Eighteen South Georgia Technical College students received the new Erica Scannavino Scholarship recently for students enrolled in the Automotive Technology, Auto Collision and Repair Technology, and High Performance Engines Motorsports programs.
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 50% of their program.
The 18 students who qualified for the scholarship included Automotive Technology students Jose Aguilar, David Battle, Jr., and Zillie Daniels of Americus; Jesus Morales-Hernandez, and Troytavian Smith of Montezuma; Jaylen Pasos of Columbus, Hayden Pandolfi of Butler; Keviontae McKenzie of Cordele; Rosemary Sanchez of Woodstock; Alexandria Swain of Ellaville; and Kameron Young of Valdosta. The Auto Collision and Repair students awarded the scholarship are: Jermonta Ball of Port Wentworth, GA; Jeni Turner of Albany, and James Rowdy Hines of Ellaville. The High Performance Engines Motorsports scholarship recipients included: Jeremy Robins of Americus; Ethan Vazquez of Douglasville, GA; and Walter Williams and Luke Hodgins of Cobb, GA.
Each of the qualified students were eligible to receive up to $500 for educational expenses such as tuition, fees, tools, books, and equipment.
Jeni Turner of Albany is a 32-year old non-traditional student enrolled in the Auto Collision and Repair program. “For the past 15 years, I have been employed as a graphic designer, but about a year ago, I decided to pursue something I was more passionate about. I started my own mobile detailing business which became official in July 2023. I decided to attend SGTC to learn about automotive collision repair and painting so that I can add even more comprehensive solutions to my customers and expand my business. This scholarship was a blessing,” said Turner.
Motorsports scholarship student Jeremy Robinson said the automotive industry is a passion of his. “I’ve worked in auto parts for several years and have worked off and on in repair shops on the side to help pay my way through school. This scholarship is helping me to reach my long-term goals of wanting to own my own parts store with a repair/hobby shop. I want to keep the fun cars and bikes going even after the industry goes electric,” said Robinson, whose favorite long-term project is his 1974 Dodge W100 that he is rebuilding with the help of his dad who bought the truck as a teenager.
Jose Aguilar is currently enrolled in the Automotive Technology program. He is entering his last semester. “I am the son of a single mother and a big brother of a little sister. We were three kids but my older brother passed away. Now I am the only one with the last name of my grandfather. Working on cars and having a love for these big machines with four tires that move you from point A to point B came out of nowhere, but surprisingly pulled me out from a deep place.
“My goals are to be a good mechanic and one that can be called on where there is an issue or a problem with your vehicle. Right now, I am the one fixing my family cars. I have learned so many things in this program and I am going to miss being in the class with instructor Brandon Dean and my classmates I have known for a year now. Thank you for this scholarship and this opportunity,” said Aguilar.
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 Scannavinos’ 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.