Blue Ridge students earn scholarships

The University of North Georgia (UNG) honored 28 of its Blue Ridge Campus students with almost $15,000 of scholarships and celebrated the philanthropy that made those scholarships possible at the seventh annual Tomato Sandwich Supper held Nov. 7.

Scholarship winners included: Madalyn Amato, Lucas Bain, Micaela Bautista-Bautista, Sierra Burnette, Silas Campbell, Alissa Cantrell, Halle Dilbeck, Carder Farist, Diana Gomez Gabriel, Mark Hartman, Emily Holmes, Maria Jacinto Ramirez, Connor Johnston, Duncan Lee, Dawson Long, Tancy Lua-Bedolla, Brock Martin, Anna McClure, Alaina Montroy, Kamryn Mull, Lilly Penland, Hannah Perry, John Ponders, Luke Rice, David Sullivan, Abigail Tipton, William Watkins, and Liam Winfrey.

Winfrey, a freshman from Blairsville, Georgia, pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in management, said he is a goal-oriented person and is grateful that his story inspired UNG to award him the SouthState Bank Scholarship. He said Jodi Williams, a lecturer of English, encouraged him to write about his goals.

"The professors push for growth and development," Winfrey said. "They dig deep and try to push you out of your comfort zone."

Dilbeck, a sophomore from McCaysville, Georgia, pursuing an associate degree in behavioral sciences, originally came to UNG because of its affordability with plans to transfer to a larger school. But her involvement in the Blue Ridge Scholars helped her form a deeper connection with UNG.

"That was a great experience," Dilbeck said. "It really helped me get involved with my school and form a circle of friends."

Now the Student Government Association elections chair for the Blue Ridge Campus, Dilbeck plans to transfer to the Dahlonega Campus in fall 2025. She is grateful for her Georgia Mountain Opportunities Scholarship, which makes the change possible.

"It allows me a little extra money to save for my moving and living in a residence hall," Dilbeck said.

Rice, a freshman from Turtletown, Tennessee, is pursuing an associate degree in agriculture. Being an out-of-state student, the Emerging Leaders Scholarship he won is especially impactful because he doesn't qualify for the HOPE Scholarship available to many Georgia residents.

"I really appreciate it. The scholarship will help me tremendously, and I hope I can return the favor one day," Rice said. "I'll give it my very best. This encourages me a lot."

Sandy Ott, executive director of the Blue Ridge Campus, expressed gratitude for the donors whose support provides scholarships.

"Scholarships make a difference and change lives. Scholarships provide more than financial support. They empower students to pursue their dreams," Ott said. "It is clear that the support and generosity of this community are making a significant impact, helping students make their dreams a reality."

Lori Bramlett, assistant director of enrollment services at the Blue Ridge Campus, echoed that sentiment.

"The Tomato Sandwich Supper is UNG Blue Ridge's opportunity to showcase what is special about both the local community and our students. We have been fully embraced by and supported in our region since the creation of the Blue Ridge Campus," Bramlett said. "UNG Blue Ridge students are exceptional, and through the generosity of community donors, students can accomplish educational goals that were previously out of reach."