New Rose Ann Everett scholarship endowed at South Georgia Tech

South Georgia Technical College Board of Director member Jake Everett, and his wife, Margie, endowed a new scholarship in memory of their daughter Rose Ann Everett at South Georgia Technical College recently. The scholarship will be open to John Deere Agricultural Technology and Welding and Joining Technology students. Rose Ann Everett passed away as a result of a car accident in October 2004 at the age of 20. Two of her best friends, Matthew Burks and Ted Eschmann, are currently instructors at South Georgia Technical College. Matthew Burks is a John Deere Agricultural Technology Instructor and Ted Eschmann is the Americus Welding and Joining Technology instructor. “Rose Ann loved both Matthew and Ted,” said Jake Everett. “Margie and I wanted to do something that would help other young people as well as honor the memory of our daughter. We decided to endow a scholarship in her memory that would also help the students that are enrolled in the programs taught by two of her best friends.” “On behalf of South Georgia Technical College and the South Georgia Technical College Foundation, I would like to thank Jake and Margie for their generosity” 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. We are so appreciative of their efforts.” The endowed Rose Ann Everett Scholarship will provide at least one scholarship annually to deserving South Georgia Technical College students in either the Agricultural Technology or Welding program. This first year, a student from each program will benefit from the Everett’s generosity. 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 Everett family to honor their daughter,” said South Georgia Technical College Foundation executive director Su Ann Bird. “We were honored that Jake and Margie wanted to provide additional assistance to deserving young people seeking an education at South Georgia Technical College. We were 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 Everett’s and their family.” Being students/graduates of South Georgia Technical College is a legacy in the Everett family as Jake is a two-time graduate of South Georgia Technical College. He earned a diploma in Mechanical Technology in 1971 and then returned in 2004 and completed his associate’s degree in Computer Information Systems as an honor graduate. Their son, Jayson Everett, graduated in June 2004 with a degree in Computer Information Systems and is currently employed by Windstream Communications. Rose Ann was also a student at South Georgia Tech before her death as she wanted to become a 4th grade teacher. Jake was appointed to the South Georgia Technical College Board of Directors in 1999 and has served as both Chairman and Vice Chair of the distinguished group. He and Margie live in Webster County. He has been employed with Eaton Lighting in Preston for 45 years. Individuals who would like to support the Rose Ann Everett endowed scholarship in memory of Rose Ann, may make a contribution to the South Georgia Technical College Foundation, P.O. Box 6102, Americus, GA and put in memory of Rose Ann Everett in the memo line of the check. The family will be notified that a donation was made in memory of their loved one. 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.