Oconeefest will raise scholarship funds

The 11th annual Oconeefest scholarship fundraiser is set for 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 on the front lawn of the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Oconee Campus. The event will raise money for a pair of scholarships:

• Oconee County Resident Scholarship: $1,000 renewable annual scholarship awarded to Oconee County residents who are incoming freshmen. UNG awarded six this year.
• Oconee Annual Scholarship: $1,000 renewable scholarship awarded to current students who continue their education at another UNG campus after starting on the Oconee Campus. UNG awarded two this year.

Peach State Federal Credit Union and Georgia Power are the presenting sponsors of Oconeefest.

The event will include food and raffle items donated by local, regional and national businesses, chambers of commerce, faculty and staff, and the many friends of UNG's Oconee Campus. Oconee State Bank is a Blue and Gold sponsor, and Jarvis Estate is a Platinum sponsor. Silver sponsors include Allied Paving Contractors Inc., The Foot & Ankle Treatment Center, Piedmont Healthcare, South Main Brewing, and Satisfied Food Co.

Jonathan Manzi, a freshman from Watkinsville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in history, received the Oconee County Resident Scholarship and the Dual Enrollment Scholarship. Manzi said the resident scholarship allowed him to start his time as a student at UNG's Dahlonega Campus with a residential college experience.

"It was a very welcomed surprise and took a weight off my shoulders," Manzi said.

Russell Willis, executive director of UNG's Oconee Campus, said the scholarships supported by Oconeefest may be used for tuition, study abroad, undergraduate research, and other expenses.

"While the need for student scholarships is greater than ever, the beauty of Oconeefest is that the local and regional communities come together to relax, laugh and enjoy good food with neighbors while celebrating scholarships and uplifting students who need financial support to achieve their goal of completing their degrees," Willis said. "Funds raised at Oconeefest will help many students realize their educational and career goals."