Three students win Ryan Clark Scholarship and Community Service Award

COLUMBIA COUNTY, GA (WFXG) - The Ryan Clark Scholarship and Community Service Award ceremony was held at Lakeside High School on Thursday, May 9. Over 25 students from Columbia and Richmond County Schools submitted applications for the scholarship. The top three applicants were selected and honored.

Ryan Clark’s mother, Letitie Clark, presented the students with their scholarships. “They have already honored him. They have given community service, they are good students and they are giving back to their community. By honoring Ryan in doing that, we are blessed.” Caroline Dorn from Lakeside High School earned the $2,000 scholarship. Tyler Sims from Davidson High School earned the $1,000 scholarship. Finally, Iyonna Smith from Westside High School earned the $500 scholarship. Each of these students were selected because of their outstanding contributions to the community.

After Ryan passed in the tragic Virginia Tech shooting of 2007, this scholarship fund and award were created in his honor to keep his legacy alive. Each of the selected students have a love for community service and volunteering, just as he did. “It fills my heart. We hear so much bad going on, but we just need to know that there’s a load of good going on out there and we just need to focus on that and keep and continue doing that,” his mother said.

In addition to the money, the students also received awards in the shape of an anchor, and one with an eagle in addition to the anchor. When asked why these were chosen as the award, Mrs. Clark said, “We want everyone in the world to soar higher and higher, giving back to their community and the world. That eagle symbolizes going higher in your life, soaring to bigger heights, going higher in your education and just giving back to your community.”

Any student can apply for the scholarship. Clark says all they have to do is give back to their community and go to www.cccforkids.org

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