As you walk past the choir room, you may notice the photo of Mary Alice Boyd on the hall wall, a woman whose smiling face represents a legacy of resilience and faith that has shaped our church family for nearly two decades. Though you may not have known her personally, her impact continues through the Mary Alice Boyd Memorial Scholarship, which was established in early 2006 following her courageous battle with cancer. Mary Alice was a dedicated mentor to the youth of our church, and because education was a core value in her life, this scholarship was created to honor her memory by supporting the academic dreams of our members and their families.
For nearly twenty years, the scholarship served as a vibrant celebration of our community’s commitment to its students. Managed by a dedicated committee, the fund grew through the collective generosity of the congregation—supported by annual fundraisers and individual donations—to provide financial assistance for everything from first-time college enrollments to advanced doctoral degrees. The program was designed to recognize not just grades, but the character, citizenship, and community involvement of its applicants, reflecting the very qualities Mary Alice was known for: her constant smile, her prayers, and her heart for encouraging others.
The scholarship program reached a triumphant and graceful conclusion in 2025. In a final act of stewardship, the committee chose to fulfill every existing promise to its current scholars by paying out their remaining balances in full, ensuring they had the support they were promised for their educational journeys. Even as the fund closed, it stayed true to Mary Alice’s spirit of service by using the remaining balance to stock our church food pantry, ensuring her legacy of care for others remains a cornerstone of our church life. The Mary Alice Boyd Memorial Scholarship stands as a beautiful chapter in our history, celebrating a life that continues to inspire our investment in the future of our church family.
2006
Nicholas Gailey – A police officer who has advanced to the rank of Captain, he is currently back in college pursuing a master’s in leadership.
2007
Laura Jaeger – She utilized her scholarship at the University of Georgia and earned her bachelor’s degree in December 2025; she currently serves as a trainer for Georgia Power.
2008
Nicholas Griffin – He graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Art Education, taught art for a period, and eventually opened a gym with his brother.
2009
Ashley Parsons Joyner – She married and moved out of state; the church has since lost touch with her.
2010
Leslie Jaeger – Used the scholarship for four years and was grateful for it. He went on to earn a Master of Divinity degree and is now working towards ordination.
2011
Lisa McElhannon – She earned her professional certification and works for a construction company.
2012
Casey Davis – She is a Registered Nurse working the overnight shift in the emergency room at Piedmont Henry Hospital.
2013
Keith Larson – He earned an associate’s degree in applied science from Clayton State University, works as a mechanic, and is active with the Front Porch Players.
2014
Shannon Gailey – She earned a master’s degree in nursing and currently works at Kaiser Permanente as a Registered Nurse.
2015
Lena Boyd Mashburn – She graduated summa cum laude from Valdosta State University with a degree in communication and works as a guest reservation specialist concierge. She was very grateful for her grandmother’s scholarship.
2016
De’Anthony Price – He earned a Master of Science in Plant and Soil Science, works with the Rodale Institute, and operates a community farm with his wife.
2017
Anna Cox – After earning degrees in English Education and School Leadership, she now serves as the Coordinator for World Languages for the Clayton County Board of Education while finishing her doctorate.
2018
Rev. Dr. Luis A. Ortiz – He earned his doctorate in 2019 and currently serves as the pastor of the Bridge Community Church of Athens.
2021
Abby Bales – She is pursuing a master’s in marketing research and works as a Contract Marketing Specialist, while also interning for the University of Georgia Libraries.
Anna Seelhammer – She worked in a medical office for a year and had a research paper published; she will begin medical school in July 2026 to become a pediatrician.
2022
Sara Adams – She is finishing a degree in Fine Arts Education at Georgia Southern University, where she will graduate summa cum laude with plans to become an art teacher.
2023
Ethan Polk – A student at Auburn University, he held an internship with a construction company during the summer of 2025.
Carter Brannon – He earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is a Certified Registered Nurse focusing on the Pediatric ICU.
2024
Jacquelyn Johnson – She is studying psychology at Atlanta Metro College and serves as a J.V. soccer coach.
Callie Valenzuela – A math major at the University of Georgia who is scheduled to study abroad in Italy this May.
2025
Noah Seelhammer – He is studying Aerospace Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology.