bainbridge, Douglas E. Jones of Perry, and Tracey Lamar of Americus. The High-Performance Engines Motorsports scholarship recipients included: Adrian Barredo of Morrow, Anthony Foster of Americus, and Keviantae McKenzie of Cordele, GA.
Each of the qualified students were eligible to receive $500 or more for educational expenses such as tuition, fees, and tools that were not covered by financial aid. Most students opt for tools to help them as they begin their careers or continue working in their chosen fields.
Six of the scholarship recipients are in their final semester or next to final semester. Verniecia Johnson of Cordele, an automotive technology student, thanked the Scannavino family and shared her goals for the future. “I love working with cars and being able to help others. I hope to continue this journey with opening my own shop one day to be able to provide great services to others. I plan to come back next semester to start on my associate’s degree with hope of maybe teaching one day. I would like to thank the Scannavino family for providing tools for me to be able to start on my journey.”
Another Automotive Technology student, Uriah Scott of Conley, GA, shared that his goal is to become a Master Technician and help his family financially. “I chose this major because it is something that more people need and something I love to do. Most of my family members are involved in the Automotive mechanical work but nobody does it professionally. I want to be the first to say that I am a professional ASE certified mechanic. The gift of these tools is helping make this possible.”
Kevinontae McKenzie, a High-Performance Engines Motorsports student from Cordele, thanked the Scannavino family for helping him succeed throughout his college experience. “These tools will help me so much because I can do jobs that require such special tools, thanks to your kindness and generosity. This is not the first time this scholarship has helped me, which is a very thoughtful way of showing your concern for my future and many other students.”
In addition to those three second time scholarship recipients, Jaquavius Howard, Uriah Scott and Seth Thomas all received their second set of tools from the Erica Scannavino Skilled Trades Scholarship. Ten students were first time recipients. Those students are: Kevin Ray, Donovan Robertson, Jonathan Soper, Gabreilla Wade, Greg Hester, Anthony Foster, Corey Fulks, Dominique Dillard, Douglas Jones, and Tracy Lamar.
Gabrielle Wade of Dawson was one of first time Automotive Technology scholarship students. She shared she had just gotten a job at Sunbelt Ford in Americus and the Erica Scannavino tools helped her land that job. “I am 20 years old and I am currently attending this program in the footsteps of my father. I feel as if every woman should feel like they can do anything, especially with cars. After this program, I want to work at a BMW company so I can work on those cars. I hope that other women can get inspired by me and continue to prove that blue collar jobs are not only for men. As someone who has also completed the electrical program I believe anything is possible. My education is helping me to become financially independent.”
Kevin Ray, a night automotive technology student from Cordele, thanked the Scannavino family for the blessing of the tools and for how they “continue to bless us all. I entered the program to further my knowledge of automobiles in what is a constantly changing industry that has a shortage of technicians. I am currently working in the auto collision industry in which automotive technician skills are needed daily. Cars have always been my passion so I am doing what I love to do. This scholarship is a major honor because tools come at a major expense when entering a new field of training. Thank you for this blessing.”
Donovan Roberts of Albany, is also an automotive technology student. He is hoping that once he graduates, he can become a part of a professional race team and build the fastest cars the world has seen. He also wants to build his own engines and his own cars. But most of all, he wants his dad and grandfather to be proud of him. “I want to thank the Scannavino family for giving us a way to get a step ahead. I appreciate you all greatly.”
Erica Scannavino of Kennesaw passed away on July 29, 2017. She was survived by her parents, Bud and Mary Scannavino of Kennesaw along with several cousins. She touched many lives with her vigorous volunteer efforts and this scholarship helps continue her legacy.
Erica was a history major at Kennesaw State University. She was a lifetime Girl Scout and Silver Award recipient, as well as a member of the Trefoil Guild. She was a foster parent for Dream Dachshund Rescue and volunteered at the Root House in downtown Marietta. For many years she worked crocheting blankets for the Linus Project. She is sorely missed, but the good she did, continues to live on in the hearts of every life she touched.
The Scannavino’s wanted to honor their daughter’s memory by continuing to give back to others. Bud Scannavino learned the trade of automotive mechanics after high school. He achieved the rank of Certified Master Automotive Technician, earning the A.S.E. advanced credentials with L-1. As an entrepreneur, Bud, owned a repair shop. His daughter was fascinated by his first career and very proud of her father’s work ethic and skills. Bud eventually changed careers, earned an MBA from Yale and worked in financial services.
“On behalf of South Georgia Technical College and the South Georgia Technical College Foundation, I would like to thank Bud and Mary Scannavino for their generosity to our students and these valuable skills trades programs” said SGTC President Dr. John Watford. “Their willingness to partner with our college and foundation serves two very important purposes. First, they have the opportunity to honor their daughter and then, they have the opportunity to help other 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.”
“This scholarship is a wonderful way for the Scannavino family to honor their daughter’s memory,” said South Georgia Technical College Vice President of Institutional Advancement and SGTC Foundation executive director Su Ann Bird. “We are honored that Bud and Mary wanted to provide additional assistance to deserving young people seeking an education at South Georgia Technical College. We are saddened by their loss, but they have chosen to honor the memory of their daughter by helping other young adults realize their dreams. That speaks volumes about the Scanavino’s and their family.” Individuals who would like to support scholarships in memory or in honor of loved ones, may contribute to the South Georgia Technical College Foundation, P.O. Box 6102, Americus, GA. For more information about this or other scholarship opportunities, contact SGTC Foundation Executive Director Su Ann Bird at 229-931-2110 or sbird@southgatech.edu.