Georgia Magazine - July 2017 - 15E

Jacey Thomas of Mount Vernon does not shy away
from challenges, as evidenced by her plan to triple-major
in mathematics, history and Spanish in college and become a family doctor in rural Georgia. The Spanish major
reflects her commitment to serving others.
"Very few medical professionals in my area are
bilingual, and, because of this, proper medical treatment
is not always rendered to non-English-speaking patients,"
she says. "As a bilingual doctor, I also have hopes to travel
to other countries to offer medical assistance to those in
need."
Thomas' high school record points to her success
in these plans as well. She graduated as valedictorian
at Montgomery County High School, where she earned
many awards, including the STAR Student (highest SAT
score); Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award; U.S. Achievement Academy membership; Most
Outstanding Student awards in chemistry, advanced algebra, physics and American literature; Scholar Athlete of
the Year (10th and 11th grades); Eagle Merit Award; State
of Georgia/University of Georgia Certificate of Merit; and
numerous honors for cheerleading. She also was a Washington Youth Tour delegate sponsored by Altamaha EMC.
In addition to cheerleading, she was involved in FFA,
the Toombs-Montgomery Chamber of Commerce Youth
Leadership Board, the Meadows Regional Medical Center
Youth Leadership Board, Beta Club, 4-H, Spanish Club,

BETH MCMILLAN

Jacey Thomas

Jacey Thomas, second from right, and fellow Washington Youth Tour
delegate Maria Velasquez pose with two U.S. Marines at the Marine
Corps War Memorial in Washington, D.C., in 2016.

the Hotshots Competition Team (dance) and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Her many efforts to serve others included collecting
clothing and toys for children in need; food for a local
pantry; personal-hygiene items for a veterans hospital;
and money for Relay For Life. She also visited residents
of nursing homes, helped to organize a blood drive for
the American Red Cross, participated in several 4-H service activities and helped beautify the campus at Brewton
Parker College.
"[Jacey] continues to amaze me in her maturity and
drive to succeed," economics teacher Melissa Barrow
wrote in a letter of recommendation. "Regardless of the
path Jacey chooses to take, she will do great things."

Colton Borresen

Colton Borresen of Thomson was
among the top three graduating students
at Thomson High School (THS), where he
stood out not only for his academic achievements but also for his leadership skills.
"He was chosen by his teachers as a
Senior Adopter. This program is for outstanding seniors who have been excellent
ambassadors for our school, enhanced the
learning experience of others and displayed
excellent character throughout their career
at THS," Ashley W. Morey, a counselor at the
school and adviser for the program, wrote
in a letter of recommendation. "I have had
the opportunity to watch him use his outstanding leadership and interpersonal skills
to enrich the culture of our school and
effect positive change."
Borresen played trumpet in the school's marching
band, participated in track and soccer and was a member of FFA, Beta Club and the National Technical Honor
Society.
His awards include several from FFA, the State of
Georgia/University of Georgia Certificate of Merit, Presbyterian College Junior Fellow nominee and the President's
Award for Educational Excellence (seven times).
15E

Outside of school, he was active in
Social Inc., which included leadership
roles in the cotillion and dance clubs,
and in the Watson-Brown Junior Board.
At the Living History Park in North Augusta, S.C., he was able to use his awardwinning woodworking skills.
"After seeing the amazing work they
did there, I volunteered to complete
many projects for them," Borresen says.
"I was also invited to be their resident
miller during their re-enactments, where
I gave speeches and lectures to the park
visitors. I also used my woodworking
knowledge to assist local elderly residents to make and paint small wood
projects."
He plans to pursue a doctorate and
eventually "design and manage field and laboratory research programs or even teach at a university."
Note: The information above was gathered from each student's
scholarship application.
To read about the Walter Harrison Scholarship and more Currents
news, turn to page 14 in this month's issue.

More online at www.georgiamagazine.org

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - July 2017