Submitted by Su Ann Bird

Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Robert Chandler Clary of Cordele, a member of the 2018 graduating class of Crisp County High School, was nominated and selected to receive the Crisp County High School Class of 1965 scholarship at South Georgia Technical College. The scholarship can be utilized for tuition, books, supplies, on-campus housing, and educational tools while he continues his education at South Georgia Tech.

Alumni of the Crisp County High School Class of 1965 set up the scholarship at South Georgia Technical College as a meaningful way to give back to their community.  The scholarship is awarded annually and is open to members of the current graduating class of Crisp County High School who choose to further their education at South Georgia Technical College.

Clary has been accepted into the Aviation Maintenance program at South Georgia Technical College for Fall Semester 2018 and plans to earn his aviation maintenance diploma and Airframe and Powerplant (A & P) certifications.

“I applied to South Georgia Technical College because they are ‘known’ for the Aviation Maintenance Technology program.  My plan is to obtain my aviation technology diploma and A & P license and begin a career in my chosen field,” said Clary.  “At Crisp County High School I took several classes closely related to my career goal which included construction, electrical and ag mechanics classes.  I gained useful skills and knowledge.  This scholarship will give me a better chance to further my academic career and achieve my goals.”

The new graduate of Crisp County High School has been active during his high school career.  He was a member of the Crisp County High School football squad for two years, and was an active member of the Penia Baptist Church.  He had the opportunity to go on several mission trips and attend numerous youth camps.  “On the mission trips, I was able to help people less fortunate than me and it helped me to realize how grateful we should be for the basic necessities in life,” said Clary.

Clary also thanked the members of the Crisp County High School Class of ’65 for providing this scholarship.  “I am very thanking for the opportunity to receive this scholarship and with your help, I will be able to accomplish my dream,” said Clary.

Robert Chandler Clary is the son of Bud and Becky Clary.

The Crisp County High School Class of 65 initiated this scholarship program16 years ago when they returned to Cordele for a class reunion.  Susan Owens Stripling, along with Patti Bridges Dash and Stella Williams Bailey were the guiding forces behind the scholarship efforts.  They decided to enlist the support of their classmates to establish a fund to provide assistance to students who wanted to attend South Georgia Technical College after high school graduation.  The former CCHS students were successful in securing enough donations from classmates to establish a scholarship endowment fund with the SGTC Foundation.